Romancing Canada: First-time Travelers

Canada occupies most of North America and is, size-wise, the second largest country in the world. There is nothing small about Canada and this makes it the ideal place for broadening horizons, traveling adventurously, and learning all about a country and its culture passionately. When Is the Best Time to Go? Summer begins in late May and ends in mid-September. Fall is from mid-September to mid-November. Winter starts mid-November and ranges on until mid-March. Finally, spring lasts from mid-March until late May. Canada’s tourism peaks from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, travels and accommodations are relatively more expensive. In deciding when to go to Canada, you have to review your reasons for going. Are you going to Canada for the skiing or for the opening of the ice hotels? Then, winter is the perfect time for you to go. If, on the other hand, your reasons include outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, or fishing, schedule your visit during spring or fall. No matter what season you schedule your visit for, there will always be a deluge of luxury vacation rentals Canada tourists such as yourself can temporarily call home. What Does One Do in Canada? There are many things to do in Canada. You could catch a chinook on the Campbell River, also known as the Salmon Capital of the World. You could join the seemingly endless merrymaking at the Carnaval de Quebec. You could try being a ski bunny at the Whistler, Blackcomb. You could skate through town on the Rideau Canal Skateway, too. You could look for bears in Manitoba. You could go on a wine tour in the Okanagan. You could spend hours scrutinizing the Haida Totem poles. Or, you could live in the...

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Accommodation Travel Tips

BEFORE YOU GO Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower weekend rates. As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases. WHEN CHECKING-IN Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel’s name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost. Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it: – laundry service, – hair dryers, – voltage converters/ adaptors, – newspaper service, – complementary meals, – access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection, – cable TV, rental movies, video games, – portable beds, baby cribs, – complementary shuttle service to airport, – rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents, – telephone access charges, – fees for using mini-bar, – guided tours, excursions.   AT THE...

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