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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Category Archive: Blog

  1. Explore Toronto, off the beaten path

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    Toronto is Canada’s largest and one of the most well-known cities. Many tourists flock to the city year-round to explore the urban jungle, or as a starting block for adventures further afield. There’s a little something for everyone in the city and some well known, and well-visited attractions that feature on most tourist’s lists.

    This article takes a look at some of the lesser-known attractions of the city and shows places that will give you the full 416 experience without the crowds.

    Gerrard India Bazaar

    Toronto’s rich and diverse culture is truly on display in the over 125 South-Asian shops and restaurants found in this area of the city, open year-round. Festivals also take place at various times of the year highlighting and showcasing South-Asian culture and traditions.

    Casa Loma

    Located just outside of the downtown core, Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this attraction perhaps isn’t so much off the beaten path, but it’s a fun outing for all. Will you find the secret staircases?

    Riverdale Park

    For one of the best views of the city’s skyline, don’t spend your time waiting in line to board the ferry to Centre Island, Take the TTC subway to Broadview Station and head south to Riverdale Park. Located just east of the city’s downtown core, the park offers a prime viewing location as well as great public amenities and recreation areas. Bonus: when you’re done enjoying the outdoors, Greek Town is just a few blocks away!

    Graffiti alley

    If there’s one thing you won’t see much of in Toronto, it’s Graffiti. The city spends a lot of money each year combating the art, much to the delight of some but the dismay of others. One place where you will be able to find graffiti, however, is Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. Nestled between Queen and Richmond Streets just off Spadina Ave. Graffiti Alley is the place to go for some Instagram-worthy street-art.

  2. How to Travel Responsibly

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    With more and more people jetting off to foreign lands every day, there is an urgent need for people to be mindful when they travel. This means doing your bit to minimise the impact you have on the environment and the countries to which you travel. Of course, you do not need to stop travelling altogether, but there are ways to make sure that you travel responsibly. If you are ready to step up your travel game and be the ultimate responsible traveller, here is a list of ways you help the cause.

    Stop Using Plastic

    The hot topic in the environmental world is single use plastic. I’m talking plastic straws, cutlery, bags, even tampon applicators. Anything that is made of plastic and gets thrown away straight after being used. If you can find alternatives, such as paper straws and reusable bags you will make a huge difference. So much of the plastic we use ends up in the sea and is swallowed by our precious marine life. Let’s keep our sea creatures alive by scrapping single use plastic altogether.

    Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel

    It is becoming increasingly common to find eco-friendly hotels and lodges scattered throughout the world. These accommodations make sure that the way they operate leaves their carbon footprint as small as possible. There are some that even manage to be carbon neutral. Collecting rainwater, using locally sourced produce, and generating power with solar panels are all things you should look for to see whether the hotel is eco-friendly or not.

    Limit Your Flying

    Flying is often unavoidable when it comes to travelling to your vacation destination. However, there are still ways you can fly responsibly. If possible, fly direct as this means you only take one flight as opposed to two or even three. If there is no possibility of a direct flight, you could donate money to a carbon mitigation program afterward to offset your carbon footprint.

    Avoid Animal Cruelty Activities

    You know all those photos of people riding elephants and playing with tigers? Often these projects are scams and rather than the sanctuaries they make out to be, they are little more than torturous prisons. Animals are maltreated to the point of exhaustion or even death just so you can have nice Instagram snaps. Say no to riding elephants or anything that involves direct contact with animals in captivity.

    Buy Local

    There are always opportunities when you travel to buy locally. Not only does this give you fantastic local products, be it food, clothes or souvenirs, but you will be putting money straight into the hands of local people. It is tempting to hand over money to corporations you already know and feel comfortable with, but ask yourself: who needs it more?

    Do Not Give Money to Street Children

    I really cannot stress this enough. Children are hard to say no to and trafficking gangs know this. Too many children have been bought by gangs and forced to work in the streets begging for money. If you give them money, you perpetuate this cycle. If no-one gave money to child beggars, the traffickers would have to change tactics. If you have snacks or juice on you then this is a much better thing to hand over.

  3. Where to Eat Street Food in London

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    There used to be a time when a greasy hotdog in a stale bun was about as gourmet as you could get when it came to street food in the UK. Nowadays, unless that hot dog is gourmet and topped with caramelised onion or home-made green chilli, they will be sitting there until closing time. Tastes have matured exponentially over the past decade and sophisticated millennials have no time for mediocre street food. The London food scene has recognised this change and stalls have been popping up over the capital to cater to this new demand. You’ll find street food from all over the world for every kind of eater. Along with the usual suspects, you’ll find vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and everything else you could want.

    Box Park

    Situated in the heart of Shoreditch, Box Park is one of the coolest spots in the city. Not only does it have an impressive offering of street food, but it also hosts all kinds of arty events. While you chow down on freshly deep-fried halloumi fries you can check out a spoken word event, watch the football, or just catch up with pals. There are drinks available and when the weather is nice, the roof comes off – perfection.

    KERB Camden

    When it comes to selection, there is nowhere in London that can beat KERB in Camden. This place has everything you could possibly want and more. Think Indian naan wraps, Venezuelan arepas, Korean noodles, and Ethiopian stews. The hard bit is choosing what to spend your money on. Once you’ve got your food, sit by the river and enjoy it. Just make sure you have enough room afterwards for Dutch pancakes for dessert.

    Whitecross Market

    Right at the mid-point between the city and Shoreditch, Whitecross Market has a great selection of international food offerings, all situated on one convenient street. This isn’t the biggest market in London but there is still plenty of choice. Mexican burritos, Turkish wraps, Thai curries, and Korean beef bulgogi are just some of the dishes on the menu. If the sun is nice out there is a park just round the corner where you can sit and eat. If you’d rather sit inside, the Two Brewers pub lets diners take their food in there if they buy a drink.

    Spitalfields

    This iconic Shoreditch location is filled with people, all day, every day. The market is covered, meaning it is perfect for every kind of weather, and it consists of a mixture of stalls and established eateries. You’ll find Bleecker Street Burger, Ahi Poke and Poppie’s fish and chips among the permanent restaurant and all kinds of different world cuisines nestled in the myriad of stalls. The range of choices is fantastic and whatever you pick, you can guarantee it’ll be sublime.

    Borough Market

    Borough Market is a slightly more up-market venue, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty here for everyone. In the main market hall you can purchase home-made and artisanal produce – cheese, oysters, cured meats etc. Out the back are the traditional food stands, along with some fantastic fresh juice and dessert places. With a bit of cash to burn, you can make a day out of your trip to Borough Market.

  4. How to Be the Best Kind of Tourist

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    There is nothing worse than a large group of loud, annoying tourists. You might have seen some in your hometown if you live somewhere noteworthy, or you might have encountered them on the road. Either way, you probably know who I am talking about. They are the kind of people you want to avoid at all costs and the kind of people you definitely don’t want to be mistaken for.

    We all know how to be good tourists, but in case you know someone who needs a reminder, here are some helpful tips. Take careful note and you will navigate your way through foreign lands without a single tut or dirty look and, most importantly, without offending anyone.

    Don’t Photograph Everything

    Honestly, you do not need 50 photos of everything you see. It can be infuriating when you spend hours getting to a famous site only to find you can’t actually see anything because there are so many phones, cameras and iPads in the way. If something is spectacular then by all means take a photo of it. But, once you’re done, put your device away and appreciate it with your own two eyes.

    Try and Learn a Few Local Phrases

    It is so embarrassing watching some red-faced westerner shout English phrases slowly at a confused local. If they don’t speak English then slowing down your sentence and raising your voice is not going to help. No-one expects you to be able to speak fluent Vietnamese before you go on vacation there, but learning a few phrases before you set off will stand you in good stead. Not only will you get your point across better, but you will put a smile on some people’s faces.

    Be Sensitive to Other People’s Cultures

    If you are going to a country in which people dress conservatively then don’t walk down the street wearing hotpants and a crop top. You might not care about dressing modestly but it might be offensive to the local people. If you are in their country you should respect their rules. The same goes for entering religious sites, always cover your shoulders and legs, and even your hair if necessary.

    Try to Blend In

    If you are going to a country that has widespread poverty then don’t wear flashy clothes and jewellery. Not only will it make you stand out and a target for robbery, but it is also just a bit gross. No-one wants to see you flaunt your wealth when people right next to you have so little. You should also try eating where the locals eat and doing what the locals do. This will give you a much more authentic taste of your vacation destination.

    Don’t Turn Your Nose Up at Anything

    People around the world do things differently. In some cultures spitting or farting in public are perfectly acceptable behaviours. Just because some people do things differently to you doesn’t mean that that is wrong. Embrace the little differences you discover between yourself and the people who live in your vacation destination. The more you know about different cultures the more interesting and tolerant you become.

  5. Summer Weekend Breaks in London

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    City breaks to London are becoming more and more popular by the day with the Eurostar and budget airlines like Ryanair bringing people in from the continent for next to nothing. London is a city unlike any other in the world but to the untrained eye, all the hustle and bustle can seem overwhelming. While most tend to focus on Central London to do their exploring, once there it is hard to know what to do. With just a couple of days at your disposal, it’s key not to waste time googling and planning, so we have done the hard work for you. Take a look at some of our top suggestions for how to spend your weekend in this gorgeous capital.

    See a Show

    If you are in Central London there is really no excuse for not experiencing one of the best things the West End has to offer. Shaftesbury Avenue and its surrounding area has a wealth of fabulous shows worth checking out. Laugh until you ache at the Book of Mormon or sing your heart out at the timeless classic that is the Lion King. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a good night.

    Get Cultured

    London has had an exceptionally fascinating and turbulent past and there is no better way to make the most of London than by wandering through the hallowed halls of its numerous museums. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has a sublime showcase of art from throughout the ages while the British Museum will blow you away with its wealth of artefacts from bygone eras.

    Eat in the Orient

    Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about British history, it is time to head over to Chinatown and indulge in some Eastern treats. This is a great place to stop to eat. Diners have a plethora of Chinese restaurants to choose from, including fancy sit down restaurants and all you can eat buffets. There are also eateries serving up food from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and more. Rosa’s Thai and Viet are both excellent choices if none of the Chinese fare takes your fancy.

    Soak up the Sun

    If the sun is out and you are tired of traipsing through the busy streets of the West End then it is time to retire briefly to one of London’s many Green Spaces. Hyde Park is an obvious first choice for many people who want to kick back in the grass and relax but Lincoln Inn’s Fields is another beautiful space, which, although a bit smaller, is perfect for picnics or chilling out in general.

    Go Shopping

    No trip to London would be complete without emptying your bank account in some of the world’s finest retailers. Central London is home to the world-famous Oxford Street but there are plenty of other places to splash the cash than this over-crowded thoroughfare. Why not head to the glitzy Burlington Arcade or meander through the picturesque boutiques that line the walls of Covent Garden.

    Stop for Tea

    The most quintessentially British experience of all, visitors to London simply must stop for a cream tea during their time here. Soho’s Secret Tea Room is absolutely perfect for satisfying this desire with their extensive range of different teas and their delicious selection of homemade cakes and baked goods. Naturally, the only way to do this properly is by ordering English breakfast tea, accompanied by scones with fresh cream and jam. If you’ve never had this before, prepare to have your world changed.

    Sleep Well

    There are plenty of fancy hotels throughout London, many of which belong to big international chains and can seem a little soulless. Set in an old 17th Century Victorian mansion, the Nadler Boutique Hotel on Carlisle Street is an affordable and attractive hotel that has done away with the fancy gyms and restaurants, in order to create a more intimate hotel that has maintained its style and comfort without tacking on a devastating price tag.

  6. 5 Best Cities to Visit in August

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    In the Northern Hemisphere, August means the sun comes out and the temperature goes through the roof. Landscapes are drenched in golden sunshine while coastlines sparkle under its rays. Ice cream becomes the most coveted commodity and the sun doesn’t set until late at night. August is a month of warmth and happiness, and it is the perfect time to go on vacation.

    However, not all destinations are equally appealing in August. Some are great to visit, while others are truly spectacular. Make sure you choose carefully when planning your vacation to get the best out of your time away.

    Edinburgh, Scotland

    Everything heats up in Edinburgh during the month of August. This capital city is by no means quiet during the rest of the year, but August takes it to a whole new level thanks to the fringe festival. For the whole month, the city is taken over by performers from all over the world. Bars, cafés and even the streets become venues for comedians, dancers, actors, circus acts and more. Around every corner you will find something to watch. In August, Edinburgh is a hub of creativity and entertainment and the festival should be on every traveller’s to do list.

    Ljubljana, Slovenia

    This quaint city might be the capital of Slovenia, but it is a far cry from the likes of Paris and London. Its narrow streets are flanked by traditional architecture and quirky cafés. While it has quite the pumping nightlife scene, by day it is a picture of serenity. The city itself is a delight to explore, but the real beauty of Ljubljana lies just outside the city centre, at Lake Bled. Here, a glorious church sits atop a little island in the middle of the glistening lake, accessible only by boat or by swimming.

    Seattle, USA

    A melting pot of culture and Washington State’s largest city, Seattle is the perfect getaway in August. Although the city has a proclivity for rain, in August the drizzle abates enough to allow you to get out and see the city without the need for an emergency umbrella. The city has developed a thriving food scene so be sure to leave your hotel with an empty stomach. The Pike Place Market is a good place to start. Attractions in Seattle include the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass.

    Medellin, Colombia

    Nicknamed the city of eternal spring, the weather is always good in Medellin. But, in August the sun shines a little brighter and the temperature goes from average to pleasant. Spend your days in Medellin strolling through Plaza Botero and the nearby Botero Museum, or sipping on a cocktail in El Poblado. If you want to escape the bustle of the city, hop in the cable car and head up to Parque Arví, a national park, which simply begs you to hike through it.

    Nice, France

    The French Riviera is possibly the most beautiful place on earth in the month of August. The sea glows an impossible turquoise colour and the sand looks like gold in the sunshine. Everywhere you turn, people are eating and drinking al fresco, enjoying the warmth and the scenery simultaneously. Nice is all about luxury and pampering but if you need a bit of adventure, there are some coastal walking routes that are in equal parts challenging and stunning. Otherwise, just kick back on the beach and get your tan on.

  7. 5 Reasons to Travel by Train across Europe

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    No continent is so easy to cross as Europe. Fully connected by a network of trains, you can explore virtually every corner of it by rail. Of course, this might take a bit longer than flying but there are so many benefits of travelling by train that you’ll soon forget all about planes and air travel.

    Europe is a beautiful continent with a lot to see and do. Many people who travel through Europe cover several different countries in one go. This is possible because of the small size of many European nations and the ease with which one can travel between them. Need more convincing of the benefits of travelling through Europe by train? Here are five reasons why it will make your vacation infinitely better.

    1. You can enjoy the landscape

    Europe is gorgeous and travelling by train allows you to enjoy it in all its glory. From the window of your carriage you will see meadows, lakes, and forests whizz past as well as countless other natural features. You might even spot the odd castle or ruin as well if you’re lucky. Seeing the beauty of Europe race by you is a whole adventure in itself and could end up being the highlight of your trip.

    2. It is a lot easier than travelling by plane

    When you travel by plane there is a lot you need to think about. Have you got liquids in your bag? Is your bag weight within the luggage allowance? Have you given yourself enough time to get through security? All of these issues evaporate when you travel by train. Just get there a few minutes before departure, hop on your train and away you go. It couldn’t be easier.

    3. Train are far more comfortable than planes

    I think I can speak for everyone when I say planes are the least comfortable way to travel – that is if you’re sitting in economy. Train seats are bigger and more comfortable than their airborne counterparts and there tends to be a lot more legroom on offer. Your journey on a train might take a little longer than by plane but the level of comfort will more than make up for it. You also don’t need to abide by any seatbelt rules as you do with a plane so you are free to get up and walk around at your leisure.

    4. Trains are cheaper than flying

    If you want to be spontaneous with your travel then trains are the only way to go. Have you ever tried buying a last minute flight? It can be seriously expensive. Trains can be booked, for the most part, the day before or on the day for a very reasonable price. This means you don’t need to arrange you vacation months in advance and stick to a rigid itinerary. You can be a lot more flexible with when you go, which makes your holiday far more relaxed.

    5. Riding a train through Europe is an exciting experience

    From the architecture of the station to the hustle and bustle that awaits you inside, every part of travelling by train is exciting. You’re guaranteed to meet some curious types once you’re on the train and you’ll no doubt disembark with some interesting stories. Planes might be quick and slick but trains are full of character. If you want an authentic taste of life on the continent, you’ll find it on board one of its trains.

  8. Top 4 Travel Essentials

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    Packing for a vacation is in equal parts exciting and stressful. On the one hand, it means you are getting closer to departure day and that is really exciting. On the other hand, what on earth are you supposed to take with you? You’ve done the basics – clothes, toiletries and some swimwear. But, what else might you need while you’re away?

    Naturally, your packing list will vary depending on where you plan on going and what you plan on doing. But, there are some things every traveller should have with them. Here are four essentials you should have in your suitcase.

    Baby Wipes

    But, you’re not a baby so why do you need baby wipes? I cannot tell you how many times a pack of baby wipes has saved my life – or at the very least my dignity. After long plane and train journeys, baby wipes are perfect for freshening up. Similarly on a hot day or after you’ve been hiking, they can cleanse your face of any dirt its accumulated. Or you can use them to wipe your face and hands after a messy meal. The possibilities are endless. Most supermarkets sell convenient, travel sized packets of baby wipes, if you don’t fancy carrying around a huge pack of them.

    Kindle

    Your vacation is the perfect time to catch up on that reading list you made ages ago and still haven’t got through. You’ll have oodles of free time as well as some long journeys to fill up no doubt. Lugging a load of books around with you is both cumbersome and unnecessary. Every good traveller should have a kindle or e-reader to hand while they travel. Load it up with good books before you leave and spend your vacation making your way through them. I particularly recommend downloading some books about the destination you are heading to. There’s something rather delightful in reading a book set in your vacation destination.

    Filtered Water Bottle

    Not everywhere in the world is fortunate enough to have drinkable tap water. If you are going somewhere that has questionable tap water – and even if you’re not – this water bottle is a good idea. Filtered bottles have a built in filter that will rid your water of any impurities as you fill up the bottle. It is not as effective as purification tablets or boiling your water beforehand, but it will make a difference if you have nothing else. Ideally, I would use this in tandem with purification tablets, but if you can’t get your hands on any, this will do. It is also a handy way to make sure you stay hydrated during your trip.

    Day Backpack

    Don’t just bring a handbag or briefcase and your suitcase with you on vacation. Take a small backpack that you can wear during the day and future you will thank you. If you are heading out for the day, be sure to fill your backpack up with water, a few first aid bits and bobs, sunscreen and anything else you might need for the day. Try and find a backpack with separate compartments and an external water bottle pocket so that if you have a leak your belongings will stay safe and dry. Make sure the backpack is light weight and comfortable and you won’t even notice it on your back while you travel.

  9. Top 4 Tips for Vacation Budgeting

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    Nothing beats a vacation. It gives us the chance to get away from it all for a week or two and enjoy a change of scenery. And, most importantly, it offers us an important chance to relax and unwind – two much needed activities after spending months cooped up in an office.

    But, going on vacation costs money and if you don’t have any money then your vacation dreams will stay as dreams and never transition into reality. Or will they?

    With budget airlines and youth hostels making vacationing cheaper than ever, it is possible to escape the daily grind with a bank balance that would barely cover a night out in the city. You just need to know how to budget like a pro. Follow these simple tips and you’ll find your budget stretching to an extent you never before believed possible.

    Do Your Research

    We all know the power of the Internet, so why not use it to your advantage and make your vacation as cheap as possible. Do some research before you travel and find out where the cheap places to eat and stay are. Usually, restaurants filled with local people will be a lot cheaper than those designed for tourists. Find out which activities are free and which will break the bank and make sure you write up a list of budget-friendly things to occupy you while you’re away.

    Book Things in Advance

    Quite often, hotels, flights and tours work out cheaper when you book them in advance. But, make sure you don’t just book the first good deal you see. Spend some time shopping around and see what kind of bargains you can find online. Search the web using buzzwords such as “discount” or “deal” and you might find something that will save you some serious dollar.

    Booking in advance might seem annoying if you want to be spontaneous, but if you can’t afford to be caught out then I highly recommend it. Booking.com and AirBnB are great for pre-booking accommodation.

    Don’t Scrap Your Home Behaviour

    When you’re at home you don’t eat out for every meal and take taxis everywhere, do you? If you do then you don’t need to be reading this article. If you need to stick to a budget while you are on vacation, cook yourself at least one meal a day – potentially two, depending on how good your accommodation’s cooking facilities are. You should also become familiar with your destination’s public transport network. Buses and trams will be your new best friends if you are vacationing on a budget.

    Learn and Perfect the Art of Haggling

    There are a lot of places around the world that are open to a bit of negotiation. Markets and tour companies and particularly good venues for testing out your haggling skills. If you are planning on purchasing a load of souvenirs, see if the seller will drop the price in exchange for you buying lots of things from him.

    Similarly, if you are planning on doing lots of tours, or you are a large group, try and negotiate a cheaper price in exchange for that one company getting all of your business. Companies are always looking for ways to make a profit so if dropping their price slightly means raking in more business overall, they might just do it.

  10. Getting Ready for Your Summer Vacation: What Do I Need to Know?

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    Summer is in the air and your feet are itching to travel. You’ve got your flights booked, your accommodation sorted and a taxi company phone number scribbled out in a notebook. Everything is ready. All you need to do now is make sure the smaller details are taken care of.

    There is a lot more to planning a summer vacation than simply booking things online. From the contents of your suitcase to your state of mind, there is a whole range of things you should consider before you set off for the airport. Here are some essential things you need to know as you prepare for your summer vacation.

    You won’t wear that many outfits

    Lay out everything you want to take with you on vacation before you put it in your suitcase. Now, walk away from it and come back a few hours later. When you look over what you are planning to take with fresh eyes you will undoubtedly spot a few items that can be left behind. In our zeal to get our suitcases packed and sorted, we often overload with things we do not need. Future you will thank you for packing light so you don’t have to schlep your heavy luggage around.

    What will you be able to buy once you’re there?

    If you are going to travel to a city break then the amount of things you need to take with will be limited. Cities are full of shops, where you will be able to purchase anything you have left behind. City-breakers – don’t worry. Those straying off the beaten track or heading somewhere rural do not have the same luxury. If you’re spending your vacation touring Peru’s Sacred Valley, commodities will be scarcer. If you are heading somewhere remote, make sure you have everything you need before you leave because you never know if you will have the chance to buy things on-site.

    Make an itinerary but keep it flexible

    If you arrive at your vacation destination this summer without any semblance of a plan you risk losing a lot of time to aimless wandering. It is helpful to make a list of things you want to see and do while you are there. However, do not set your itinerary in stone as this takes away your flexibility and spontaneity. You might meet someone on your travels who has a suggestion you want to check out or who tells you that the temple you want to see is a tourist trap you should avoid.

    Read up on local customs before you go

    It is a good idea to know a bit about your destination before you travel there. Things to take note on are tipping culture; social etiquette; conversation topics to avoid; driving rules; religious customs etc. The worst thing in the world is to be branded an ignorant tourist because you have accidentally disrespected someone or something whilst on vacation.

    Get yourself a kindle and fill it up

    One of the best things about going on a summer vacation is having all that time to relax. This down time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading. Whether its classic literature or airport novels, fill up your kindle or e-reader with plenty of reading material that you can devour while you’re on the plane; at the beach; or even in bed at night.