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?