Travel blog

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:34:59 GMT

Truckin' and Eatin'

Would you buy a taco from this man?  Yeah, so would I.

In American cities such as LA, New York and many points in between, the grungy coffee truck has been reinvented as a hip and happening way to deliver quality food experiences to busy people.

Celebrated vendors like the Treats Truck roam Manhattan streets making bakery deliveries and selling their sugary wares (such as raspberry brownies and cran-almond rice crispy bars) to passersby.

While the concept may seem retro (think about ice cream trucks), the application is modern with interesting food concepts and unique marketing approaches that use  twitter and blogs to make these free range eateries a success.

While Vancouver seems to be catching on to this trend, here in Toronto, the street food scene remains dull and duller. While most of our so-called ‘coffee trucks’ are fronts for drug dealers and not legitimate lunch purveyors, our efforts to pepper interesting ethnic food vendors amongst our copious hot dog carts have been thwarted by bureaucracy so that heartburn is more common among fans of this initiative than satisfied appetites.

What’s it like in your town? Is your street food culture vibrant or dormant? If it’s vibrant, how often do you buy food from a mobile vender? Posted by: danamccauley      Read more     Source

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:11:09 GMT

The Real Housewives Head Into Space

Earlier this month, NASA commenced the final servicing for the Hubble Telescope, and while the photos of the mission are fascinating, I felt they could use some added pizzazz. What better way to spice up some boring space shots than by adding some nouveau riche women into the mix?

After the jump, I present you The Real Housewives in outer space! Posted by: B-Side      Read more     Source

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:44:22 GMT

Summer Golf Deals

Golf in Niagara Falls

Summer is just about upon us in the northern hemisphere - hard to believe.

But there you have it, so it might be time to start thinking about a golf holiday - you know, take a break from the stress and worry of the Great Recession, etc.

If you live close to the greatest undefended border in the world - the Canada/U.S. border - there might be something here for you.

I'm talking specifically of the border between Ontario and New York State, down in the wine country of the Niagara Peninsula.

The economic demise continues to make itself felt in the golf business and that means prices are dropping faster than eagle putts.

In the Niagara region on the Ontario side of the border are no less than 8 courses, ranging from very good to outstanding. And the stay-and-play deals associated with them are begging to be snapped up.

My personal favorites in that part of the world include Whirlpool and the two fine courses at the Legends on the Niagara.

Right now, American golfers won't get much break on the Canadian dollar which has surged ridiculously in the month of May.

But fear not. The greenback is in for another run higher against all major currencies. So the Canadian loonie should begin retreating fairly soon.

For more info on those great golf deals, here's the website link. Posted by: Jack      Read more     Source

May 21, 2009, 8:27 PM CT

Idaho Vacation Rentals

Idaho vacation rentals are an ideal getaway if you want to explore the ‘gem state’s’ natural wonders. With their fully furnished interiors, these vacation rentals are like home away from home. The breathtaking scenery and an array of outdoor sports options make Idaho a vacationer’s paradise. Ranging from the wildlife tours, scenic flights, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides and fishing to hiking, skiing, hunting and biking, Idaho offers it all. The comfortable Idaho vacation rentals are the perfect place to relax, once you have enjoyed these activities to the hilt.

Popular Idaho Vacation Rentals Available at Various Hot Spots

Idaho’s favorite tourist destinations also offer some very lucrative vacation rentals:

The Silver Mountain in Kellogg boasts the world’s longest single stage person gondola. The vacation rentals here provide a wide range of amenities, which include private bedrooms, fully-stocked kitchen, spacious dining area, game rooms, private hot tubs and Jacuzzi, where you can relax after a tiring mountaineering expedition. Gathering rooms ideal for family reunions and functions are also available here.

Idaho’s Sun Valley boasts the Dollar Mountain, a favorite amongst amateur skiers. Idaho vacation rentals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and are an embodiment of luxury and class. For instance, the modern fireplace can be used to keep you warm, once you are back from the cold mountains. In addition to opportunities for outdoor recreation, the region also offers places of great scenic beauty. ........ Posted by: JoAnn      Read more         Source

April 22, 2009, 5:05 AM CT

The first national park in Afghanistan

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) applauded Afghanistan's National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA), which announced recently the establishment of the country's first internationally recognized national park.

USAID provided key funding that led to the park's creation, including support of WCS to conduct preliminary wildlife surveys, identify and delineate the park's boundaries, and work with local communities and the provincial government. WCS also developed the park's management plan, helped the government hire and train local rangers, and provided assistance to the Afghan Government to design the laws enabling the park to be created.

The park, known as Band-e-Amir, will protect one of Afghanistan's best-known natural areas: the spectacular series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit. Travertine systems are found in only a few places throughout the world, virtually all of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list and are major international tourist attractions.

Band-e-Amir had been a destination for travelers since the 1950s, with a peak visitation in the 1970s. Tourism was almost entirely absent during the war years between 1979-2001. Today, Band-e-Amir is visited every year by thousands of Afghan tourists and religious pilgrims as well as a number of foreigners currently living and working in-country. The park is near the Bamyan Valley, where the 1,500-year-old giant Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban once stood......... Posted by: JoAnn      Read more         Source

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:54:39 GMT

Traveling Light and Sleeping Rough

Rolf Potts at Vagabonding took a look early this month at the ultralight backpacking craze. And the truth is that you can get by these days with very little weight.Ultralighters have refined their gear until a tent can weight 2 pounds, a backpack 4lbs, and a stove only 12 ounces. The true gearheads quibble over remaining ounces and keep their outfit as streamlined as possible.At 48 (and a little out of shape), sleeping on the ground doesn't appeal to me the way it used to. But if I had my time in Thailand and Malaysia to live over again, I'd be grateful for lighter backpacks....


© Tierecke


Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:20:59 GMT

Atlanta, GA: Little Azio Pizza & Pasta

As you drive around the metro Atlanta area, you may see several Little Azio Pizzeria restaurants scattered about.  It was some time before I actually stopped into one of their stores, first experiencing their food in the Smyrna/Vinings location with a couple of girlfriends.

An Italian-style restaurant with a casual feel, the menu offers various types of thin-crust pizza, pastas, salads, and panini sandwiches. Made fresh to order, the staff was pleasant and it wasn"t crowded at the time we went which made the atmosphere conducive for a quick, yet chatty, evening dinner with the girls. I found the menu reasonably priced, liked the self-service seating, and found it convenient to order at the counter.  The food was promptly delivered to the table by an employee using an issued number is plate at the check out for an identifier. Posted by: Editor      Read more     Source

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:25:31 GMT

Habitats: Grange Park

"Catherine Runchey, rooming house operator extraordinaire," says Trish fondly, looking at the plaque on her house. "We don"t know much about her, except that she lived here." Along with other of the Robert Brown row houses near the revamped AGO, the house is on its way to being listed as a Heritage building.

The house dates from the transitional period between the Grange"s aristocratic heyday in the mid-1800s and its population shift in the 1890s, when the area became home to new Canadians making the transition to a new life in Toronto. Mrs. Runchey"s house reminds me of English author Jerome K. Jerome, who once wrote: "I want a house that has got over all its troubles. I don"t want to spend the rest of my life bringing up a young and inexperienced house." Posted by: Lisa      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:45:01 GMT

Air Fare Sales

The Perrin Post pointed out earlier this month that that the summer air fare sale is on!

Now is the time to get cheap tickets for that summer trip to Europe.....yesterday US Airways launched a fab unadvertised summer sale to London, Paris, Frankfurt, and other European cities: Fares are in the $500s and $600s, including all taxes, for peak summertime travel.These fares are in some cases less than half what other carriers are charging.

You can also get great deals at the moment to South America.LAN Airlines now has roundtrip fares from New York City to six different cities in Argentina for $599, six different cities in Chile for $699, Easter Island for $999, and Uruguay for $599. (These fares don't include taxes, which add up to $90 to your bill.) There are similar fares from Toronto, as well as deals from other U.S. cities.The South America fares are from travel between February 1 and June 15.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 816433 Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:48:02 GMT

The Fantastic Floating Islands Of Titicaca

The Uros people of Lake Titicaca have a unique way of life - they build their own islands, float them on the lake and then proceed to live on them.

Here is a glimpse of their world, where their home made "islands" are truly "in the stream."

(via Robert-John) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:11:31 GMT

Princess Cruises Cuts Prices to Alaska for this Summer

Alaska's tourism industry is taking a hit during the recession. And to try and keep arrivals flowing in the summer, the Princess Cruises has slashed prices according to the Associated Press.Cruise ships bring roughly 1 million visitors to Alaska each year. To get them here this summer, cruise ship lines are discounting tickets by as much as 40 percent.

John Binkley, executive director of the Alaska Cruise Association, said the discounting is because of some of the worst sales cruise lines have encountered.Summer cruises to Alaska offer some of North America's most startlingly beautify scenery.

Last year, the cheapest Alaska cruise offered by the major lines was $799 plus fees, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association. This winter, Princess Cruises is offering summer cruises for as low as $475 plus fees.

Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:57:51 GMT

The Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto may not be known for its Ethiopian restaurants, but few meals delight like the sharable injera, tibs and kifto served on Bloor, Queen and Danforth. Everything served here is undeniably authentic. Just don"t forget to wash your hands "cause you"re not getting forks or chopsticks.

Don"t expect much menu variation, although M&B Yummy is a notable exception. Most restaurants win points for location, service or atmosphere. All are vegetarian friendly but be warned - veg and meat dishes will be served on one injera unless requested otherwise. Posted by: Joshua      Read more     Source

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:33:47 GMT

Morning Brew

Photo: "Toronto in wide angles 3" by gingerbugjones, member of the blogTO Flickr pool.

What"s happening in the GTA (and sometimes beyond):

And so it begins. As the clock struck 12 and we rang in 2009 the homicide counts in the region mercifully reset. But in Peel, it didn"t stay at zero for long as a woman was found dead, possibly stabbed to death, near the airport. Not to be outdone, Toronto featured two people shot on the Danforth following a botched robbery, leaving one man in critical condition (and the other basically fine). At this rate, Peel"s homicide tally is on pace to hit 365, and "beat" Toronto"s total for the first time.

Three babies vying for the ultimate prize - first born in 2009, in the GTA - may never know for certain who gets top honours. Mere seconds separate the births of Nyla, Martin and Chantal Milana, born at three different area hospitals. It"s also not clear what being the first baby of 2009 would actually get you, given that the 15 minutes of fame would expire years ahead of the baby"s first memories.

Least shocking economic news in 2008 for those with Canadian investments: the TSX was down 35% overall in 2008 (which represents about $700 billion). The composite index closed at 13,833.06 a year ago and at a mere 8,987.7 two days ago. Experts are predicting more turbulence in 2009 (how did they come up with that one?!?). I thought I was buying low a couple months ago and have watched that investment drop 20% so I look forward to the upward momentum, even if I won"t be holding my breath. Posted by: Joshua      Read more     Source

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:27:49 GMT

Grecian Holiday

My brother and sister-in-law just celebrated their one-year anniversary by taking a weekend holiday to Santorini, Greece. (They live in London, so weekend trips to Greece are relatively easy, damn them.)
My sister-in-law is so cute I had to post pictures of her, but also, because I"m beginning to pack my suitcase for Mexico, I"m taking warm-weather-wear tips from her Grecian holiday attire.Apparently Santorini is known for its sunsets. Posted by: Uptown Girl      Read more     Source

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:21:00 GMT

Race To Dubai Slowing Down?

More signs of the times point to an ominous future for professional golf tours around the world in 2009.

This past week, Honda announced its withdrawal from Formula One auto racing. The company's team budget ran at more than 290 million dollars per season.

Honda simply can't afford to continue spending that money when its car sales are being slammed around the world.

Other car makers with F1 teams can't be far behind; in fact, there are strong rumors that Renault will abandon the sport.

More than 1 and a half billion dollars is spent in Formula One each year and, as FIA president Max Mosley said, it's not sustainable.

Now, what does this mean for professional golf?

Simply this: F1 races draw a television audience of well over a billion viewers per season (granted, that includes repeat viewers). Team sponsors are truly global companies with operations worldwide and they're willing to spend the enormous money charged by the teams to put their corporate logos on the cars.

With a TV audience that big, it pays to shell out the huge money.

Golf tours DO NOT draw a fraction of that globally.

It's simple economics. If car makers are beginning to abandon autosports, sponsors are right behind them. And since golf isn't anywhere near as popular globally, do you really think tournament sponsors are going to stick around?

Now let's take a look at what could happen to one tour in particular - the European PGA Tour.

When the world was awash in money, during the final, heady days of a global stock market and real estate boom, Dubai was raking it in and spending it lavishly.

It became a magnet for the rich and even more money flowed in. Of course, when a region has that kind of wealth, it begins to indulge in some fun and so, Dubai began to throw money at various sports.

Golf was high on its list and Tiger Woods was paid an enormous fee to design his first of several courses there.

Dubai pushed harder and wooed the European PGA Tour to actually move its headquarters to the Emirate (last time I checked, Dubai was not part of Europe).

The carrot, of course. was a huge purse to fund the Race To Dubai, the Euro Tour's answer to the FedEx Cup - whose days are likely numbered, too.

A season-long tournament with a total value of some 10 million dollars.

But wait - what's happening now in Dubai? The real estate bubble has burst, tight global credit is bringing the Emirate's massive construction projects to a halt. Oil revenue, which admittedly is not a big part of Dubai's wealth, has shrunk drastically with falling oil prices.

Worst of all for Dubai, which relies on its massive transportation and port ownership around the world, global trade is drying up.

This spells, I predict, a much cheaper Race To Dubai with tournament purses smaller than anticipated. And that doesn't account for tournaments that will go by the board, either.

Can you say "re-trench"? Posted by: Chris Henry      Read more     Source

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:12:07 GMT

Booking Hotels on a Budget

Few things feel better than staying in a four star hotel at a two star price.

AP Travel Editor Beth J. Harpaz has a good piece online on how to book hotels on a budget. Some of her tips are obvious - but easy to forget when you start planning a few days away from home. For example:

• It's generally cheaper to stay in major cities on weekends because the business travellers have all gone home.
• It a lot cheaper to visit popular spots (she uses Miami Beach) during down times than during peak holidays. You can stay the whole first week of December for the price of a single night between Christmas and New Years Eve.
• During hard economic times it pays to look for good deals - because the resorts are hurting too.

Those are just a few of her ideas. You can read the whole article here.


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Tim Kiusalaas Posted by: Greg Cruey      Read more     Source

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 20:33:06 GMT

Fountain Bridge

Fountain Bridge.Banpo bridge has been remodeled into a huge and beautiful fountain. 380 nozzles on both sides of the bridge pump out 60 tons of water 20 meters down to the river per minute. The water fountain extends a combined length of 1.2 kilometers along the sides of the bridge. The water for the fountain is pumped up from the river below which is again returned to the river. This is one unique fountain which pumps water down and not up; the water from the fountain falls gracefully from the bridge into the river, much like a waterfall. Apart from this, the water sprays also "dance" to music in 100 different configurations and what makes it even more special is the special lighting at evenings.

Watch the "Fountain Bridge" Video on Youtube Posted by: Venus       Read more     Source

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:33:15 GMT

Jasper National Park

A reflection, for a day of reflection and remembrance. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

November 23, 2008, 7:42 AM CT

Most Spectacular Train Journeys in the World

Taking almost eight hours to complete its journey, the Glacier Express has a reputation for being the slowest 'express' in the world - but it's also one of the most beautiful. Linking the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, the journey covers 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.

At its highest point, the Glacier Express reaches 2,033 meters (6,670 feet) in altitude at the Oberalp Pass as it travel through some of the most stunning mountain scenery Europe has to offer: alpine meadows, mountain streams, snow peaked mountains and glacial valleys.

Read more........ Posted by: JoAnn      Read more         Source

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:16:13 GMT

Is Your Life Awesome?

How awesome is your life?


Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Rich Legg The Zen Habits blog has a listing of 11 refreshing ways in order to make your life more awesome.

Especially for those of us who are at the beginning stages of starting a business, often times you get so caught up in trying to build your business you forget the other important aspects of your life.

If you add your time with networking groups and other attempts to improve yourself it seems as though you never stop running. I feel that I have not stopped in the last two weeks. As an Area Governor for Toastmasters I had to hold an area speech contest, plus do my normal every day work, plus my wife and I had a yard sale this week to gradually get rid of furniture my parents had when the passed away.

The 11 ways from the Zen Habits blog got me thinking on how important it is for me to take a break and enjoy time to myself.

Right now I need to use this list and make my life more awesome, how about you? Posted by: John Dornoff      Read more     Source

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:57:29 GMT

Egyptology Online

The Egyptian civilisation was one of the greatest and longest lived in the ancient world, lasting for over three thousand years. Now, thousands of years later, this civilisation still continues to fascinate and captivate the imagination, and the popular images of the pyramids, the sphinx, the great temples and the Nile are familiar the world over.

Egyptology Online provides news, study aids, recommended book lists, and a wealth of interesting and factual information concerning this unique and fascinating subject. Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source