Canada's Adventure Couple |
- You Can Help Raise 2-Million Miles for Make-a-Wish Kids
- Why you will never travel if you don’t travel now
- Flying Just Got Better – Premium Service Direct to Dubai
- Bounce Below – The Ultimate Underground Playground for the Kid in You!
- Toronto Transit is Growing Up – TTC compared to the world
- Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel
- Our Favorite Holiday Gifts for Travel
- 6 Ways This Introvert-Extravert Couple Makes Travel Work
- The Fear of Travel: A Fireside Chat with Rick Steves
- 22 Nova Scotia Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Right Now
- Unplug and Recharge – My Sojourn in Banff, Alberta
- Looking Sharp in TravelSmith’s Men’s Travel Clothing
| You Can Help Raise 2-Million Miles for Make-a-Wish Kids Posted: 14 Dec 2015 02:00 AM PST I first watched the power of the Make-a-Wish while working as a make-up artist at YTV in Canada. Popular kids TV host, and lady with a heart of Gold, Stephanie, “Sugar Lyn” Beard was regularly flying off to Disney World or someplace magical to make a child’s dream come true. Kids loved her and I joy she was bringing to people on a regular basis. It didn’t matter how busy she was or how tired she was she was always ready to drop everything and go make a kid’s dreams come true. It always moved me.    Sugar Lyn in Action: Keep an eye out for her in Hollywood, she’s already on her way to becoming a huge star About Make-A-WishMake-A-Wish is an organization doing great things. The power of positive thinking can do wonders for healing. It’s so important to let kids be kids again and to give them a break from all the tests and procedures they need to endure each day. To give a seriously ill child a chance to live out one of their biggest dreams is the greatest gift anyone can give.
That is why I was so excited when I heard that our pals at TripIt have once again teamed up with Make-A-Wish to raise 2-million miles to help make dreams come true. Can you believe that Make-A-Wish turns a child’s dream into a reality every 38 minutes? Out of all those dreams, 74% of them include travel—that's 2.5 billion airline miles and over 50,000 round trip tickets needed to fulfill this mission. So they need your help. TripIt and Make-A-WishFor the past two holiday seasons, TripIt users donated more than 2-million airline miles to make wishes come true. Each year TripIt has exceeded its goal of 1 million miles, but for 2015, they want to raise the bar and reach 2 million miles in 1 year! They will be able to make a lot of dreams come true like the one below in this video.
Check out how Keena had her dream fulfilled and met her donor in Australia.How you can HelpDid you know that many airlines delete your miles if you don’t use them? If you have unused or expiring miles that will just go to waste, why not donate them to a good cause? (Note donated miles NEVER expire) Head over to TripIt where you can instantly donate your United or Delta Miles to help a kid in need. And make sure to check out more details on how you can transfer miles to the Wishes in Flight® program.
You have the power to make a child’s wishes come true this holiday season. Donate today and lift the spirits of a child. It will make you smile in the process.
Read the original post You Can Help Raise 2-Million Miles for Make-a-Wish Kids on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Why you will never travel if you don’t travel now Posted: 11 Dec 2015 02:16 AM PST My life would have been awesome had I never started traveling. With a beer in hand I thought about all the things I didn’t have but my peers did. I don’t have a house. I have never owned a car. My bank account isn’t padded, and my retirement funds wouldn’t stretch very far. I know beyond all doubt, had I not started traveling five years ago I never would have. And, if I had not, I’d be able to match the milestones of others my age. Today I would not be a globe trotter, but I’d wake up every morning, and spend the hours of 9-5 in a cubicle. This would certainly have put me in greater standing in the ol’ tit for tat game that we all play, but would have been the worst thing for my happiness, personal development and well-being. Travel Now Start traveling now, or you never will I’ve lived in both Germany and Italy and spent over a month backpacking through Colombia. I’ve been to over 20 different countries in South America, Europe, the Middle East, the Baltics and more. I’ve driven four-wheelers across Greek Islands, canyoned through rivers in Slovenia, hiked up mountains, biked down mountains, floated in the dead sea and visited coffee plantations. My desire to move pushed me away from a cozy suburb and reliable job and into the streets of places I couldn’t pronounce. What if you too have a desire to move, but don’t know where to begin? What if you are sitting here reading this and wishing you could leave everything behind, travel half-way across the world and encounter new places and people? My advice: leave and do so as soon as possible. If you don’t travel now you never will, and here is why. Travel Isn’t a Typical InvestmentAs of now there are few ways to invest $2,000 on a pleasure trip somewhere and see that $2,000 turn in to $3,000 next year. Instead you purchase experiences. While you gain innumerable soft skills such as compassion, the ability to read people, serenity under pressure and more, you very rarely receive a return on your investment in monetary terms. When it comes to spending money you will always find more tangible, “better” things to spend your money on. If you don’t start budgeting for travel now, budgeting later becomes impossible, as each dollar disappears to other needs. Travel rarely ranks high against material possessions. Despite thinking you avoid the curse of vanity you don’t. Neither do I. I like nice things, just as much as the next person.
Summing up my point in one sentence, a highly articulated sentence by a very intelligent friend of mine, “whoever dies with the most shit wins.” Travel is by no means a collection of shit with 350 horsepower that you can wash on your front lawn in full view of your jealous neighbors. As time passes by your dependence on “keeping up with the Joneses’ will require more of your money, leaving less to spend on travel. Too Many Useless Distractions and ChoicesIn the morning, when we wake after a good night’s sleep, we are full of energy and willpower. Then the day begins and our gas tanks diminish. What should you eat for breakfast? Do you have time in your schedule for a meeting with Mr. Joe Blow today? Which emails require immediate attention in your inbox? By the end of the day your energy and willpower tank is on "E." You have spent your energy reserves dealing with work, kids, finances, emails and a slew of other things. Your willpower is also gone, burnt away making choices, which is one thing we have an abundance of today. Choices tap into our limited supply of willpower and energy, depleting our most precious resources: time, energy and mental stamina. So, when you finally have free time, how do you spend it? In front of the television, surfing the internet, or doing some other mindless activity that doesn’t require a lot of energy or thinking. Your mind is shot for the day.
We have reversed priorities. Instead of putting our big life goals and ambitions as must do’s, we make them must do’s when we have time. We put losing weight, traveling to the mountains, learning a new language, working out, reading more, or other important life changes as priorities at the end of the day when we are mentally and physically drained. A task will always expand to fill the available time, it’s a fact of the universe. So, if you don’t budget time and energy to focus on change, you will crawl into bed at 11 pm wondering where the day escaped to yet again. This pattern continues your whole life until retirement, at which point the system reverses itself. Suddenly, with an empty nest, with no job and fewer priorities you can once again think about your lifestyle, your health and traveling. The irony, of course, is that in your latter years you have less energy and desire to change. Studies have shown that change requires a series of steps: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In essence, we have no awareness or desire to change something in our lives; then when we become aware we delve into the possible obstacles of changing. Finally, we act and change, and then every so often we refortify our behavior to stay on track. Interestingly, we most often fail between the preparation and action stages, or in philosophical terms we can conceive of what is needed to change, but can’t actualize it in reality. We are also affected by something called the St. Petersburg Paradox. This paradox argues that all humans not only have different levels of risk aversion, but also different perspectives when it comes to utility gained. Meaning, a person already in peak physical condition knows and sees the benefits of working out; hence, he has an easier time continuing to devote the time and energy to pumping iron or going for a run. For other people it may be too much of a risk, too big of a commitment and a scary situation to go to the gym every morning. What are all the fit people going to think of me? I’ll be made fun of. I don’t fit in. I’m not part of this crowd. I don’t know what to do. When faced with a risk deemed too great, whether financially, socially, or otherwise, people will not partake in an activity. The amount of energy, willpower, and mental fortitude required to make a change in your life is the number one reason you won’t travel when you retire. The patterns you set in life begin early on, and it is easier to live with the status quo than change. After all, it is more desirable to know which side your bread is buttered on than be left with sticky uncertainty on your hands. Which leads to the next reason you will not start traveling when you suddenly find the time for it.
SettlingFor a long time, philosophers have been justifying their philosophies by saying it is better to know what you are getting for certain today, even at the cost of giving up something greater tomorrow. Now, I’ve done this on several occasions, I’ll admit. Just recently I was in a Colombian city with night approaching and no place to stay. I found myself in a sketchy situation with a hotelier on a far too remote beach. This led me to grab my passport copy and any identifying information from his desk and high tail it out of there. I also accepted, regardless of the price, a different hotel I knew would be safe, and passed over many cheaper options because I didn’t have the time or energy to find a better alternative. I’ll admit, the allure of "one in the basket vs. two in the hand" is strong. But, when moving beyond basic needs such as food, safety and shelter you would think the allure of giving up something greater for certainty of the moment would decrease. This is not true, however. You only need to look at history to see many examples of people choosing to live under a poor system versus risking the displacement of a tyrant and the unknown, possibly worse, new system. Relating this to travel, even though you may have always dreamed of traveling the world when you retire the pull of familiarity during a time of age decline keeps you rooted to the constant, which is the antithesis of travel. Retirement is a period not only marked by a sudden increase in personal time, but also a period of decline in the human body and mind. To put this in perspective, the average retirement age in the US is 66, and the average age of death is 84. That gives you 18 years to get your adventure on, unless your body says otherwise. Waiting to travel until retirement is like investing in a penny stock, the situation is volatile. You may not always have the health to travel at age 66 and above. Plus your body cannot handle the stress of travel as well as it could when you were younger. Consider the following. Studies have shown that older people actually make worse decisions than people of all other ages. After age 27 your brain is already deteriorating. By the age of sixty the signs of deterioration become more evident. With that in mind can you justify traveling out of the country for the first time knowing your brain is prone to making poor decisions and bad rationalizations? With our minds deteriorating, our bodies follow suit. Especially when we have spent 30 or 40 years in the same location, doing the same thing day in and day out, our bodies become accustomed to a pattern of life. Did you know that infants and senior citizens are more prone to illness then any other age group? The reason is simple: when you are young or old your body is less adept at adapting to viruses and foreign substances. Your body cannot produce antibodies as efficiently or as fast. When you are old you have trouble acclimating to changes in your environment. Guess what, travel is all about adapting to new situations, climates, foods and germs. With an aversion to risk, a psychological desire to maintain the status quo, and a declining body and mind there is a great tendency to say, "my life is good enough, I don’t need more." Settling wins again. We become okay with okay. We no longer need travel, or the new, or the challenge. Doom and gloom aside, I’m not saying you can’t travel when you’re retired. I’m saying the odds of you miraculously packing your suitcase and hopping on a flight for an exotic, foreign location are against you.
Instead, travel must be a lifestyle from early on. Travel must become a path you set yourself on that allows for change when needed, adaption when necessary, and pushing the boundaries of the status quo. Several years ago there was a man in the UK who showed up at a clinic, reporting signs of possible memory loss. He was an avid chess player who played regularly for most of his life. His MRI scan that day came back normal. At most he had minor memory loss, which was expected with old age. Two years later when the man died examiners discovered that he actually had advanced Alzheimers but had showed no signs. The moral: regular stimulation can improve brain function well into old age and keep energy levels high. This man broke the status quo by investing in himself. So invest in yourself and begin a regular routine of travel today, for I know of no greater mental and physical stimulant than travel, and there is no better time than to travel now.
Read the original post Why you will never travel if you don’t travel now on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Flying Just Got Better – Premium Service Direct to Dubai Posted: 09 Dec 2015 04:45 AM PST Air Canada knew what they were doing when they added a new non-stop service on the 787-Dreamliner from Toronto to Dubai this past November. It seemed that half the people sitting in the Air Canada Lounge at Toronto Pearson were heading to the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a hot destination right now. It seems that everyone wants to visit the city that houses some of the tallest, most over-the-top skyscrapers on earth.
Toronto to Dubai?It was April when we were in Hawaii for an annual summit when we drew names out of a hat for a big surprise. Our hat said November, that was all we knew. So we waited until our fellow bloggers chose their dates and the announcements were made. It turns out, Dave and I drew the dream destination of Dubai. It was another seven months before our trip, but it was worth the wait. Especially when direct flights were introduced by Air Canada direct from Toronto to Dubai at the beginning of November. Amazing! We escaped the dreaded connection through Heathrow or New York.
If you follow us on social media, you’ll know that we always fly Air Canada. We’re proud Canadians, so naturally, we should fly Canada’s largest airline. It’s interesting to note that our national airline is also among the 20 largest in the world serving 35 million customers a year. Since we already had a flight booked, we took a chance and contacted Air Canada asking if they’d be interested in letting us test out their premium economy and business class seats for our flight from Toronto to Dubai. We already have 50k Elite status on Air Canada and probably could have gotten an upgrade for a fee, but why not make it an guarantee? After all, this is the new 787 Dreamliner. We wanted to travel in style. The Air Canada LoungeLucky for us, Air Canada kindly accepted our proposal and offered a media upgrade to review their new service. They couldn’t guarantee a seat, so we held our breath as we waited at the airport. Luckily, our wait was in peace and comfort as we enjoyed the amenities of the Air Canada International Lounge in Terminal 1. It’s our favourite lounge in Toronto Pearson Airport with an excellent choice of food and beverages.    What I like is the dedicated Wifi to Air Canada and Star Alliance status members. You don’t have to share the bandwidth with the rest of the airport that is being sucked up quickly with all the free iPads on offer in public restaurants. We arrived early and spent our time getting a lot of work done. I don’t know what it is about airport lounges, but we are very productive when we sit down to work in them. Time flew by and 15 minutes to boarding and we decided to walk to the gate early to see if our names would be called.
Toronto to Dubai UpgradeThe moment of truth arrived and sure enough, we got the upgrade to premium economy.
We’ve flown business class several times on Air Canada, but it was our first time flying premium economy. It was a pleasant surprise. First of all, it was premium economy on the 787 Dreamliner so you know it’s going to be bigger and better than anything else. The 787 Dreamliner is big. It has bigger windows that tint dark and light at a push of a button, bigger TV screens with movies, television, and game choices, and bigger bathrooms. I couldn’t get over the room in the toilet when I finally went. Had I known, I would have gone much earlier. I always put off going to the toilet on airplanes, they are usually an unpleasant experience. But not this one!    What is Premium Economy?Premium economy gives you many of the perks that business class has at a fraction of the price. Star Alliance Gold Members can get upgrades using their eCredits or you can buy premium economy seats for approximately 35% more of your flight fee. Our premium economy seats felt like the business class seats that you sometimes get on shorter flights. We even received our own amenity kit with toothbrush, chapstick, moisturizer, and eye mask. Needless to say we were quite happy with the extra width and legroom.
We were treated similar to business class receiving our choice of sparkling water and juice, and we were given headphones, blankets, and large pillows for the flight. And just like business class, we had a proper dinner menu.
I normally like to settle into a movie at the start of the flight. What I love about Air Canada is how I can start using the entertainment system the minute I get on the plane. While other passengers are embarking, I’ve already chosen my movie, I’m in my own little world relaxing with a cold beverage. Since we have Elite Status we have priority boarding and this makes all the difference. We never have to worry about running out of room in the overhead bins and we have freedom and a lot of room to settle in while the plane is still empty.
Premium Economy passengers automatically receive priority boarding. So, as I was saying, I’m already into my movie before most passengers have even boarded the plane. A difference I noticed on the Dreamliner was that I could easily fast forward to the ads at the beginning of the movie and get on with my programming. I rarely work on a flight even though these seats were made for working. There are USB and power plugs and the tray table is large enough to spread out my workstation. However, I watch movies instead. Movies helps me unwind until meal service where afterwards I promptly go to sleep to feel refreshed at my destination. Premium Economy FoodBut before I go to sleep, let me talk about the meal. The food in both the international MLL and on board premium economy & business classes are part of the new menu created by Canadian celebrity chef David Hawksworth. Let me tell you, I noticed a difference. This is gourmet meal to make your mouth water.
Just before dinner, I was brought a hot towel which I always put to my eyes. Since my LASIK surgery, my eyes are dry and that hot towel is a warm welcome. While others wiped their hands, I felt the heat on my eyes. But I digress…Meals on Premium Economy are the same as what you get in Business Class. They’re served on china plates,the choices were diverse, and there’s complimentary wine and spirits.
Dave had the beef and I had the pasta and we were both thoroughly satisfied. Probably too satisfied. Between the warm roasted mixed nuts, warm rolls, appetizer, main course and dessert, we were stuffed! One of my favourite parts of flying Air Canada business or premium economy are the mini salt and pepper shakers and little bottle of olive oil and vinegar. I never put salt and pepper on my food, but I always do on a flight because I love those shakers! And I always save half my oil and vinegar bottle to dip my second roll of bread into. Mmm, I’m drooling right now. Premium Economy Feels like Business Class
The most noticeable difference between business and premium economy was that the seats don’t go back all the way. In business you are in pods and can lay right out.Premium Economy seats recline farther than coach, but you still sleep sitting up. But we did receive we larger pillows and had extra wide seats, so we were very comfortable. Naturally there are more luxurious perks to business class that I’ll tell you about in a later article since we flew business class home from Dubai. But I can honestly say that my experience in premium economy was comfortable and pleasant. Dave and I slept like babies and when we arrived at our destination, we were feeling relaxed and refreshed. Because of the advanced technology in building the 787-9, one of the signature features on the new aircraft is the higher humidity rate. This helps you feel more rested when you arrive and we definitely noticed a difference. It’s amazing how you can feel the difference between good and bad air. I had a much less stuffy nose than usual and that was Ah-mazing!  Wouldn’t love to look this refreshed after a flight? If we do lose our elite status one day when we slow down our travels, I’ll be sure to book premium business for long haul flights. Trust me, as someone that has flown coach around the world, the extra splurge is worth it. You’ll be able to function the first couple of days of your trip rather than walking around in a fog.
Read the original post Flying Just Got Better – Premium Service Direct to Dubai on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Bounce Below – The Ultimate Underground Playground for the Kid in You! Posted: 07 Dec 2015 02:00 AM PST Have you ever wanted to get back to your childhood roots of jumping around, crawling on the ground, and falling down without a care in the world? There’s a place in Wales that lets you do exactly that! Bounce Below is what we like to think of as the ultimate jungle gym for adults. It’s a series of trampolines, nets, ladders and slides inside a giant underground cave. This isn’t an ordinary cave, it’s twice the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral.Bounce Below in Wales Arriving at Bounce Below in Wales We arrived on a rainy day to Bounce Below located at the Llechwedd Slate caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog. (If you can pronounce any of that, you are a better persona than I!) It was a good day to be underground as the wind was whipping through the valley and the rain was pouring down. We were grateful to be heading indoors. err, underground. The cave is the result of an old mining quarry, and when you walk through you can see the remnants of a bygone era. The Llechwedd caverns even offer tours of its slate mining history.  Bounce Below is in an old mining quarry. We met our fellow jumpers in the holding area where we sat on wooden benches waiting for our time to be called. We had an hour to jump around inside and something told me, one hour would be more than enough. The group before us came out with big smiles and lots of sweat running down their faces. Check out more Wales Adventures: Coasteering in Wales Video Break All jewellery needs to be taken off and anything loose needs to be left behind. We brought our GoPro and small snappy camera with us. We did regret not bringing our larger camera because this place is so photogenic, it would have been awesome to photograph. However, we never would have had as much fun either.  Getting ready for our Bounce Below experience in Wales We made sure nothing was fastened to our appendages. I had visions of a Jimmy Fallon type fall in the cave ripping off my ring finger, so Dave and I both opted out of wearing our wedding bands into the playground. We entered the chamber lit up with psychedelic lights and we were set loose to explore the many different caverns, passageways, and colourful trampolines. I felt like I was in a live game of Tron. The Bounce Below Experience This is what it looks like in Bounce Below These nets were bouncy to say the least. We couldn’t get our rhythm and ended up falling down and giggling like school girls. (Yep, Dave giggled like a school girl) Once we got our footing, we started to have some fun catching air at an already jaw dropping height of 180 feet. The nets are all hung over the cavern dangling in mid air. There’s one spot where you really get a feel for how high you are when you go out to a dark chamber in a back corner and bounce above what feels like a never ending drop into darkness.  Bounce Below has nets everywhere As other people joined in on the fun on the tight trampoline, we were propelled from one side of the net to the other. It was then time to start our climb. We wanted more height. We found a tunnel with a wooden ladder and climbed higher and higher until we reached the top of the obstacle course. There were small slides and pockets to play, but it was the huge chute that got my heart racing. I had to be coaxed into dropping into the abyss. Dave as usual was gung ho for any adventure and dropped in first so that he could give me words of encouragement from the bottom. “You can do it Deb, no problem!” I took a deep breath, covered my nose and mouth (something we were advised to do) shut my eyes and fell into darkness. Before I knew it, I was at the bottom laughing and rolling like a 6 year old. “That was fun, lets do it again!” We made our way through more tunnels and found a winding trail back up to the entrance. Feeling more confident the second time around, we explored more chambers and found more chutes.  Deb having a blast at Bounce Below We compared each chute with the last saying things like “Oh, the last one was so much faster” “This one gets a little skinny at the end, we gotta lose some weight” I want to try that one over there, how do we get there?” We ran around huffing and puffing for the entire hour. We commented on how out of shape we were and how we need our own bounce below in Canada. If I had one nearby, I’d get a seasons pass to jump and fly into the air. It’s a great workout! I think Bounce Below may just be future of adult workouts in place of a boring gym!     Before we knew it, the hour was up and like the group before us, we came out of the caves with big smiles and running sweat. We handed in our helmets, dried off our faces and emerged from the depths to sunshine and happiness. Like our mood, the day had turned bright and sunny. For details visit Bounce Below for pricing, location and information. Our trip to Wales is brought to you buy Visit Britain and Visit Wales. Check out their websites for more great Wales and UK adventures! Read Next: Coasteering, It’s not as Scary as You ThinkRead the original post Bounce Below – The Ultimate Underground Playground for the Kid in You! on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Toronto Transit is Growing Up – TTC compared to the world Posted: 04 Dec 2015 02:00 AM PST Dave and I have taken a lot of public transit around the world. Some of the best and easiest to navigate are in Hong Kong, New York, and London. You really don’t need a car when traveling around these cities.  Dave in New York It has been nearly seven years since we left Toronto to travel the world, and each time we come back, we are amazed with how much the city has changed. Toronto is growing up and so is the TTC. When we lived in Toronto and travelled part time, we always said that it had the potential to be a world-class city, but it wasn’t quite there yet. Now that we’ve been gone and are merely part time visitors to our former hometown, we’ve noticed that it has come into its own. One of the biggest complaints we always had about Toronto was the public transportation. We used to complain that places like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur had better transit than Toronto. Why did developing nations have better metro lines than our wealthy Canadian city? But things are looking up. Introducing Metrolinx The UpExpress is part of Metrolinx In 2008, Metrolinx launched The Big Move: a visionary plan that introduced a new way of moving people around one of the largest and fastest growing urban areas in all of North America. That would be Toronto. There is a huge population living outside the city centre that need access to public transportation to the downtown core. The plan is no small task since it is trying to develop a world-class system alongside the 1.8 million acres of environmentally sensitive land known as The Greenbelt. But Metrolinx is staying strong. It recently won the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) gold award for its achievements in environmental, social and economic sustainability. Metrolinx lowered their environmental footprint by lowering their water consumption by 14 per cent, criteria air pollutants emissions by 9 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 5.4 per cent, and waste generation by 3.8 per cent. Go Canada! Metrolinx is moving 65 Million People a Year Deb at the Union Pearson Express While doing my research, I discovered that 65 million passengers ride the Metrolinx system each year. That was an astounding number to me and I can now understand why the Greater Toronto and Hamilton (GTHA) area is struggling with moving people from one place to another. It truly is one of the fastest growing cities out there. The transit system is changing, even if the regular local commuter doesn’t notice. As someone who pops in and out of Toronto just a few times a year, I’ve noticed big changes that make me feel excited about the the direction things are going.
Honestly, I’ve paid attention to transportation around the world when we travel. Until recently, I’ve always been slightly embarrassed about my city's public transit. For example, we’ve often flown into airports around the world and been able to catch a train to the city centre. In the past you couldn’t do that in Toronto. Beijing may be an overwhelming metropolis where everything is written in Chinese, but their transportation system was orderly and straightforward. We’ve followed their metro map with ease to getting ourselves to and from the airport quickly and comfortably.  Navigating Public Transit in Hong Kong We feel it’s an important part of tourism to give visitors several different options to get to where they want to go once they land at the airport. One doesn’t always want to pay extra for a taxi or sit on a bus that stops at several hotels before getting to your final destination. Many people are more comfortable taking a train. Even if it hasn’t been the norm for North American residents, the rest of the world is used taking transit. It’s exciting to finally see that the Union Pearson Express has opened up. Trains depart Toronto Pearson Airport every 15 minutes and arrive at Union Station in 25 minutes flat, making stops at Weston and Bloor Stations. (Two other popular Toronto hubs)  UP Express When we took a look at the UP Express, we were impressed that our little old Toronto transit system, was finally looking like the state of the art transit systems we’ve seen around the world. Heck, it even has arrows telling people where to stand when the doors open. Just like the trains we’ve taken in China. Buy one Get one Free!If you are flying into or out of Toronto Pearson, make sure to take advantage of this great offer. Metrolinx, the provincial agency that runs the train, began distributing coupons this month inviting travellers to try the UPX for $27.50 return — the price of a standard one-way fare. For now the deal is good until the end of January and doesn’t apply to any discounted or Presto fares. Presto Card Presto Card Made Easy Another cool feature we learned about was the PRESTO card. Riders can now carry one card that they can use across Go Transit and nine different transit systems in the greater Toronto area. We’ve come a long way baby. I remember when Go Transit was a completely different entity and you had to carry around all these different papers and tickets with you.
Everywhere from Dubai to Paris has easy to use automated transit passes where you don’t even need to talk to an attendant to travel around. You go to a machine, put in your credit card and out pops a transit pass that you use to get in and out of the station. Collector booths and machines are now taking debit and credit cards and the old tokens we are used to are finally being phased out and will be completely replaced by the PRESTO card by 2017. I feel like Toronto has grown up and the TTC is growing up with it. When I used to take transit in other parts of the world I said, “Why doesn’t Toronto do this?” Now I am starting to see that it is on the right track.  Feeling very modern on UP Express While Toronto has much fewer lines than other places like New York City where you can literally get to any corner of the city or surrounding borough, what it does have is quite pleasant. The cars are bright, clean and pretty comfortable to ride. Paris may have a huge train system that can get you anywhere you want to go, but you do feel rather stuffy in the old tunnels.  The busy and stuffy Paris Metro Toronto may not be adding a lot to its subway lines, but it is expanding transit system, mainly Go Trains, Go Buses complete with free Wifi and its famous streetcars. Visitors love our streetcars and I have to admit that I’ve been proud when I’ve seen our old Toronto street cars driving around San Francisco. Love them or hate them, streetcars move a lot of people.  Our Toronto Streetcars With the plans that Metrolinx has in store, I think the future is looking bright for Toronto. We’ve been slow going compared to other cities around the world, but I don’t think Toronto was ready to join the ranks until recently. It now has the mega skyscrapers, luxury five star hotels, the sparkling condominium towers, and the world-class restaurants and bars to rival the best of them. Toronto is ready for a transit system that will meet the global standards. It’s the right time for the TTC to grow up, just like Toronto already has. For more information on expansion and projects visit Metrolinx for details. Read next: Travel Through Toronto Pearson Airport has Never Been more EntertainingThis post is sponsored by Metrolinx, but as you already know, ThePlanetD's opinions are all our own. Read the original post Toronto Transit is Growing Up – TTC compared to the world on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel Posted: 02 Dec 2015 02:00 AM PST Dave and I went on our first real travels in 2000 when we spent five weeks on a trip to Thailand that changed our lives. We've been avid travellers since then and can now boast having 15 years of travel under our belts. We recently heard that American Express is celebrating 100 years of travel service, and we immediately thought this would be a good time for us to look back and reflect on our most memorable travel experiences.  The early days in Thailand, the trip that changed our lives We've always said that it is the people that make the experience memorable, and that notion has never changed. From guides who turned into lifelong friends to hotel staff that went the extra mile to help us out, we've had some amazing adventures. The service providers of the travel industry are the journeymakers that can change lives. Little do they know their friendly attitudes, words of encouragement, travel knowledge and offhand jokes will last with us forever. While they go on to help the next customer or lead the next group of tourists, we will always remember our experience abroad because of them.    Our most memorable experience of excellent service was definitely climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp with our guide Deep. He was kind and gentle yet strong as an ox as he guided us up to view the world's tallest mountain. I never understood where he packed his endless supply of pomegranates that he peeled and separated for us each night as a treat before dinner. Sure, he guided us to base camp with ease and we felt safe in his hands, but it was the little things like the pomegranate and bringing me tea when my sinuses were congested in the middle of the night that we'll always remember.  Sher and Deep our Journeymakers on Everest While Everest was a great adventure and a moment in time where we pushed ourselves to our limits, we've also experienced great service while also relaxing in the lap of luxury. I remember sitting in a hotel in Santorini, Greece spending quite a bit of time on the phone with American Express as they helped me through my upcoming trip. I made two calls that day. One was to make sure the car I just rented on my Platinum Card was indeed covered by travel insurance (it was), and another call was made to book a hotel using Membership Rewards to book a week in a downtown Athens Hotel. As I sipped coffee overlooking the caldera of the world's most romantic destination, I was given peace of mind and confirmation for my upcoming travels.  Dave talking to American Express in Santorini Read: In Search of Living an Enriched Life I then chatted with the operator telling her about where I was at that exact moment and we exchanged a few stories before hanging up and going on with my day. It was the easiest experience, and I'll never forget how patient both representatives were with my barrage of questions.  Asking questions from my hotel room in Santorini Throughout our 15 years of travel, we've always loved including a great adventure in our travels. Even during our days on a tight backpackers budget, we managed to climb mountains and book safaris. We'd divert our hotel budget to our adventure budget and stay in cheap guesthouses to satisfy our adventurous needs. As we aged, the guesthouses were no longer an option but we always hate to waste too much money on hotels. That's where rewards have come in handy. With our Amex Platinum Card we are automatically eligible for stays with several hotel programs and we often use our rewards to cover our hotels stays. While our accommodations have grown to a more luxury status to suit our age and taste, we still make sure to push beyond our limits and step out of our comfort zone. And while we love a good adventure, we won't turn down a pampering massage or luxury suite overlooking an incredible skyline.  We love a good climb I remember talking with Liloo Alim: the concierge at Four Seasons Toronto about what makes great service.She said, "Excellent service is guest recognition, personalizing the service, trying to find that special connection, being genuine and sincere and, really loving what you do."  Dave with Liloo We agree.It's the personal service that we always remember. Just recently we were staying at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai and each morning, we went to the omelette station. It was jam packed and filled with people from all over the world sampling food from 7 different international food stations. But the man preparing the food instantly knew what I wanted the second morning I stopped by. "Mushroom and cheese omelette?" he said. "Wow, you have a good memory." We then chatted about his home country of Nepal and it made my day. What a perfect way to start the morning.  Our friendly chefs in Dubai American Express says, "Great service is making the consumer feel more than just a customer."I definitely felt like more than a customer in Dubai and it's the moments when I feel more like a friend than a customer that always make me remember my travel experience. Check out: Create Lasting Memories in Your Own Backyard     American Express aims to provide their Cardmembers with a full service experience from end to end. From easy booking online or over the phone, to their Cloud 10 airport benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport like free Wifi, access to Priority Security Lanes, and quiet airport lounges around the world to offering 24-hour customer service, no matter where you are in the world. Read: Tips for Stress Free Travel  Deb enjoying peace and quiet in the lounge We've loved representing Amex Canada as their Travel Ambassadors for the past four of their 100 years of service. To us, they are at the top when it comes to travel service. We've been using them since our first travels in the 90's when we brought American Express Traveller's cheques wherever we went. We bought American Express Traveller's insurance prior to being proud Cardmembers as of 2011. The perks we've received from our Gold Rewards and Platinum Cards have offered us huge value, countless rewards, and impeccable service we'll never go back to traveling without it. Learn more about American Express' travel offerings at americanexpress.ca/travel Read Next: 11 Easy Tips to Make Your Travels Easier Read the original post Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Our Favorite Holiday Gifts for Travel Posted: 30 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST It’s that time of year again! The time when everyone is scrambling to find the perfect gift for the ones they love. If you are anything like us, I’m sure you have a friend or loved one that enjoys their vacation time, so we thought we’d help make things easier for you by rounding up a few of our favourite holiday gifts for travel. Gifts for Travel by TravelSmith And better yet, we’re giving you a deal! You’ll receive 15% off your purchase at TravelSmith when you spend $50 or more by using PlanetD discount code. So without further adieu, enjoy our these holiday gifts ideas for the travel lover in Your life. Holiday Gifts for TravelFor HimSee more gift ideas for men’s travel at Travel Clothes for Guys
For HerLooking for more gift ideas for travellers? Check out 10 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easier
Also see: 9 Anti Theft Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel Stocking StuffersCheck out more holiday gifts for travel lovers: We Recommend 8 Great Travel Organizers
Read Next: The Most Complete Travel Packing List You’ll Ever NeedRead the original post Our Favorite Holiday Gifts for Travel on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| 6 Ways This Introvert-Extravert Couple Makes Travel Work Posted: 27 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST Being an introvert and an extravert in a relationship together has its challenges. One of us is unbelievably chatty (that’s me, Amy), and loves to share every thought that passes through my curly little head. Then there’s Nathan: reserved, quiet, contemplative. I was a musical theatre major in college. I thrived on singing, dancing, and performing before an audience. Themed costume parties every weekend with my loud, boisterous classmates. Improv comedy class? Sign me up. Nathan was a history student. A writer and a deep thinker, he had a small group of close friends and relished time spent alone. An Introvert – Extravert Travel Couple And Introvert and Extravert Go Travelling Together… Are you a couple looking to travel together? Check out How to Survive Couples Travel together But introvert and extravert are simply labels. Though Nathan and I are on separate ends of this spectrum, we are not complete opposites, and our tendencies often overlap. As well, introversion and extraversion are not just about socializing, as is commonly thought, but have a greater significance relating to the way we deal with the world. Indeed, these qualities affect nearly everything we do, including travel. What is an Introvert?An introvert is a person who deals primarily internally with things. They typically have an active mind of great depth and enjoy spending time in solitude. This is because introverts have a rich inner world which keeps them occupied and delighted. Socializing or spending time in groups tends to drain the introvert, who has to use a great deal of energy to engage outwardly. Introverts may or may not be shy, but no matter how social they are, they need time to recharge. Spending time alone and doing solitary activities is the best way for an introvert to feel at their best. Hey Travel Couples, enjoy this read: A confession to my Travel Partner What is an Extravert?Extraverts aren’t always social butterflies, but they do find that connecting with others gives them energy. These folks relate externally with the world. Extraverts are likely to be talkative and energetic. They may need human interaction to feel vibrant and to have a strong sense of self. Although they may enjoy spending time alone now and again, most extraverts don’t require it. Much of the time they would prefer to be sharing moments and memories with those they love. Based on the descriptions above, Nathan is a true introvert and I a true extravert. But people are unique and more than just a description. As an extravert, my personal quirk is that I process my thoughts out loud. Thus, I talk probably 95% more frequently than Nathan, who considers things privately in his own mind. He has to bear with me when I’ve got a lot to get out! Of course, there are no cut and dry rules and both of us drift into the opposite territory now and again. Nearly everyone possesses characteristics of both extremes. Introvert – Extravert Travel Tips |
| The Fear of Travel: A Fireside Chat with Rick Steves Posted: 25 Nov 2015 05:57 AM PST There is a lot of fear floating around the world these days. Each time I turn on the news, there are images of destruction and unrest all around the world. It’s no wonder people are fearful of travel. When all you see are countries in turmoil, you want to hold up in your own little corner and wait for things to settle down. But if you hold onto that fear of travel, you’ll be missing out.
Recently we spent some time with my parents in Florida. Mom and dad had 24 hour news stations going on whenever we were in the house. It was a barrage of constant negativity and destruction. They could filter it out and not let it affect them, but I felt depressed just watching it. When we told them our next stop after Florida was Dubai, my dad’s question was, Is it safe? As I read Rick Steves latest Op-Ed for the Los Angeles Times entitled Tune out Cable News and Turn Away Fear, I thought of my dad’s question. Rick Steves first line states “I miss the days when people would say “Bon voyage” to travelers heading off. Today, Americans instead say “Travel safely.” Fight the Fear of Travel You don’t have to fear travel. Dave and I have travelled the globe for 15 years. We’ve been to 105 countries, and in that time we’ve travelled through many places that people are afraid of. Places like Sudan. We visited Sri Lanka during an election following a 30 year civil war and we were in Myanmar during the reign of the military junta. I don’t think we ever had anyone say “be safe”, or ask us” is it safe to go there” more than we have these past few years. But does a riot in Baltimore stop you from traveling to New York or LA? Of course not. If I went by the images on my TV set, I’d never travel to the United States. Last year there were shootings at Canada’s national parliament. The images on the news were terrifying, but that hasn’t stopped people from visiting our country. So why do so many people decide not to travel abroad when something happens elsewhere? Enjoy our: 6 Tips to Help you Face Your Fears  A Warm welcome in Sudan We have always believed that travel breaks down barriers and opens people’s minds. That is why when we saw TripIt’s latest interview with Rick Steves talking about the fear of travel we were excited to share it. Rick Steves is a travel icon. He has been traveling through Europe for more than 30 years and has seen it all. When we first travelled to Paris in 1998, we watched his videos on VHS to get an idea of what to see and do. He says, “It is really no more dangerous now than it was before.” And we agree. Sadly, human nature hasn’t changed. There has been violence and corruption since the dawn of time and I don’t see anything changing any time soon. However, through our travels, we have seen and learned that the majority of people in the world are kind and good. Read: Inspirational People we’ve met during our travels Rick Steves Discusses the Fear of Travel with TripItNow don’t get me wrong, Dave and I don’t go looking for trouble when traveling and we aren’t saying you should travel to unsafe places. We avoid places that have unrest or are in the middle of a military hotspot. We didn’t know elections were going on when we booked our flight to Sri Lanka, and when cycling through Africa, we made sure to steer clear of the Western side of the country and Darfur. As it turned out Myanmar, Sudan and Sri Lanka are the three countries that touched our hearts the most. The people were friendly and welcoming. They loved to talk to us and they made us feel safe. We aren’t saying to seek out areas of unrest, but we are saying, don’t let the images flashing through your TV screen scare you off leaving your house. Need help overcoming your fear of travel? Read Gise and Andy’s Post: Top 10 Fears of Becoming a Traveler What is Fear? Travel helps educate us. Fear is the unknown. Get out there and educated yourself and learn about other cultures and religions and you’ll see that we are all more similar than you think. Rick Steves says, “The flip side of fear is understanding, and we gain understanding when we travel.” We’re not talking about travel to Disneyland. It was a sad statistic when Steves said that the only guidebooks that outsell his are the guide books to Disneyland. Is that what people think travel is? I like Disney, but wouldn’t you rather do something real than fabricated? I have had people talk to me about the international food they ate at Epcot Center like they were actually visiting Italy. It’s not the same people. Rick Steves is a little more eloquent than I am and simply says, “Maybe branch out a little bit.” After four or five trips to Orlando, maybe you could consider somewhere else like Portugal. That’s excellent advice. Enjoy: Freedom to Travel, Never Take it for Granted  Smiling book sellers in Yangon, Myanmar. Dave and I have been to Disneyland, Epcot, and Universal. We enjoy them for what they are, they are play time and they’re not real. We forget about them once we leave and the fun is over. Travel stays with us for years to come. We have never learned so much as we have during our travels. I think we are better people because of it. Travel is the best education. You can read all you want in a text book or look at photographs and research online, but until you visit a place and experience the sights, the smells and the sounds, you won’t understand it. Enjoy: How to Make Your Travels Meaningful Travel to Places People don’t Understand Hanging out with locals in the Sudanese desert. Many people worry about Iran, but we have only heard incredible things about the people there and it’s been high on our list of places to visit for some time. But looking at the news, one would never consider a visit to Iran. We were happy to hear that Rick Steves visited Tehran and talked about how he was nervous to bring his big camera. He didn’t know how the public would react to an American video crew. It turned out, he has never encountered such friendly people anywhere. This is a man that has been everywhere. So the message is, don’t let your fears stop you from traveling. It’s a big world out there filled with beautiful people. Isn’t it time we started celebrating the diversity of the world rather than fearing it?
Read next: Travel Etiquette in the Middle East. Read the original post The Fear of Travel: A Fireside Chat with Rick Steves on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| 22 Nova Scotia Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Right Now Posted: 23 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST When planning our road trip through Nova Scotia, we had ideas of visiting the popular stops like the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton and The Bay of Fundy high tides. But when Nova Scotia tourism suggested we visit the South Shore, it sounded intriguing. We had heard of Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove, but beyond that, we didn’t have a clue about all the things there are to see and do on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Well, we soon found out and we’ve rounded up our best Nova Scotia Pictures from our time there. Nova Scotia PicturesA picture says a thousand words and these photos of Nova Scotia will transform you to an easy-going destination filled with beauty, culture, and an interesting maritime history. So sit back and enjoy our Nova Scotia Pictures of the sensational South Shore.  Sunset in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably one of the most well-known towns in Nova Scotia. Famous for its colourful houses, it’s one of the most picturesque cities on the entire East Coast of Canada. The undefeated racing schooner, The Bluenose calls it home and here you can take a walking tour of Lunenburg hosted by an 8th generation local who will tell you tales past down from years gone by.  Sunset at Peggy’s cove, Nova Scotia Peggy’s Cove is the most famous tourist destination in all of Nova Scotia. Located just 30 minutes outside of Halifax, it attracts tourists from around the world who marvel at the rocky landscape of the Atlantic Coast where a lone lighthouse stands guard warning ships of the treacherous waters that lay ahead.  Sunrise in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia Peggy’s Cove is still a working fishing village and stilt houses line the harbour where boats constantly move in and out in search of lobsters, salmon and other Atlantic fish as they have done for centuries before. Check out our video of our time in Nova Scotia  Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia Yarmouth is a city located on the South West shore of Nova Scotia, and here you’ll find another historic lighthouse standing proud in a striking setting. The Cape Forchu lighthouse dates back to 1840 and is second only to Peggy’s Cove as Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse.  Looking down the port in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia The Fisheries Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and fishing culture of Nova Scotia. This province was built on fishing and it is still a large part of their heritage.  The Three Churches of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia The three churches of Mahone Bay are a must stop on the lighthouse route. The three spires lining the waterfront are a popular spot for photographers.  Morning light in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia Located just outside of Lunenburg, Blue Rocks is yet another picturesque fishing village. Make your way to Blue Rocks at sunrise when the tide is low for the most stunning captures.  The Milky Way on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is famous for Astral Photography with a night skies preserve at Kejimkujik National Park. We didn’t make it to the dark skies preserve, but the noise pollution is light wherever you go in Nova Scotia and we managed to snap this shot from our Peggy’s Cove accommodation – Oceanstone Resort  The Library in Halifax, Nova Scotia Downtown Halifax is growing fast with construction all over town. The new Halifax Library is a modern piece of architecture winning a Lieutenant Governor's Design Award in 2014.  Enjoying the sun in Lahave, Nova Scotia. The LaHave is a good stop for lunch, coffee or snacks while driving through Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Located just 15 minutes from Bridgewater, it’s a popular gathering point for cyclists, and road trippers making their way along the Lighthouse Route (rte 331)  Sunset on the south shore of Nova Scotia Make sure to take the time to really explore the coast. Nova Scotia has a gorgeous coastline that constantly changes before your eyes. It’s the rocky landscape that is the most captivating.  Lobster Poutine in Argyle, Nova Scotia. Lobster is everywhere in Nova Scotia and locals are always creating new ways to enjoy it. While fresh out of the pot is preferred by all, there’s lobster mac and cheese and this dish above: Lobster Poutine  The view from the Fort Point Lighthouse in Nova Scotia Liverpool was home to the Privateers defending the area in the 18th century. The Fort Point Lighthouse is a small lighthouse on the route, but it’s worth a visit with an informative video, a picturesque setting and interpretive stations as well as a chance to blow the fog horn!  Living local at Peggy’s cove, Nova Scotia When visiting Nova Scotia, chances are you’ll see a piper or two playing traditional music.  Kayaking on the south coast of Nova Scotia The best way to explore the coast is by kayak. There are several places you can rent kayaks along the lighthouse route, including blue rocks, Argyle and just outside of Peggy’s Cove at Lower Prospect Point.  Crescent Beach in Nova Scotia Don’t miss Crescent Beach, it’s the only beach you can drive on in Nova Scotia and it stretches for 2 km.  Local food in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia is fast becoming known for it’s culinary treats. With many places promoting farm to table and utilizing local produce, it’s a delicious journey through the province.  The Halifax Public Gardens in Nova Scotia The Halifax Public Gardens are 16 acres of quiet solitude in the heart of the city.  Tasty food at the Fleur de Sel in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia The award-winning Fleur de Sel Restaurant in Lunenburg has been voted one of the best places to eat in Canada. It’s a must when visiting Halifax. Their specialty of local scallops is a must and don’t forget to try the lobster.  A Calm morning in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia
 The Haskapa Berry. Superfood of the future. The haskapa berry is the next superfood. With more nutrients than blueberries, it has three times the antioxidents of other bush berries and more vitamin C than an orange. Originating in Japan, Nova Scotia is fast becoming the place to buy this healthy treat.
 Sunrise at Peggy’s Cove. It pays to get up early When visiting Peggy’s Cove, the crowds can be brutal. Make sure to stay in a nearby lodge and get up early to have it all to yourself. A word of caution, stay off the black rocks. People have been swept out to sea by ignoring the warnings. Don’t let that be you! Our travels to Nova Scotia were in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism, visit their website for more information travel to the Atlantic Province. Read Next: Nova Scotia Accommodations: Where to Stay on the South Shore Read the original post 22 Nova Scotia Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Right Now on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Unplug and Recharge – My Sojourn in Banff, Alberta Posted: 20 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST We all need time out from our busy lives. This means unplugging to the extent that it's feasible and connecting with nature, alone or with a partner, friend, family member or group. Without time out, stress accumulates and we burn out. If you're craving a sweet escape from the madness of modern life, you may enjoy reading about my sojourn in Banff, Alberta. My temporary stay in Banff was all about re-charging my batteries and it did leave me feeling serene and refreshed. Chalk it up to the pure mountain air if you like, but there is real magic in this place. It's a tonic for mind, body and spirit. Banff, Alberta is a fine choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of majestic mountain ranges, pure alpine streams and lush wilderness. However, you don't need to take my word for it – four million tourists explore the area every year! Basic Banff, Alberta FactsSituated within the natural splendour of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, this jewel of a mountain town features high elevations, from fourteen hundred to sixteen hundred feet, as well as hot springs and terrain which lends itself to a dizzying array of outdoor activities, from gentle hikes to extreme sports (and anything in between). To help you discover the beauty of Banff, I've written down my own experiences. I camped in the area for five days, which gave me enough time to appreciate the town's myriad charms… Camp by Night, Sight-see by Day…I traveled to Banff at twilight, by SUV, in mid-August, 2015. Once I arrived in the town, I planned to hit some of the area's key attractions, including Moraine Lake and the Cascade Gardens. I was accompanied by a buddy from high school, so we were basically two older guys on the road, with one air mattress each, rucksacks full of supplies, rain gear and sturdy hiking boots. We were psyched up for our adventure and we started things off by setting up our campsite. The area features thirteen campsites, so we had plenty of choices. We used research before our trip in order to select a good one – this isn't a promo article, so I won't name names. However, our camp ground was a mere eight kilometres from downtown Banff, so it suited our purposes perfectly. As well, it was just a beautiful place and it had the amenities that we needed. Love Banff? Check out: The Best Winter Activities in Alberta Banff Alberta: The Perfect Place to Get Away from it AllOur plan was to camp at night, pack our gear into the SUV by day and then take part in plenty of hiking and sightseeing. We didn't structure things too much, because we were there to get away from structure. We had a couple of places we wanted to see and we left the rest of the itinerary wide open. Want to hike in Banff? Read 8 things that can make or break your hiking adventure As we explored, we'd reminisce about the good old days, sample some local cuisine and maybe enjoy a beer or two. This sojourn turned out to be the perfect way to forget about our busy workdays and family responsibilities. This is why I recommend Banff so highly. Its beauty is virtually incomparable. As well, it has an unspoiled quality that is very appealing. You'll feel different while you're there, in a good way… Things We Saw and Did in BanffWe both love hiking at the moderate level and we wanted to do it around a glacially-fed lake. This is why we drove out to Moraine Lake, which is found in Banff National Park, within the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This beautiful waterway is the purest turquoise imaginable. It's so stunning it's almost surreal! We checked out the walking trails around the lake and decided to do the Rockpile Trail. This would give us a perfect view of the lake (yes, we got out our smart phones to take pictures – so much for unplugging!). Read: Unplugging in Cuba, Why you Should disconnect for your next trip Another highlight of our trip was the Cascade Gardens, which is a convenient hop, skip and jump from Banff's Main Street. The gardens are a great place to sit down for a bit, chill out and look at everything around you. It's serene there, with well-maintained blooms and leaves and there are plenty of gazebos and bridges to check out. In terms of our camping experience, we loved sunset, when we'd finish setting up camp and then reflect about what we'd done that day, as well as our lives in general. Nature's wild spirit lives and breathes in Banff, Alberta. While the area does have stunning hotels and resorts, I think the best way to connect with Banff's untamed spirit is to contemplate it from a campground. For more on Banff Alberta check out Canoe Banff Lake Louise A good night's sleep on an air mattress, after an evening spent roasting marshmallows and talking, will make you feel reborn. So, you definitely don't need to spend a fortune or get too fancy in order to unwind in this town. It's probably easier to unwind at camp, where you're sealed off from commerce and everything that you're trying to get away from. This is a place to see. I doubt anyone regrets visiting this Alberta town, so please try to explore it in the future. It's such a great place to escape. Read Next: Alberta Road Trip: Following the Cowboy Trail
Read the original post Unplug and Recharge – My Sojourn in Banff, Alberta on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
| Looking Sharp in TravelSmith’s Men’s Travel Clothing Posted: 18 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST Men want to look great when they travel too. Last month we wrote about the best Mix and Match Travel Clothes for women, but we don’t want to leave out the guys. Since joining TravelSmith’s Travel Advisors team, Dave has really upped his travel wardrobe and joined the land of fashionable male travellers. With the holidays approaching and prime vacation time in full swing, we thought we’d round up a few of his favourite pieces of men’s travel clothing. Dave’s Favourite Men’s Travel Clothing Convertible Pants. We do a lot of hiking and sporty types of stuff during our travels and convertible pants are still our go to piece of clothing for both Dave and Deb. Why? Because if you start a morning trek and it’s cold, you’ll want your legs covered, but as you work up a sweat throughout the hike, you can zip off the bottoms and be in shorts. The shorts are stylish enough that you can wear them anywhere on their own and if you want to quickly become presentable at night, you can zip the legs back on for dinner. 15% of Men’s Travel Clothing and Travel Gear at TravelSmith
PlanetD Readers Save 15%Travel clothing and travel gear by TravelSmith when you spend more than $50. At check out use PlanetD promo code Click here to start shopping.  Dave loves his Jeans and I do too! We used to be dead set against packing jeans for travel. But as fabrics have become lighter, they are a good addition to the travel bag. The stretch bull denim jeans are comfortable for sleeping on the plane, for sightseeing and stylish enough for going out at night. They’re one versatile piece of travel clothing.
Margaritaville Reversible shorts A new addition to Dave’s wardrobe, these Margaritaville reversible shorts are my personal favourite. They are two shorts in one. Fun and colourful on one side for the beach or plain and presentable khakis for the city. They fit will and look great! This is a lightweight easy to wash and dry shirt that looks fabulous in any situation. For travel, Dave loves the chest pocket to keep his passport and boarding pass handy when flying. You can dress this shirt up or down but you can also wear it on a hike or to go trekking. It’s breathable material makes it good for all situations.  Love this linen shirt. Margaritaville Washed Linen Shirt Another shirt to look great at the beach or for checking out galleries. It is laid back and relaxed, but stylish enough to look good anywhere. This is the shirt that looks good for a night out. It’s like a bit of a Richard Branson type of I’m relaxed and confident, but I look good doing it.
CoolMax T-Shirt  Deb hasn’t taken any photos of my in my shoes:( Clarks Wave Trek Sneakers
Read Next: 8 Great Travel Organizers for Better PackingRead the original post Looking Sharp in TravelSmith’s Men’s Travel Clothing on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog. |
Hank Martin writes for 
Audio-Technica Noise Cancelling Headphones
Harris Tweed and Leather Dopp Kit
Merino Blend V-Neck Vest
eTools Organizer
Leather Touch Screen Gloves
Rejuvawear Footless Compression Leggings
Ushma Gold Silk Wrap
Pacsafe Cross Body Bag
Dual Voltage Flat Iron
3-in-1 Sweater Blanket
Handle Wraps
Smart Envelope
T-Shirt Cubes
Bottle Protectors
TSO Foldable DayPack
Frank Apodaca is the owner and author of 
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