There is certainly no shortage of hotels and B&Bs in Montreal, but the Marriott Château Champlain stands out. Nestled between historic statues and the greenery of Dorchester and Dominion Squares, this contemporary hotel offers first-rate hospitality and a convenient location at a reasonable price. It’s also fun that the locals have affectionately dubbed this hotel as “the cheese-grater” for its 1960’s-era architecture. Continue Reading →
A Food Tour of Montreal’s Little Italy & Jean Talon Market
Most visitors to Montreal are well aware of the city’s lively culinary scene. Foodies gravitate to Downtown Montreal and the Old City to feast in cafes and restaurants. But have you ever considered starting your food journey outside of the downtown core?
On this food tour with Fitz & Fowell, discover one of Montreal’s most captivating culinary neighbourhoods – Little Italy and the Jean Talon Market. Continue Reading →
Five Unique Travel Experiences in Montreal
This may not be your typical tourist round-up — but we’ve selected five unique Montreal travel experiences to share with readers. Sure, there are some fabulous museums and art galleries in the city. But if you’re up for a little exploration off the beaten track, keep reading. Here are a few ideas for exploring Montreal: 1. Wander the … Continue Reading →
Four Places to Feast in Montreal, Quebec
With long weekends approaching, people start talking about escaping Toronto for the city like no other: Montreal! For readers seeking more sumptuous pastures in sexy Montreal, here are our top picks for where to eat in Montreal: Continue Reading →
Altitude Adjustment: Gliding Over the Finger Lakes
My heart can’t stop racing. Up until now, I’ve been enjoying idyllic lake views while sipping the crisp white wines of the Finger Lakes region. But now, I’m on my way to Harris Hill in Elmira, New York, where I will be taking a glider ride over the lush region. Logically, I know that this is an … Continue Reading →
Gourmet Pizza at Olio e Più in New York City
When I visit New York City, I often feel overwhelmed by endless food options. I’ll often revert to chain restaurants and celebrity Chefs out of sheer laziness and hunger. But this time, I strayed from the NYC guidebooks and typical tourist trails. I went to the West Village to try Olio Pizza e Piú – a trattoria open 24/7 that serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas, breads, and other Italian delicacies. Continue Reading →
Going Vegan in Toronto: Grasslands Restaurant
Do you remember when littering suddenly became taboo in the 80s? At the time, it was a bit strange changing our habits. But after awhile, people started recycling and carrying coffee flasks to clear their environmental conscience. Today, a new shift is happening. We are reflecting on our meat and animal product consumption. I dare say, a heightened awareness … Continue Reading →
A Safari Detour: Secret Hand Shakes & New Dance Moves
Exhausted, filthy and sore, I found myself in Africa, making my way to see the lions. The main road up to the Ngorongoro Crater, a major link between Tanzania and Kenya, traveled by tourist-filled 4x4s and precariously loaded transport trucks alike, was more rugged and jarring than the abandoned logging roads back home. As the … Continue Reading →
Getting Lucky In Dubai
As I stepped into the room, a man I hadn’t noticed slipped behind me and abruptly turned the deadbolt. Well, this is it, I thought. Lost in a tangled maze of alleyways in the heart of Dubai, locked in a room with two unknown men. No one would miss me for days. I had been … Continue Reading →
Perched in Paradise: Castalia Marsh Retreat
Want a bird’s eye view? Head to Castalia Marsh Retreat in New Brunswick to sleep in a bird house built for humans. Continue Reading →
My Cooking School Experience in Bali, Indonesia
What was my most memorable experience in Bali, Indonesia? Definitely the cooking class I took in a Balinese village. This class was more than just mastering new recipes — it was also about learning the local culture, customs, and rituals. Continue Reading →
Exploring Plant Sculptures at the Montreal Botanical Garden
Visiting Montreal this summer? Here’s some radical travel advice: take a break from the outdoor music festivals, and head to the Montreal Botanical Gardens. So landscaped bushes and flower beds may not seem as exciting as a shopping spree at Simon’s. But this is not your average tourist attraction. It’s a socially and environmentally conscious urban hike … Continue Reading →
Packing Essentials Every Girl Needs
I glance over at the enormous stack of clean laundry, and my over-stuffed dresser. The task that lay before me is far too overwhelming. I should go for a bike ride instead, and it’ll sort itself out. I wish. I’m leaving in a few days for a cram packed road trip. I didn’t mean for … Continue Reading →
Israel and Palestine: More Than a Conflict Zone
Given the flurry of media attention, Israel and Palestine may not be your first choice for a travel destination right now.
But I’d like to challenge readers to open their minds and look past the political conflict. There’s so much culture and history to explore in this land, and it’s a shame that many travellers skip it. Before you write off Israel and Palestine, consider some of these highlights. Continue Reading →
Durian: The Stinkiest Fruit on Earth
Durian is known as the “King of Fruits” for its giant size, thorny skin, & its pungent smell. It’s also known as the worst tasting fruit in the world. What’s it actually like to eat it? Continue Reading →
The Naughty Way to Catch a Havana Taxi
Thou shalt only take designated tourist taxis. That’s what my trusty guidebook had dictated in my pre-trip studies. For once I thought I might actually do some serious research on my destination prior to my arrival. I had never been to a communist country, my Spanish was limited to ‘dos cervazas, por favor’ and I was travelling solo. On day two of my trip, I left the well-highlighted, dog-eared guide in a taxi, all of my homework sped away into the streets, liberating me from such nonsense. Continue Reading →
Four Cheap Things to Do in East Toronto
You don’t have to board a plane or spend a fortune for a getaway. For readers in the GTA, Toronto has a big backyard and we’re exploring it in our local travel series.
This week, we went east to Scarborough and Durham to hike trails and dine on farm fare. You’d be surprised how much there is to do for city folk at very little cost.
Continue Reading →
Checking In: The American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem
Long before my trip to Israel and Palestine, I was hearing major hype about the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem. For decades, it’s been a hub for politicians, diplomats, foreign correspondents, and famous people like Lawrence of Arabia, Bob Dylan, Tony Blair, and John le Carré. But what was so special about this historic hotel in East Jerusalem? I travelled 9300 km to find out. Continue Reading →
Salalah, Oman: Where Magical Forests Can Grow in a Desert
One of my favourite places that I have traveled to (so far) is Salalah. It’s a coastal city in the hidden gem of Oman. The entire year Salalah is a desert: dried out land, little vegetation, and hot enough to cook eggs off the roof top of a car, but during the khareef, Salalah transforms into a land of lush green hills, waterfalls, and animals roaming grass fields. Continue Reading →