Theatre Tour Review

One of our clients, Allen, is currently on our 35th Annual London Theatre Tour. This is what he had to say about the tour thus far:

We are Thursday morning here in London, and the tour is going wonderfully. Our first show was at the Old Vic. We saw Playboy of the Western World and it was great. A very traditional interpretation of the script and a lovely production.

On Monday night we saw Comedy of Errors at the National Theatre. This was truly fantastic. They did a modern interpretation of the script and I think it really helped to bring the story alive. Shakespeare's texts are timeless and seeing this story set in a contemporary London setting really underlined that. Personally, this has been my favorite so far.


On Tuesday we saw a matinee performance of the horror ghost story, The Woman in Black. Another excellent production. Very suspenseful and, at times, terrifying. What made this really exciting for me, though, was that there was also a field trip of about seventy high school students in the audience who were very vocal about screaming in terror at all the right moments. We were basically watching a horror film with a bunch of kids and it made it even better because they were so into it.


Tuesday evening we saw Reasons to be Pretty out at the Almeida. A very gritty and brilliantly acted American play. This one incited the liveliest post-show discussion so far as the play really questions modern relationships and marriage as well as the obsession with beauty. The tube ride back home was a barrage of differing opinions and points of view on the topics that the play raised. Theatre is supposed to provoke discussion and this production certainly did just that.

The improv show was on Wednesday night. I performed with an all-Canadian team against two local London teams. Needless to say, we won in a landslide.

Tonight we're off to see Jerusalem. All the talk in London right now is about how brilliant this show is. It's the hottest ticket in town. Can't wait!

Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a wonderful destination, especially if you like active adventures. Whether you’re planning on traveling on your own, with a friend or partner or going with the whole family, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Here are some of the top activities:


Mountains and volcanoes

Costa Rica has a number of stunning mountains and volcanoes to explore. Arenal and Irazu Volcano are quite popular and offer beautiful hiking trails and amazing mountain biking. The lush Monteverde cloud forest is an incredible destination for hiking and biking, horseback riding and zip lining. Monteverde is currently in danger of disappearing due to deforestation and climate change. If you have the chance, definitely go and see it before it disappears!

Water

Over time, Costa Rica has been shaped by winding valleys and canyons. This has made it a hugely popular destination for white water rafting and kayaking. Some of the most picturesque and exhilarating rivers include the Pacuare, Sarapiqui and Reventazon, which offer from 3 to 4 grade rapids. If you prefer surfing to rafting, be sure to check out Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo is a really popular surfing destination for everyone from beginners to experts. If you’re an advanced surfer, the Salsa Brava Reef is one of the best and heaviest surf spots in Costa Rica.


Animals

Costa Rica is crawling with all sorts of critters and is, therefore, a great destination for animal viewing. For bird watching the best regions are Sarapiqui, Turrialba and Cano Negro. If you’re fascinated by the unique and slow-moving sloth, visit the Sloth Sanctuary and rescue facility in Limon (located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica). For tropical butterflies, visit the Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo (near Arenal). If you’re really enthusiastic about nature and have a few weeks to spare, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a wonderful project to volunteer with in Costa Rica.

Have you been to Costa Rica? What were your favourite adventure activities?

Prickly Pineapple Daiquiri Recipe

from A Taste of Elegance, Rudi Sodamin)

Feeling the cold this winter? Well if you can't get away to the tropics, bring a little piece of the tropics to you. This drink is a lovely treat - not to sweet, not too sour.


Yield: 1 Serving

INGREDIENTS

• 2 wedges lime
• 1½ ounces spiced rum
• 2 ounces homemade sour mix (4 cups sugar, 1 quart water, 1 cup fresh lime or lemon juice)
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce soda water
• Prickly pear puree, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

In a pint glass, hand-press lime wedges with a muddler. Fill glass with ice. Add rum, sour mix, pineapple juice, and soda water. Cap with shaker can and shake vigorously. Pour into a pint glass and drizzle with some prickly pear puree. Serve with a straw.

What's one of your favourite summer drinks?

Touring Canada and New England

Our clients recently returned from a cruise tour of Canada and New England with a stay in New York and shared the highs and lows of their experience. The trip started with a seven-day coach tour that took them from Washington through Williamsburg, historic Gettysburg and onto New York. The couple had this to say about the coach portion of their tour:


“The bus tour was terrific - we thought it would be a bit of a drag, but we both enjoyed it! Washington is very interesting, Williamsburg is fascinating and Gettysburg was the highlight. We had limited expectations for the bus part but it was a VERY pleasant surprise. Most enjoyable.” They also commented that the tour guide was “very good - knowledgeable and helpful.”

After the bus tour, they embarked on a seven day Canada and New England cruise with Princess, visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia; St John, New Brunswick; Boston, MA and more. Unfortunately the weather was iffy and a few of the port cities were cold and wet, which dampened their experience. “Boston could have been great but it rained the whole day,” they shared. In addition, they didn’t enjoy the large ship experience, saying “I think we should stay with Crystal or Oceania or something around 1,000 passengers.”



The cruise disembarked in New York where they stayed at the Westin for a few nights, which was a real treat for the couple. “New York was fantastic - even though we arrived the day of the BIG storm,” they shared. “The hotel was well located and very good in providing service.” While they were in the Big Apple they caught two Broadway shows - Wicked and Memphis - which they both really enjoyed. “The theatre scene in NY is something special. There are nearly 30 shows on Broadway right now!!!”
 
Have you ever visited Canada and New England? Share the highlights of your experience below!

Berlin's East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km long section of the wall and a memorial for freedom. The gallery has over 100 paintings by artists from all over the world making it the largest open-air gallery in the world. The artwork is moving, inspiring and powerful.

Here are some photos of the remarkable gallery.

Tips for Planning a Whistler Adventure

With 12 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, 200 marked trails and one vertical mile, Whistler and Blackcomb are a must for skiers and snowboarders. Official opening day is just around the corner, on November 24, and many are gearing up for the new season. But if you have never been to Whistler before you may have a few questions. Should I bring my own equipment? Where should I buy my lift ticket? Here are a few tips to help you plan your Whistler adventure.


If you have a small car, renting your ski or snowboard equipment in Whistler might be more convenient than bringing your own. Its also quite affordable, especially if you book your rental early. There are numerous rental shops around Whistler Village. Price shop before you go and decide what the best option is for you. While rental shops rent equipment, don’t forget to pack the rest of your gear (gloves, jacket, hat, goggles, and snow pants).

There are several options for purchasing lift tickets for Whistler and Blackcomb. Tickets are available directly at the slopes, but are cheaper if you book in advance. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets online and receive a 10% discount. If you’re only skiing for one day, you can find single-day discounted tickets at 7-Eleven stores in Vancouver or Squamish. The 7-Eleven in Whistler does not sell discounted lift tickets, so make a quick pit-stop on the drive to the slopes. Other options for discounted tickets include EDGE Cards for BC and Washington state residents, and Season Passes.

Have we missed anything? Leave your own suggestions below.

Paris in November

Although it is much more traditional to visit Paris in spring, there are a lot of advantages to visiting in November instead. Paris in November is quiet, peaceful and reflective. As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, the number of tourists drastically decreases. There aren’t as many crowds to fight and you have many of Paris’ treasures to yourself. In addition, November is not high season in Paris which means that flights and hotel rooms are much more reasonably priced.


November is a great time of year for visiting Paris’ many indoor attractions. The famed Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin and Musée National du Moyen Age are all wonderful for art lovers and history buffs. Paris is also home to a number of wonderful theatres, churches and cathedrals. Notre Dame is the most famous and most popular cathedral, but no visit to Paris is complete without a trip to Sacre Coeur as well.


Shopping is another reason to visit Paris in November. Sales on fall items begin in early November and you can usually find amazing deals on shoes and boots. Later in the month, Christmas markets start cropping up all over the city. Market vendors offer all sorts of goods, such as jewelry, scarves, various crafts, leather goods, delicious treats and much more. Don’t miss the wonderful Christmas displays in the windows of Galérie la Fayette and Printemps (two of Paris’ department stores).

November is also a time of year when Paris has a lot of cultural events. Here are a few favourites:

Vin Chaud:

While this isn’t an event, we had to include it. Vin chaud is mulled wine served warm. Cafes and portable carts all over the city typically start serving this drink in November.

Beaujolais Nouveau Festival:

This festival begins at the strike of midnight on the third Thursday of every November. The festival celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau, a light, fruity wine that comes from a region south of Burgundy.

Festival d’Automne:

The autumn festival, which begins in November, is a festival of the arts. Throughout the month of November, as part of the festival, there is a number of film, music, theatrical and ballet performances.

Paris Photo Exhibition:

This year the Paris’ annual photography fair will be held from November 10-13 at the Grand Palais. For information on the exhibition, visit www.parisphoto.fr

Did we miss anything? What are your favourite November activities in Paris?

Train travel like you've never imagined!

Train travel is a wonderful way to view the outdoors in a comfortable, luxurious fashion. Rocky Mountaineer offers several tours, but one of their short trips is the Whistler Route. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sea to Sky region between Vancouver and Whistler.

During your three and a half hour train trip you’ll travel through the scenic Howe Sound and the Cheakamus Canyon and past the snow-capped peaks of the Tantalus Mountains. You can also include a city excursion of Whistler and/or Vancouver, extending your trip three to five days, depending on whether you choose one or both.

These trips are available in there levels of service, depending on what you'd like. Redleaf Service, Goldleaf Service and Goldleaf with Fairmont Deluxe service.

If you're looking for a longer journey throughout British Columbia's gorgeous landscape, there are lots of possible journeys, but only one possible response: Wow. No matter which trip you choose, I guarantee you’ll sit nose pressed to the window as the knowledgeable Onboard Attendants offer fascinating live commentary.

Oh and rest assured, the windows are cleaned thoroughly after each and every trip.

There's classic first passage to the West trips that include travelling through legendary Spiral Tunnels and passing by the the spot where the last spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. This trip is doused in history, and great for those wanting to retrace the steps of the 19th century explorers.

Westbound or Eastbound, from sea to shining sea, get to know Canada in the most unique and beautiful way possible. Dip your toe into the Pacific Ocean and end your journey in Toronto, or continue on to Halifax to dip into the Atlantic Ocean for a truly Canadian experience.

Combine rail and ocean with a Rocky Mountaineer trip and an Alaskan cruise. Classic styling, world-class amenities and more of everything the adventurous heart desires.

These are just a handful of what's available when booking a Rocky Mountaineer vacation. Give us a call and let us plan the perfect holiday for you!

South Africa with Pat and Doug

Pat and Doug were just in South Africa. If you've never been to South Africa, the Lonely Planet describes it as "befitting its position at the southern end of the world’s most epic continent, with more types of terrain than photographers can shake their zoom lens at". I got a chance to ask Pat about the trip, and she shared her experience with me.

"We were in South Africa for about 15 days with two days of travel at either end," shared Pat, "the trip was 19 days in total."

"We had a couple overnights, but the key places were the Kapama River Lodge and the Bayethe Tented Lodge, both were fabulous," shared Pat, "In
Knysna we stayed at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays and in Cape Town we stayed at the Portswood. Both places were wonderfully located."

Pat and Doug also were on safaris while they were there, giving the trip an element of adventure! "All the safari accommodations were great, especially the Bayethe Tented Lodge at Shamwari," said Pat, "it was unique!" Overall, all the places Pat and Doug stayed were very, very good and homes to great locations in South Africa.

As for the rest, I had to ask what kind of activities they enjoyed during the safaris. "Apart from the morning and evening drives, we used the spa services at Kapama. The spa itself and the location were beautiful," shared Pat, "We also sat by the pool at Kapama as the temperature was in the high 20's C. We had less time at Shamwari, but there too, we relaxed outside and enjoyed the weather."

Everyone has a favourite part about their trip, and Pat is no exception. "My favourites were the safaris of course, Cape Town activities including Robben Island - we arranged the Robben Island activities ourselves when we got there," shared Pat.

Any downsides? "Nothing really," said Pat, "I would have liked more time if anything! More time to stay at another location along the Indian Ocean, like Plettenberg, or stay in a wine country town like Franschhoek. It would have also been nice to have more time for activities I couldn't fit in too, like whale watching, or more time on the Table Mountain exploring."

I asked Pat if there was anything she'd like to share with the readers, and she had a great piece of advice: "Everyone should do at least one safari in their lifetime! The experience is so incredible it's almost indescribable," shared Pat, "It was great to experience both the Kapama and Shamwari safaris in that although the animals viewed were similar, the terrain, habitat, the accommodation and food were quite different."

We'd like to thank Pat for sharing her experience with us! Ever been on a safari? Share your insight below.

Spotlight on the Caribbean

Ah, the Caribbean - fun in the sun on beautiful beaches; palm trees swaying as you dine outside on warm, tropical evenings. What a great place to get away from it all and you'll find plenty to keep you interested and inspired on these intriguing islands.

Whether you're staying at a boutique hotel, an all inclusive resort or cruising, there are some wonderful places to discover during your Caribbean vacation. Everyone from history buffs to nature enthusiasts, beach combers to deep sea divers will be well entertained in the islands.

Few destinations match the Caribbean as the perfect spot for a multigenerational getaway with something for every member of the family to enjoy. All inclusive resorts are an excellent, affordable choice as they have a variety of activities, entertainment and restaurants catering to the entire family.

Intriguing Islands

Take a look at these fascinating islands and the special things they offer to enhance your vacation experience:

• Barbados - Beautiful Barbados has long been a popular winter vacation spot with its endless beaches, natural beauty, many attractions and fine dining. Exploring Harrison's Cave, 4x4 island safaris and snorkelling are some of the highlights. Enjoy an English Afternoon Tea at a sugar plantation and learn about the island's British colonial heritage. Barbados is also recognized for its world class golf courses.
• Bonaire - Tiny Bonaire sits just off the coast of Venezuela. Noted for its excellent diving and sailing opportunities, it is a charming island, part of the Dutch Caribbean. The pink flamingos which flock around the salt flats are just one bird species to be seen in this island famous for its nature conservation efforts. The town of Kralendijk is the place for a fascinating historical walk.
• Dominica - Unspoiled Dominica is a must for eco and adventure travellers; excellent for families wanting to enjoy nature and some outdoor adventure on their Caribbean vacation. On this mountainous island you can hike through the lush rainforest, see exotic wildlife, enjoy spectacular ocean views, swim and relax at a secluded cove. Dominica makes an excellent port of call on your cruise or plan to stay longer on a land vacation at one of the tranquil boutique hotels or ecolodges.
• Dominican Republic - The sunny Dominican Republic has perfected the all inclusive resort concept for budget travellers; an oasis where you can be as busy or as lazy as you like with all the activities and fun your family could want. There are many to choose from especially in the postcard perfect Punta Cana area. It's well worth a visit to the capital city of Santo Domingo, to explore the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. The Samana Peninsula in the north is an excellent area for adventure and water sports, activities in the mountains and rainforest.
• Grand Cayman - Flat, sandy Grand Cayman has several attractions to keep you busy: Relax on Seven Mile Beach, swim with the rays at Stingray city, learn about sea turtles at the Cayman turtle farm and visit the town of Hell with its jagged rock formation. It's an excellent island for diving thanks to its unique geology. Enjoy duty free shopping in George Town.

• Puerto Rico - San Juan is the Caribbean's biggest city and cultural centre. Here you'll find great nightlife and the world's largest rum distillery. Strolling the cobbled streets of Old San Juan and El Morro fortress is a fascinating experience as you step back into Spanish Colonial times. Around the island, visit the bioluminescent bays lit up by marine plankton, hike the El Yunque rainforest, bike the dry Guanica forest and visit Mona island, the Galapagos of Puerto Rico.
• St. John, US Virgin Islands - Here you'll find panoramic views, hiking trails, fabulous beaches, and a wide range of water activities making it the perfect spot for active travellers. Two thirds of the island is a National Park! St. John is also a treat for history buffs who will enjoy visiting the archaeological digs, seeing Pre-Columbian petroglyphs and the ruins of sugar plantations from a bygone era.
• St. Lucia - The towering Piton Peaks make St. Lucia one of the most dramatically beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Enjoy rainforest ziplining, swimming in waterfalls, turtle viewing and a range of land and water sports. The island has an excellent selection of resorts to choose from, many geared to families.
• St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands - There is a lot to do on this island, known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean. It's a duty free shopping centre with a long history as a trading port. You'll find great deals on everything from fine jewellery to electronics to Caribbean rum at the excellent selection of shops.

Of course these are just some of the Caribbean islands which are ready to welcome you. They certainly offer a great mix of things to do all year round for a refreshing family getaway.

Ever been to the Caribbean? Share your experience below!

Storm Watching in BC

For those who live on the pacific side of British Columbia, you know what storm watching is, or have at least heard of it. Extremely popular, storm watching is an outdoor activity (although some places are built for indoor viewing) with wonderful visual rewards. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience.

I'd say it's an add for the bucket list. In BC, storm watching takes you head to head with nature, and you're front and centre for the whole event. Some seasoned storm watchers will sit back, relax and observe the magnificent waves from a resort, while others will opt to participate outdoors, disappearing into sheets of ocean spray.

The pacific side of British Columbia is home to over 6000 islands and during the winter and early spring months the shores on the west coast erupt with waves and winds firing on all cylinders pounding the coastline.

There are waterfront resorts that allow you to enjoy the sounds and sights of a pacific storm while staying safe and dry inside behind large protective windows. You can spend hours watching the waves toss beach logs about, it's mesmerizing.

If adventure travel is more your cup of tea, you can suit up in head-to-toe rain gear and rubber boots, waterproof the camera and prepare to walk the beachings alongside the thundering waves and ocean sprays. Some resorts will supply guests with this kind of gear - you can always ask ahead for what's included before planning your trip!

While this is a fun experience, any one who ventures outside during a storm of this magnitude should be smart - there's strong, unpredictable winds, rogue waves that have the capacity to knock you down, and occasionally flying logs. While being outside is exciting, try to stay a minimum of 50 feet away from the tide line during these storms.

The most recognized locations for storm watching is in the Pacific Rim area on Vancouver Island - Tofino and Ucluelet - and also, off the northern tip of the Queen Charlotte Islands. The unprotected coastline fronts the open ocean and receives the strongest of the incoming storms. Many accommodations in the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet offer storm watching packages.

Exciting and a way to do it for those who play it safe, and those who are more adventurous! Start planning your trip today.

A quick trip through Peru!

Lynn recently came back from a just over two-week trip through Peru from the end of September to early October. Clinging to the Andes, between the parched coastal desert and the lush expanse of the Amazon rainforest, Peru offers such a wide range of experiences that it can be difficult to choose between them. Lynn agreed, even the hotels had different experiences. "We stayed at a variety of hotels, they all had a little something different to offer," shared Lynn, "everything about the accommodations were varied and excellent."

Lynn and the group of about sixteen flew into Lima, and the Explore group provided nice busses. "We also used the train," shared Lynn. "We went on boat and train trips as well as part of our excursions, and also did some hiking and white water rafting."

"My favorite thing about the trip was the variety provided," shared Lynn, "not only in accommodations but activities as well. Also, smaller groups (our was sixteen) are much more comfortable. Having a good guide helps to make for a memorable trip."

Anything else you'd like to share with our readers? "Other than suffering a little from the altitude in Cusco things went very well!" said Lynn.

We'd like to thank Lynn for sharing her experience with us. Have you been to Peru? Add your thoughts below.

Multi-Generational Cruising in the Caribbean

Looking for a hassle free vacation the entire family can enjoy? Consider a Caribbean cruise! Aboard today's cruise ships there's a range of activities for every generation and a superb collection of dining options. Cruising makes a great vacation for the young and the young at heart - and there's no better place for it than the islands of the Caribbean!

Family Reunions at Sea

Multi-generational travel continues to rise in popularity with more and more families choosing to have their reunions away from home. Cruise lines have responded by increasing the many family-friendly options available aboard their ships.

Families can relax and be pampered during a Caribbean cruise. Sailing peacefully from port to port, away from traffic and city noise, you'll enjoy a stress-free environment where every member of the family can relax and have a great time.

Be pampered by superb service in your stateroom and the dining rooms. Every detail is taken care of leaving you and your family free to spend time together doing whatever you enjoy most.

Check out these shipboard options which are good reasons for taking the kids and grandparents along on a Caribbean cruise:

Staterooms and Suites for Families

Aboard the latest cruise ships, there's a wide range of accommodation including spacious staterooms for four; more connecting staterooms and suites sleeping up to 16 people with reduced fares for more than two in a stateroom.

Kids and Teens Programs

Junior cruisers are well taken care of with a range of facilities and activities just for them. They play with other children in their age group, supervised by qualified counsellors in well-equipped play rooms. Teens love the club atmosphere of the well appointed teen lounges.

There's educational programming too, like Princess Cruises' California Science Center at Sea and the Junior Ranger program in Alaska. Aboard the sailing ships of Star Clippers, kids learn about tall ships by climbing the mast or visiting with the captain on the Bridge.

Multi-Generational Entertainment

There's no shortage of things to do for the whole family, when you're not on deck with you're feet up, relaxing with a view of the sea! Apart from swimming pools and deck games you can find ice shows, water parks, bowling alleys, golf simulators, croquet, mini golf, basketball, tennis courts and even a planetarium on various cruise ships.

Spa and fitness facilities are outstanding. While the kids are at their supervised program, parents and grandparents can work out, join in yoga, pilates and aerobics classes or enjoy a superb range of treatments in the world-class spa.

There's a range of classes and destination lectures to attend as well for those wanting something more educational and informative.

During the evening, family members can meet up for a movie on deck under the stars or attend a concert or production show together.

Family-Friendly Dining

There's a range of dining options on board from casual buffets to specialty restaurants. You'll be amazed at the selection of items on your room service menu usually available 24 hours. Flexible dining times in the main dining rooms are a plus for active families.

Those on a special diet are also well cared for. Dietary concerns are easily addressed by the chefs on board by notifying the cruise line ahead of time of your requirements.

Dining options for kids and teens include special menus and supervised dinners and pizza parties where they dine as a group with their new friends from the activities program.

With programs like Royal Caribbean's "My Family Time Dining™", kids can also enjoy an expedited dinner with family before being escorted to their evening activities. This gives parents and grandparents a chance to enjoy their dinner at a leisurely pace.

Private Islands

Cruise lines have created some of the most magical beach locales in the Caribbean at their private islands. Here you can enjoy a private beach day, just for you and your ship mates, with all the relaxation, activities, food and fun your family could want. No wonder cruise line private islands and beaches are rated as the favourite port of call by many guests.

Exploring Ashore

Study your ports of call ahead of time so you know what you and your family want to see and do while visiting the magical islands of the Caribbean. Many family-friendly shore excursions with transportation round-trip from the pier are available with lower prices offered for kids.

Family Portraits

Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a professional family portrait taken at a more affordable price than ashore. Many ships have photographers on board to capture special moments during the cruise. They'll take modern and traditional style portraits on several evenings during the cruise, or book a private seating if you have a special place or time in mind. It's a lasting reminder of the wonderful time you spent together.

Easy Access and Medical Services

There's no problem bringing along family members who are in a wheel chair or have medical concerns. Modern cruise ships are designed with easy access to dining, lounges and show rooms. Wheel chair accessible staterooms have extra space and specially designed bathrooms. A well equipped medical centre, doctor and staff are on hand so you'll be well taken care of in case of an emergency.

There are so many good reasons for a cruise vacation. Why not make your next family reunion extra special by celebrating together on a Caribbean Cruise?

France with Khem

Khem was just in France for a whole month. He spent five days in Paris, then rented a car and did Normandy, the Loire valley, Burgundy, Nice and the South of France, Chamonix and back to Paris for another four days. I got a chance to catch up with him and ask about his trip.


"Normany was wild. All the World War Two beaches," shared Khem, "you could see all the bunkers, and you could see how the Germans were fortified in there. Everything is so old there, buildings that took hundreds of years to build. You could feel the history, we don't have anything like that in Canada."

"My favourite places were Normandy and the French Riviera. We stayed in Nice and jotted out to the surrounding cities for half a day each. Nice is right in the middle," shared Khem. "I also went up Mont Blanc, the highest point I've ever been up. It's about 14,000 feet. It took three gondolas to get up there and it was very cool. You can tell in the winter time that the runs are spectacular, it was just a glacier while I was there."

Khem also said that there are runs marked for the three countries that Mont Blanc sits on, and you can cross over them whenever. "There's a run for Italy, France and Switzerland," said Khem, "it was pretty cool." Looks like a bucket list trip to me!

"All of France was great, especially some of the architecture," shared Khem, "The Palace of Versailles was wonderful, as was the Notre Dam Cathedral."

"Something I noticed was how nice the French people are," noted Khem, "I was surprised because of the preceeding reputation, but I was proved wrong. Everyone was nice, in all parts of the country. They gave advice, accurate information, and were very helpful."

Another surprising thing was the road tolls for Khem! "No one told me about the tolls," laughed Khem, "You could have gotten around the toll roads using different routes but it would have taken much longer. Going around the whole country, you can imagine it adds up. the tolling process didn't have much rhyme or reason to it, and cost us around 500 EU."

"The food - it was incredible," shared Khem, "and the wine. Plus the entertainment scene in Paris was unreal. We went out during a jazz night, and there was this incredible band - like nothing we have here - and it was free."

Any other tips for our readers?

"When we first checked in to the Westin, I was tipping north american standard. I left 15/20% everywhere," shared Khem, "they were treating me like royalty. Turns out, while they like tips, but they don't rely on tips like a lot of our servers do. I found the standard was 5% max for tipping. I definitely felt like royalty for the first week and then I was clued in."

We'd like to thank Khem for sharing his experience with us!

Sandals with Brad

Brad was recently at the Sandals resorts in Jamaica. While he visited every resort, he stayed in four: Sandals Negril, Sandals Whitehouse, Sandals Montego Bay and in Ocho Rios, Sandals Grande Riviera. Brad shared a bit about his trip and about becoming a Sandals specialist. Read below for more!

Brad flew West Jet on a red eye through Toronto. "We spent some time at the Toronto Lounge," said Brad, "if you fly with West Jet, you get a discount. It's approximately $26 and it comes with breakfast, a place to wash up, and a nice quiet atmosphere." After the lounge, they took off on a 10AM flight to Montego Bay.

After arriving in Montego Bay, Brad noted that the resort was as close to the airport as can be. "If you're not prepared, it's a bit of a shock. When planes take off, they look like they're coming out of the resort. I felt like I could check in from the runway," laughed Brad, "they spun it in a way that makes it fun - whenever you see a plane take off, you wave and kiss the person next to you, and honestly, you don't even notice the planes after being there a couple days."

"The resorts themselves are complicated," said Brad, "they're doing a lot of work, really gutting and refurbishing their rooms - this isn't just a paint job. But almost all the resorts are old enough that they're right on the beach. Newer resorts have to be built further back, but these ones are right on the beach and it's really spectacular."

But there's a price to pay for that kind of closeness to the waterfront. "Sandals Negril doesn't have an elevator, for instance," shared Brad, "but it's literally right on the beach, so it's worth it."

"Most of the activities we did while in Jamaica revolved around visiting the different Sandals resorts, and becoming a Sandals Certified Specialist, but we also got the opportunity to do an Island Routes tour - they're slightly affiliated with Sandals, as it's owned by one of the children of the Sandals CEO," shared Brad, "we also did a Catamaran cruise and some snorkelling."

"We got to check out Margaritaville, and do some local shopping. I found that the alcohol is the same price if not more expensive outside the airport as inside though," admitted Brad, "I bought some rum and it was $14 outside at the market, but $7 at the airport - and I had to lug it all around Jamaica."

There are always pros and cons, and Brad shared both. "The Sandals Grande Riviera resort had so many areas, food options, places to go and see, over 90 pools and 20 hot tubs - granted some are with the private villas - firepits for couples to sit around, it just had a great atmosphere," shared Brad. And then the food! "Food highlights were having authentic jerk chicken, and then at Sandals Whitehouse, they had a place called Cafe des Paris where they served made in house pastries and crepes, icecream, banana splits, and other desserts," shared Brad, "it was delicious."

"Another special moment for us was getting to see the Sandals Foundation School, play soccer with the kids, see the classes and read to them," shared Brad, "Sandals is family owned and operated and it's authentically Caribbean - they really give back to the community."

"I also found Sandals is really pushing to be green," noted Brad, "They never cut down anything living, and the trees that die, they turn into unique carvings. It helps maintain the integrity of the soil and gives the place a really interesting environment."

Anything else? "I don't recommend night swimming," laughed Brad, "I got stung by something when I went for an evening dip, and while I don't know what it was, it was similar markings to a jellyfish according to the nurse. They neutralized it and I was good to go. There wasn't anything during the day and I didn't see any jellyfish when I was snorkelling so who knows what it was."

"The weather called for rain while we were there," shared Brad, "but don't be discouraged if it does for your trip. It was sunny every day til about 3, then it would rain from 3 to 6, and it would be nice again in the evening. It was very predictable weather."

Anything you'd like to share with our readers? "Sandals pushes more quality inclusions than any other resorts on the planet. Tt's not just a choice of red or white wine, it's different CHOICES of red and white," shared Brad "You always have choices, and you should ask for those choices. Also, the food is truly 24 hours - there is always someone there that will make you fresh food."

We'd like to thank Brad for sharing his experience with us!

More about the U.S. Virgin Islands!

Excited to learn more about the U.S. Virgin Islands? You know where to stay, now about about what to do and where to eat? Read below for more.

What to See and Do

"There are fabulous beaches on all the islands the best being Magens Bay on St. Thomas, Trunk Bay (underwater snorkel trail) on St. John and Sandy Point, Jack's Bay & Isaac's Bay beaches, the beach at Carambola and Shoys Beach on St. Croix."

"Water sports are great on all the islands: Sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and swimming. Stand up paddle boarding is expanding rapidly in the islands."

"Top attractions are:

• St. Thomas - Fort Christian, the historic town of Charlotte Amalie, Drakes Seat where Sir Francis Drake watched ships entering the channels, Magens Bay with its beautiful, long beach, duty free shopping, hiking, golf, Coral World Ocean Park with an undersea observatory and sealife encounters, visit the Western hemisphere's second-oldest synagogue.
• St. John - Trunk Bay - breathtaking beach and underwater snorkel trail. Virgin Islands National Park - hiking trails and Plantation Era Sugar Mill Ruins. You can kayak and hike the entire perimeter of the Park.
• St. Croix - Ft. Christiansvaern, Horseback Riding, Point Udall, eastern most point under the US Flag. Whim Plantation Museum, Cruzan Rum Distillery."

"My personal favourite places "off the beaten track" are Hull Bay on the north shore of St. Thomas; a couple of great eateries on St. John - Woody's Seafood Saloon and Skinny Legs Bar & Grill; Point Udall, the eastern most point under the US Flag and the Annaly Tide Pools on St. Croix."

Dining Out

"There are many options for casual to fine dining. I recommend these restaurants which are my favourites:

• St. Thomas
  • Grand Cru at Yacht Haven Grande. Mediterranean.
  • Mim's Seaside Bistro at Watergate Villas. Seafood.
  • Old Stone Farmhouse, Mahogany Run. Steak and Seafood House.
  • Oceana, on the water in Frenchtown. Innovative global cuisine with seafood emphasis.
  • Mojo's, Havensight. Rum & Surf Shack. Wings and dogs.
  • Duffy's Love Shack, Red Hook. Bar/restaurant in parking lot. Local hangout. Cash only. Fun.

• St. John
  • Zozo's, Gallows Point. Italian.
  • Waterfront Bistro, Cruz bay. French cuisine with Caribbean Flare.
  • Skinny Legs, Coral Bay. Best burgers on the island!
  • La Tapa, Cruz Bay. Spanish cuisine, Tapas, Mediterranean.

• St. Croix
  • "Galangal", Christiansted. Southeast Asian cuisine, focusing on Thai.
  • Bacchus, Christiansted. Fine dining. Steak & Seafood.
  • The Pickled Greek, Christiansted. Greek.
  • Eat at Cane Bay. Cane Bay. American."

The U.S. Virgin Islands are an ideal spot for a fabulous vacation. Thanks to Thomas for providing this practical and helpful information to get you started on your vacation planning. Got your own tips? Leave them below.

Insider's View In St. Thomas with Tom Hoffman

The Caribbean has a wealth of superb vacation locations with the U.S. Virgin Islands leading the way in visitor numbers. Our On Location partner, Thomas Hoffman, is on hand with some great information on the islands. Be sure to get in touch with us so we can work with Thomas and his team to create your perfect getaway. Thomas also specializes in arranging for groups so why not bring your extended family along for a reunion in these glorious islands where there's so much to enjoy.

Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands

"Beautiful beaches, warm weather and crystal-clear waters along with a culturally diverse and vibrant society make the U.S. Virgin Islands the Caribbean's most popular tourist destination. Here you'll find everything you could want for a wonderful island getaway from secluded beaches to duty free shopping; kayaking and hiking to island art and fine dining."

"Each island has its own personality and flavour. All have great water, beaches and stunning views. Here's a description of each in a nutshell:

• St. Thomas - Faster paced, duty free shopping, more tourism related activities, major cruise ship port.
• St. Croix - Slower pace, more historical sites, some cruise ships visit.
• St. John - Most laid back, two thirds National Park."

"This is a year-round tropical destination where the weather is always beautiful. August and September do have more rain and humidity than other months. Trade winds help to keep the rest of the year very comfortable."

"These airlines fly into the U.S. Virgin Islands, some seasonally: American Airlines, Delta, Continental, United, Spirit, US Air, Jet Blue, Air Canada and Cape Air. At the airport, pick up a shared taxi, car rental or pre-arranged service (car, limo, sedan, van) where you'll be met by your driver and escorted to your hotel."

Where to Stay

"There are many excellent resorts on St. Thomas including Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort which is just completing a $48 million dollar refurbishing. It has a fabulous location at the entrance to the harbour. Other outstanding hotels on St. Thomas are the Sugar Bay, Ritz-Carlton, Best Western Emerald Beach, Windward Passage (formerly the Holiday Inn) and the casual beach resort of Bolongo Bay."

"There is a limited number of Bed & Breakfasts and Guest Houses and we have a camp ground on St. John. For longer stays and a different type of vacation from staying at a resort, the tiny residential island of Water Island has vacation homes, apartments and a campground with eco-cabins."

"It is easy to stay on St. Thomas and have day trips to the other islands."

Keep your eyes peeled for more tips this weekend! Have you been to the Virgin Islands? Add your own tips below!

Vancouver in Fall

Fall in Vancouver is absolutely stunning. As the temperature cools down, the leaves change colour and the city becomes a mosaic of yellows, reds and purples. While it is colder (and often rainy), there is still lots to do during the fall. Here is a list of some of our favourites:

Photo by: PoYang_博仰

City walks and hikes
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage is with a walk around the city.

• One of the most popular walks is around the Stanley Park Seawall. Alternatively you could go for a stroll through the park or around Lost Lagoon and admire the changing colours.
• Another favourite is the walk from Olympic Village to Granville Island. Walk along the water and enjoy the views of the harbour and downtown Vancouver. Once you reach Granville Island, treat yourself to a coffee and a pastry from the market.
• If you’re looking for more of a workout, check out the Grouse Grind (make sure to check the weather conditions first). If that’s a little too intense, the UBC Endowment Lands are always beautiful.

Festivals and Events
There is always something going on in Vancouver, and fall brings with it a number of different fall festivals and events.

• VIFF is the Vancouver International Film Festival. It happens every year and is on now until October 14, 2011. The festival showcases films from around the world and is not to be missed!
• If you like a good scare, check out Fright Nights at the PNE. This Halloween event is on from October 14 - 31, 2011. There will be 5 haunted houses and several rides to enjoy.
• The Chocolate Festival is an absolute must for chocolate lovers! Unfortunately, this annual festival may not happen in 2011, but make sure to check it out in 2012.
• The Farmer’s Markets are still on for the first few weeks in October. Head down to Trout Lake, Kits or Lonsdale Quay for amazing produce and other yummy treats.

Photo of Stanley Park by afcone

Indoors Activities
It’s Vancouver, so it’s liable to rain. When it does, head inside - there’s still loads to do!

• Get cultured at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery has a wonderful collection and always offers interesting and innovative exhibitions. Right now you can check out The Distance Between You and Me, featuring 3 artists from Vancouver, Los Angeles and Guadalajara. (On until January 2012)
• If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids take them to the Aquarium, Science World or the Granville Island Kid’s Market.
• If you’re an avid reader, head down to the Central Vancouver Library downtown.
• Eat! Vancouver has tons of different restaurants with cuisine from all over the world. Whether you’re craving Dim Sum, Italian, sushi, Mexican or something else entirely, there’s a restaurant to accommodate you.

Hockey!
Fall means the start of the hockey season. Catch a Canucks’ game at Roger’s Arena or a local sports bar.

Have we missed something? What are your favourite fall activities in Vancouver?

Prague and Amsterdam River Cruise

Margaret and Bob just got back from a Uniworld river cruise mainly touring Prague and Amsterdam. Margaret shared some of her likes and dislikes about the cruise. Here they are:



"We had a great time on our Uniworld river cruise," shared Margaret. Her and her husband enjoyed all of the shore excursions which were included in the river cruise, visiting a different port everyday. "It's an excellent way to see small places that would take you a long time to get to by car," she shared.

"We really enjoyed Prague, and the hotel Hastal Prague was situated perfectly," Margaret shared. "In Budapest, the Hotel Sofitel is right on the river, very near the docked ships, and was also very convenient. Our hotel in Amsterdam, the Avenue Hotel, was very good too, right close to central station."

Margaret really enjoyed exploring those two cities as well. "Thank you for recommending and booking all of these hotels for us," said Margaret, "We're thinking of all the places we'd like to go in the future, like India!"

"The only thing that Bob & I weren't too keen on was the big focus on dinner each evening on the ship," Margaret explained. "It was a two hour affair, ordering off the menus, and everything. Of course, the food was fabulous, and we ate everything put before us, but it was a little much."

We'd like to thank you, Margaret, for sharing your experience with us!

Deborah's experience in China!

Our very own cruise specialist headed to China recently and shared her experience with us.

"We had a wonderful time in China and Hong Kong," shared Deborah.



"For Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai we were picked up and escorted by our own personal guides. It was just the 5 of us with our own personal guide and driver," said Deborah. She noted that they were also very good taking care of the group by picking us up, taking us to the hotel, showing us around, and checking in at the airports for them.

"The highlight in Beijing was the Great Wall. Other highlights included the Terracotta Warriors, Guilin scenery, and Shanghai skyline," shared Deborah, "We were also lucky with the weather as we had sunny days everywhere we went. It only rained one evening during dinner in Xian but it stopped after our dinner."

Deborah shared that the hotels were very comfortable and first class. "We got very spoiled with the breakfast every morning," she noted, "but English was still a bit of a challenge and not everyone understands and speaks English. But we felt safe when we ventured out for a walk after dinner." Deborah did some department shopping in Shanghai and met some very nice tour guides in each of the cities they visited.

"I felt more comfortable in Hong Kong as I could understand Cantonese and they spoke more English. But it was very hot and humid, 38 degrees but felt like 45 due to the humidity," remembered Deborah, "We managed to get around using the MTR and actually spent half a day at Hong Kong Disney. The location of our hotel was fabulous. Just off the promenade and close to Star Ferry and Ocean Centre shopping."

Anything to share with the readers? "I would definitely recommend Go-Way to organize the China trip to anyone else," shared Deborah, "Thank you for your recommendation and we had a wonderful time. We too would love to go back to England and Paris at some point."

We would like to thank Deborah for sharing her experience with us!

Spotlight on Safari in South Africa

Imagine watching a leopard up a tree with its kill; being surprised by hippos suddenly surging into a pond; listening to the sounds of the bush and gazing at the bright stars of the African night sky. These amazing experiences and more await you on a South African safari. It's amongst the world's finest travel experiences and one you'll never forget.

Adventure in Africa

Safari means adventure and there's plenty of adventure in South Africa. From the vast, pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean to the natural bush of the national parks, this is a diverse and beautiful land with many exciting adventure activities for you to experience.

Game Parks & Reserves

Going on safari for game viewing is the first thing visitors think of when planning a trip to Africa. You'll hear a lot about The Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion) which were the animals highly sought after in the days of hunting safaris. They can all be found in South Africa along with many other animals and birds.

Game Parks & Reserves

Going on safari for game viewing is the first thing visitors think of when planning a trip to Africa. You'll hear a lot about The Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion) which were the animals highly sought after in the days of hunting safaris. They can all be found in South Africa along with many other animals and birds.

South Africa has some of the best national parks, reserves and wilderness areas on the continent offering a range of experiences from basic to deluxe. You'll come across game viewing areas all around the country. The biggest is Kruger National Park.

• Kruger National Park is world renowned, offering the most diverse game viewing experience in Africa.
• An area the size of Scotland covering nearly 2 million hectares with 16 ecosystems, Kruger is found in the northeastern part of the country.
• Established as a park in 1894, today it is home to 100,000 impala, 10,000 blue wildebeest, 9,000 kudu, 5,000 warthog, 25,000 zebra, 180 cheetah, over 1,000 leopard and 1,500 lion.
• You'll easily find elephant, giraffe, rhino, hippopotamus, hyena, crocodile and many more exotic species.
• You'll stay in camps where you are shut in while the animals roam freely in the park.
• Accommodation ranges from standard, self catering rest camps to luxury lodges with every amenity for the discerning traveller.
• Guided game drives and bush walks with an armed ranger are safe ways to see the animals.
• Be sure to stay in your car if driving without a guide. Animals are extremely well camouflaged.
• The park is a leading conservation area which has nurtured the white rhino from extinction and now safeguards the world's largest population.

The Kruger Park experience has been duplicated on a smaller scale at other parks and private reserves around the country.

Safari Options

In South Africa, the safari experience has evolved to suit all types of travellers with some rather unique options available:

• Spa-faris at luxury lodges and camps let you combine a health and wellness vacation with game viewing. Be pampered with African treatments at the on- site spa in between your game viewing drives.
• The Big 7 Safar - Head for the Eastern Cape where you'll see the Big 5 on your land safari and the white shark and southern right whale on the coast. South Africa is a leader in shark cage diving which is both safe and exciting.
• Safari Flights - View herds of game during scenic, time-saving flights between safari camps and lodges.
• Safari & Rail Journeys - Enjoy the spectacular rail routes of Southern Africa on journeys from Cape Town to Namibia, Johannesburg to the Victoria Falls or Pretoria to Durban. There are several routes to choose from for a scenic way to get around the region combined with game viewing safaris.
• Tour and Safari - South Africa is a beautiful country with many areas well worth visiting. Combine a tour with your safari experience to discover more of this unique country. Itineraries include the major cities plus the Garden Route, Swaziland, Kwa Zulu, the Drakensbergs, Cape Point and the Cape winelands region.
• Multi-country Safaris - For those with more time, add game viewing safaris in neighbouring countries like Botswana (home to some of the most untouched game viewing areas in Africa), Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and even Tanzania and Kenya. A visit to the spectacular Victoria Falls is included in many itineraries.
• Cruising plus Safari - Enjoy a safari experience when your ship calls at South African ports. Cruise lines offer overnight safaris to private reserves pre, post or during your South African cruise.

A safari in the African bush is certainly a must. Bring plenty of memory cards for your camera as you'll be taking shots continually to capture this remarkable vacation.

A walking tour of Croatia!

Sydney just got back from her walking tour of Croatia and agreed to share her experience with us! I asked Sydney about her trip, and here's what she had to say.


The walking tour itself was three weeks. "I flew to Split through Paris, and spent four days there on my own before the group tour, and to get over the jet lag although three weeks would have been enough." Sydney flew from Vancouver to Paris, spending four days in Paris, and then took the Croatian Airline direct to split. "It was a good airline," shared Sydney, "older planes but everything was on time."

The tour mostly comprised of city tours - walking about two to three hours in the a.m. and a similar amount of time in the p.m. "All of this was broken up well with periodic stops during the hikes, and water stops," said Sydney, "the average temperature each day was about 35 degrees."

"At around five, we were able to relax and then went out for dinner at around 7:30 or 8 each night," said Sydney, "The pace was good, varied, and our Croatian guide from Brac was excellent. She reviewed the map for each day, and gave information on flora and fauna stops along the way. I had no idea Croatia was so rich in agriculture - olives, figs, herbs and more."

Of course, on any trip there are some highlights that stick out in your mind, and favourite places. For Sydney, it was Trogir. "The architecture was amazing - more impressive, detailed and beautiful than any in Venice," shared Sydney, "and I've been to Venice twenty-seven times over the past 50 years!"

"My other favourite thing were the local lunches we had," said Sydney, "One was at a friend's home in the hills on Brac, and another at a restaurant on Korchula." Sydney shared that the men were the chefs, and they proudly cooked simple but pure foods - tomatoes, home cured hams, olives, cheese from Pag, and homemade pasta.

Sydney expressed that her previous impression of the Croatian people was wrong. After getting to know the country and the people she said, "they are honest, warm, very welcoming, are knowledgeable about the world in general, nothing is a problem for them, they are on time and very welcoming on a personal level."

I asked Sydney to share some of the pros and cons. She's shared a lot of pros about the area, but a couple downsides were eating far too late in the day. "Some nights we ate so late, and after 10 p.m. and you're not hungry - it seemed very wasteful," said Sydney, "Also, I spent the last four days alone in Dubrovnik, and that's far too many days there - two is enough to do it all!"

Any recommendations for people looking to do a similar tour? "Just do it!" says Sydney, "and soon!"

We'd like to thank Sydney for her time and for sharing her experience with us. Happy travels!

Hot Spots in South Africa!

Top Sights

"Every region of South Africa offers unique experiences. Some of the top sites to visit are:

• Kruger Park (Mpumalanga/Limpopo)
• Table Mountain (Cape Town)
• Robben Island (Cape Town)
• Constitution Hill (Johannesburg)
• Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg)
• Nelson Mandela Square (Johannesburg)
• Victoria's Embankment (Durban)
• Soweto (Johannesburg)
• Cape Winelands (Paarl & Stellenbosch)
• The Big Hole (Kimberley)"

Favourite Place Off the Beaten Track

"One of my favourite places is the Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village situated within the Entembeni Hills. After fun-filled days of wildlife viewing, shark cage diving, and other thrilling adventures available only in South Africa, this lower-profile village offers one of the most unique experiences in South African culture and history."

"Visitors are immersed into the Zulu culture, as they are given the opportunity to participate in many Zulu traditions - beer brewing, spear making, hut building, pottery and weaving. Traditional song and dance are performed by Zulu natives, who also act as the village's tour guides."

On Safari

"The reserves that I recommend for a top notch safari experience are the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Kgalagardi Transfrontier. Both safaris offer some of the most outstanding locations for spotting the Big 5 as well as other exotic animals."

"In regards to accommodations, the Sabi Sand provides more of a luxurious lodge selection, while the Kgalagardi Transfrontier offers everything from high-end lodging alternatives to more affordable options."

"The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers one of the simplest, yet riveting safari experiences in all of Africa. One of the best self-drive safari locations in the country, Kruger National Park provides an exhilarating tour catered to every visitor."

Not to Be Missed

• Potjie Pot - "South African cuisine is known for its rich stews and flavorful braai, which is always cooked in a potjie pot (a round, three-legged cast-iron cauldron) - a must-have when visiting South Africa."
• Hand-Crafted Beaded Jewellery - "South African jewellery offers some of the greatest examples of meticulous craftsmanship, detailed beading, and stunning designs."

Our thanks to Virginia for providing this valuable, up-to-date information; very helpful in the planning of your exciting vacation/safari in South Africa.

Insider's Look at South Africa!

South Africa is a country of many contrasts with so much to see and do, you'll need to plan carefully. Virginia Dionisio is here to help. Working with her team across South Africa, Virginia can help us coordinate your best possible vacation experience. Get in touch and we'll work with Virginia to make your dream South African vacation become a reality.

Getting There - When and How

"South Africa is a year round destination where you can pursue just about any special interest! Everything from bird-watching to surfing, wine tasting to hiking, shark-cage diving to game watching, all of which are available year-round throughout the entire country."

"The prime safari areas in South Africa around Kruger National Park are best visited from June through September when the weather is cooler and dry. However, South Africa's wildlife parks have better infrastructure than most parks in Africa, so rains don't necessarily mean the roads will be washed out. There are also many excellent game parks in South Africa's Eastern Cape region which experiences less rain during the winter months than in the north of the country."

"Airlines that service directly to South Africa from North America include South African Airways and Delta airlines which take 15 hours. Other airlines and routes include Emirates via Dubai, Virgin Atlantic via the UK, KLM via Amsterdam and Air France via Paris."

"From Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, there are several shuttle services available into town, as well as the Gautrain, Johannesburg's high-speed train service created in 2009. While there aren't any mass transit trains directly routed to Cape Town, there are a variety of reliable shuttles and buses accessible from Cape Town International Airport. Taxis are also readily available at both airports."

"American and Canadian citizens do not require a visa and may stay in South Africa up to 90 days."

Come back tomorrow for more hot tips on travelling to South Africa!

The Journey to Timbuktu...

Yes, Timbuktu really does exist - and what a journey it was to get there!

Our bad luck streak started before we even left Canada! Each airline we tried to book on went out of business, and when we finally found a solvent one, we weren't sure that it would get us home, but we took our chances anyway. We had nothing to lose and we really wanted to get to Timbuktu!


We arrived in Dakar, Senegal, but our luggage did not! It finally showed up 48 hours later, after we had spent many hours and lots of money on clothing and essentials (underwear was $25.00 a pair!) Our tour leader then informed us that Air Mali was bankrupt and would not be flying us from Timbuktu to Bamako at the end of our trip. We would have to travel by land - a 2-day delay. Oh well!

Dakar, once a beautiful old French Colonial city, is now just full of deteriorated old buildings. The city is a music mecca, a "must see" if you are a fan of Senegalese music!

We departed Senegal on what we later nicknamed the "cockroach express". The Dakar - Bamako train was scheduled to take 28 hours, but actually took 40! Among the many things one could purchase at the colourful stations along the way were lovely straw fans. These were as close as we came to air conditioning. The open window on the 25km/hour train just didn't cut it! The dining car had a set menu comprising of one dish only! It wasn't too bad considering the kitchen conditions. Sometimes we dined there, and other times we bought lovely French baguettes out of the train window, as we passed through mud/thatch villages.

We finally we arrived in Bamako and were met by our local tour guide, Telly. After 40 hours of hell, he was a welcome sight, as was our lovely air-conditioned bus and the clean air-conditioned hotel rooms. Refreshed and rejuvenated, we set off in our mini-van to Djenne (via Segou). Djenne is a UNESCO sight and one of the highlights of the trip. It houses the largest mud mosque in the world, which is very impressive. You should really try and make it there in time for the colourful Monday market which takes place in the square - backdropped by the beautiful mosque. The sights and sounds and colour really stand out against all the brown. We spent our time wandering through the alleyways, and over the rooftops, looking down on life below. We engaged a couple of local boys as our "personal shoppers". They helped us bargain for mudcloth, batik, bangles, and organized a tailor for us too!

Our next stop was Dogon country. WOW! We were driven to the middle of the escarpment and descended on foot down the uneven, steep grade into the valley below. It was incredible watching our porters effortlessly snake down the rock-face, laden with boxes, cooking and camping gear on their heads, and only flip-flops on their feet! We finally made it down and arrived at our first night stop. We were promptly offered cold beer and coke (we thought they were kidding, but the Chief had a fridge in his mud hut!) Our cook whipped up a wonderful 3-course meal in one pot, over an open fire, in the middle of nowhere, for 14 people. He did this every day, 3 times a day. Incredible!


Our days in Dogon were spent walking to villages in the cool early morning hours, then lunching and having a little siesta before continuing on to our night stop. We constantly ran into inquisitive little kids or farmers as we wandered between villages. At the end of each day we erected our tents on the villagers' roofs or in a nearby field. One of the highlights of our Dogon visit was when we were treated to some colourful and traditional masked dancing, performed by the young men of the village, and witnessed and blessed by their elders. A truly unique and unforgettable experience.

On day 4 we finally made the journey up and out of the valley. It was steep, and it was hot, but it was worth it, as it afforded us some truly magnificent views over Dogon country below.

From Dogon we made our way to Mopti where we spent the night before heading up the Niger River to Timbuktu. This was a 3 day/2 night cruise, although I use the term "cruise," loosely! Our boat was a thatch covered pinasse (dugout canoe), with hard wooden bench seats. The life on the river was amazing. We passed fishing boats, crowded local ferries and lots of little fishing villages (bozo villages). As we docked at each of these, hundreds of kids ran out to greet us, shouting "ca va', 'cadeaux' and 'bon bon' . We felt like explorers from a bygone era. The locals thought we were such a novelty and we had lots of fun with them! At night we camped along the desert shores. Beautiful and peaceful. We saw no other tourists for the whole 3 days.


We reached the end of our river journey and were welcomed by our drivers who brought us to Timbuktu by jeep. Timbuktu has the feel of a frontier town, right on the edge of something big, which it is! We enjoyed our day wandering the streets with our guide "Mohammed Ali" pointing out the mosques, Koran schools and the homes of the explorers that had first come there. It is dusty and brown, with the monotony only broken by the vibrant dress of the women strolling by. We did the touristy thing and rode a camel with the Tuaregs, out into the Sahara. It was beautiful looking back and seeing Timbuktu in the distance, blending into the desert.

After boarding our privately chartered Russian plane, (with Kazak pilots), we made our way back to Bamako, where we bid a sad farewell to the group and leaders. Over the weeks we had learned so much from Telly about Mali and it's people, and had developed a lovely friendship with him. We had all experienced so much!

I departed West Africa with a range of mixed emotions. I was physically tired, and by the time we had finished with the Bamako airport beaurocracy, I was frustrated and truly happy to be heading home. We encountered even more difficulties than I have written about (we lost more luggage, hotel beds collapsed from under us and I was almost knocked unconscious when a mud brick fell out of the roof and onto my head while I slept). All of that certainly made for a challenging trip. Despite all of our bad luck, when I think about the smiles of the kids, the colour and sounds of the markets, and the warmth of the people of Mali, I am so glad that I made the remarkable journey to Timbuktu.

We got back to Canada only to discover that we had made it out on Sabena's last flight to North America! I guess we really were meant to make the trip after all! Despite all of the difficulties we encountered and the bad luck we had along the way, this was an amazing trip and well worth doing!

-Lesli

Luxury Travel in South Africa

High End Shopping

It's no surprise that this leading producer of gold and diamonds is a country where shopping is a must. You'll find exquisite jewellery crafted in gold incorporating local gems. It is even possible to select a loose diamond then have it cut and set to the design you want.

Ostriches are farmed in South Africa. High end ostrich leather products make a lovely gift or souvenir. Other exotic leathers are also readily available.

Fine wine and brandy are an excellent buy of course. Visiting the Cape winelands makes a great day out. Visit legendary Constantia, Paarl and Stellehbosch to discover the oldest wine regions outside of Europe, dating back to the mid 17th century.

There are well stocked malls in every city. Markets and road side stalls are good places to buy local arts and crafts including fine beadwork, wood carvings and paintings from rising artists.

Deluxe Hotels and Lodges

From luxury safari lodges at private game reserves and five star hotels in the cities to boutique hotels in the wine region, South Africa has a very inviting range of deluxe accommodation for the discerning traveller. Check out these examples:

• Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
  Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Nelspruit
  
  Bordering the Kruger National Park and sitting by the Sabi River, there are wonderful game viewing opportunities at Lion Sands. Prices include open vehicle game viewing drives. There's a tree house where you can spend the night under the African stars and three lodges, all close to the river. Comfort and relaxation are paramount. You'll enjoy the same amenities you'd expect in a hotel; bathrobes, internet access, in-room tea and coffee, gourmet dining, outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa.
  
  
• African Pride, Melrose Arch Hotel
  Melrose Square, Johannesburg
  
  Situated in the up-scale Melrose Arch district of Johannesburg, known for its great shopping and close proximity to many Jo'burg attractions. This hotel features world-class dining in the March Restaurant, an outdoor pool with a 60-seat Pool Bar and unique audio-visual entertainment in the plush Sound Room.

• The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
  Cape Town
  
  Nestled on the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountains, on the edge of the South Atlantic Ocean and just outside Cape Town, this five-star boutique hotel offers the experience of a lifetime. Table Mountain National Park's wilderness trails and the city of Cape Town are on your door step. There's a complimentary shuttle to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, just 15 minutes away, or get there faster by helicopter. Fine dining, excellent service and a superior spa are hallmarks of this historic hotel which offers some of the world's finest mountain and ocean views.

Top Restaurants

South African cuisine has evolved over the years to include local game as part of the menu. There are local specialties to try like Zulu, Xhosa and Cape Malay cuisine. Enjoy some unique dishes as you dine out at fine restaurants around the country.

• Hemingways Restaurant and Wine Cellar
  Leriba Lodge, Centurion, between Pretoria and Johannesburg
  
  Named best overall restaurant and Best Fine Dining restaurant in South Africa by SA Tourism in 2011, at Hemingways you are in for a treat. Dine outside on the patio beside the lush gardens, by a cozy fireplace, in a private room or even join the Chef in the kitchen. Noted for its wine and food pairings, the menu changes each season. Here you are guaranteed a superior food and wine experience. This winter's menu includes a very special lamb shank with traditional vegetables and mint jus. After dinner, relax in the cognac and cigar lounge

• Blues Restaurant
  The Promenade, Camps Bay, near Cape Town
  
  During its 24 years of operation, Blues has seen Camps Bay develop into an international destination. Enjoy lunch or dinner by the sea with excellent views of Camps Bay. Dine in stunning, modern surroundings indoors or on the patio. Start with carpaccio of ostrich then enjoy the Chef's favourite dish, Grilled Springbok Loin accompanied by selections from the outstanding wine list.

• Bosman's Restaurant
  Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl, Western Cape
  
  In the heart of South Africa's wine region, you'll find the award winning Bosman's Restaurant at the Grand Roche Hotel. The restaurant is situated in the restored Cape Dutch manor house dating back to 1707. Silver service is the order of the day at Bosman's where you can choose from an award winning tasting menu or a la carte menu for dinner. The well stocked cellars include rare wines and vintage champagnes. To top off the experience, there's a sweeping view across the valley from the hotel and delightful gardens, pool and patio for relaxation.

Fine experiences at reasonable prices; a luxury experience in exciting South Africa is one you're sure to enjoy.

Vietnam Part 2: Hue, Ha Long Bay and Hanoi

The next stop on our trip was Hue. Hue was the old imperial city and the ruins of the city are still there. Hue is built on the banks of the Perfume River, so it is worth taking a boat downstream to watch life go by as well as visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. If you can, stay in the old part of town right behind the walls of the imperial city. Rent a bike and cycle around exploring pagodas and the markets.


One of the highlights of my trip was renting a motorbike and driver and touring the countryside for the day. We journeyed through villages, rice paddies, war remnants and had the most incredible lunch at a monastery. Then we visited another monastery while the monks were chanting, saw joss sticks getting made along the side of the road and drove by canals with canoes made from pieces of American war planes. It was just a fantastic day and I think, the highlight for everyone.

From Hue we took the Reunification Express overnight, north to Hanoi. It was a great 12 hour trip. The train was spotless and the service was terrific. You may wish to pack your own cheese and French bread though!

After arriving in Hanoi we took a bus directly to Ha Long Bay. This takes about 3 hours and we then spent the afternoon cruising the bay and marveling at the limestone peaks that rise from the waters. There are hundreds of them. It was a very misty afternoon, not really warm enough for swimming, although some brave souls took the plunge! We explored some great caves and then had a sumptuous seafood feast onboard!

Back to Hanoi the next day along 'dog alley', so named for the many restaurants along the route serving dog! Hanoi is lovely. You can easily while away several days here wandering through the old quarter, strolling tree lined boulevards and admiring the beautiful lakes and faded colonial architecture. A definite must see is the water puppets. The troupe does several shows a day and the variety of puppets and stories they tell is incredible!

This rounded up the trip aptly named 'The Spirit of Vietnam'. I toured with a small group and the trip went off without a hitch. Whether you decide to go with a small group or tour Vietnam on your own, its a wonderful destination that offers a very special travel experience.