The Purple Passport

Seasoned advice for British Travellers

vacation

Must See Toronto Group Tour Destinations

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With a barrage of attractions, Toronto is certainly the place to visit if you are a planning a group trip. From museums to galleries, from the world famous CN Tower to the Toronto Islands, it has got everything to keep you up on your toes. The city also offers a wide array of musicals and performing arts. Now you might be wondering as to how to travel to Toronto and thereafter. Well, not to worry. Go for some affordtable Toroto tour bus rentals. Before you make a bucket list of the places which are a must visit in Toronto, check out this list. It might make your job easier.

CN Tower:

The 553-CN Tower is a must see. Towering the downtown, this tower can be seen from anywhere and everywhere around the city. So you can just enjoy the tower while sipping on a piping hot cuppa, sitting on a couch at your favourite restaurant. Also you can take a trip to Lake Ontario, if you want a better view of the tower. Built between the year 1972 and 1976, this tower was once the tallest standing structure in the world. You want to have a closer look of the tower and a wider look of the city, you should go to its highest viewing area, which is from the Sky Pod at 447 m above the city. The view from this place is magnificent.

Royal Ontario Museum:

The Royal Ontario Museum, also called the ROM, houses some of the exquisite pieces of art and craft from across the world. Its world class collection will make any art lover go weak in his’/her knees. Plus the architecture of the museum makes it all the more attractive.

Casa Loma:

Casa Loma is an exquisitely built castle which takes one back down the memory lane. Much like the castles in fairytales, this one is a riveting in every sense of the term. It was built for Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian multi-millionaire who was the first to exploit the resources of Niagara Falls. The castle has got 100 rooms and three dozen bathrooms. This castle exudes the essence of European art and culture. It has been turned into a museum now. Visitors can come down to the castle and gawk at its beauty.

Toronto Zoo:

Some 40 kms northeast of the city center, Toronoto’s zoo is a must visit place. It has a collection of several thousand animals. So if you are a group of wildlife photographers, Toronto zoo might come across as a delight to your eyes and camera. One of the major attractions here is the Panda. Plus, its grizzly bear, vast bison park, and impressive polarium are among the other attractions.

St Lawrence Market:

Built in the year 1850, St Lawrence hall place was as a meeting point for many. However, eventually the area around this hall turned into a market place. From flower vendors to food products, this market place has a lot to offer.

Entertainment district:

If New York has the Broadway, Toronto has the Entertainment district. This place comes to life in the evening with a bevy of theatre productions, concerts and other performing arts on the platter. Plus this area has a barrage of restaurants and hotels which make the place all the more lively.

So folks, these are the few hotspots which should definitely be on your list while you are planning a group trip to Toronto. City Hall, Eaton Center, Distillery district, High Park, Ontraio Science Center are among the other places which you should also visit while you or a trip to Toronto.

Kid Friendly attractions in South East Asia

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Southeast Asia is indeed a wonderland for families with kids. There are endless attractions in the region for the whole family. There are, of course, the typical must-see cities, attractions, and resort islands. Some of the most visited places are Bali, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Bangkok. Children love to explore nature, beaches and have loads of fun-filled activities. Along with planning where to go and what to do, one should be careful about their accommodations. Sabah hotels make for an excellent choice for families traveling with children as they have special deals and discounts along with top-notch amenities and facilities for the whole family. You will love the great food and a relaxed vibe at these hotels.

Bali, simply-great for families

Families how love beaches should visit Bali. The cultural destination of Southeast Asia works really well with children. There are bright and energetic outdoor activities such as dancing, singing and the theatre that is simply loved by the children. Explore local walks and hikes in and out of the rice paddies. Moreover, there is fantastic and delicious food to be enjoyed at those great bakeries.

The jungles and temples of Indonesia

It is truly a wonderland for the children who arrive in Indonesia. They enjoy the energetic pulse of the cities, the hustle, and bustle as well as the quiet and peace of the villages and outskirts. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must visit. The protected reserve and a temple complex shelters the Balinese macaques. Children love to watch the forest staff feeding sweet potatoes to the monkeys. Explore the temples within the jungle sanctuary, and those sacred temples were built in the 14th century.

Loads of fun in Singapore

Singapore is the ultimate destination for families.  With a boggling array of food and entertainment options, children love to explore its colorful neighborhoods. It is very it is easy to get around thanks to the well-established transport system. Visit the Sentosa Island and the Night Safari as well as the Science Centre. Singapore Zoo boasts of exotic and endangered animals and has the most extensive collection of orangutans. It is indeed a great experience to explore the modern and immaculately clean Singapore with plenty of family-friendly destinations and spacious hotels.

The wonderful country of Malaysia

Malaysia is a lot smaller and friendlier than Singapore but somewhat similar. One can easily spend a couple of weeks here with their children. It is indeed fun and exciting to explore Penang with so many spots to explorer and different cuisines. Sabah Oriental Hotel is trendy among families with kids as it has air-conditioned rooms and excellent dining options. Moreover, it is just minutes away from the IMAGO Shopping Mall.

Thailand, a perfect destination for kids

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia is world famous for its beaches. So families who love beaches and beach activities should arrive here. Railay and Ao Nang are both fantastic and very kid-friendly beaches. Kids love it here and enjoy walking on the sandy paths leading from one beach to another. You can rent a kayak or go for rock climbing and explore some caves. There are several good quality restaurants nearby on the beach where one can enjoy fresh seafood and other local delicacies.

Get off the beaten track in Vietnam

It is a fun and a unique experience for the whole family as they explore Vietnam. Do not miss the chance to experience Vietnamese life and travel like the locals and eat like them. You could travel by bus, rent a car or even a bike to reach a popular destination. It is a joy to explore the stunningly beautiful Phu Quoc islands of Vietnam. It is only in  Vietnam where you can experience dunes, white sand beaches, rice paddies, canyons as well as the busy cities, and quiet villages.

The ‘It’ Travel Destinations Of 2018

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Perhaps you’ve noticed through social media and the likes, the popular destinations to travel to this year. Perhaps you’ve even wondered what makes them so attractive, and why everyone seems to be in a rush to visit them.

While the usual popular destinations still remain – such as London, New York, Paris, etc; it seems as though this year travellers have unpacked a whole new set of popular destinations. Destinations that have a few things in common, surprisingly: they’re all about the sun, sand and sea, and kicking back and relaxing, while still learning a thing or two about different cultures, fascinating history and indulging in new tastes, smells and sights. Although some of these destinations are far from ‘cheap’, and you may just need to play Mega Millions online; there are a few that are easy on the pocket, and still offer a vacation experience of a lifetime.

Let’s get into the ‘it’ destinations of the year, and find out why they’re extraordinary. You may just find your new travel bucket list!

Tulum, Mexico

Without a doubt, Tulum comes in as a favourite when we speak of the ‘it’ travel destinations. Why so? Well, Tulum is rustic, yet luxurious; it’s incredibly beautiful, and one thing that stands out is the unique accommodation options on offer on the island which look rather whimsical/’boho’. Some of the hotels even look like tree houses, and others are situated over the ocean. It may just be the next Bora Bora or Maldives, as the honeymooners are flocking to Tulum in their numbers. But don’t be fooled, this is the perfect place even for solo travellers looking to take a break and reconnect with themselves and nature. Tulum is known for holding many spiritual retreats, including yoga retreats and many more. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate, relax and reconnect.

Source: 3 days away

Bali, Indonesia

Bali comes as no surprise, right? You’ve probably noticed for yourself just how popular Bali has become. Just a few years ago Bali was fairly ‘undiscovered’, and couldn’t compete with the likes tourist-central Thailand. Yet, today, Bali has become a tourist hotspot. The reason for this is that Bali is extremely reasonable in price, making it perfect for students and backpackers, and of course Bali is beautiful; with its pristine beaches and volcanoes dotted throughout the island. It is also deeply immersed in culture and history, as recognised by the many unique-looking temples and spiritual hideaways. This makes it the ideal locale for those seeking out an all-round adventure, packed with beach days, history tours, spiritual encounters and delicious food.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is yet another extremely popular city to visit, and has also only recently been ‘discovered’ by tourists. Cape Town has seen almost a 40% increase in tourism in the last three years – and there’s no wonder why. This city, although fairly built up, is immersed in natural beauty; from Table Mountain to the gorgeous beaches, the vineyards, and let’s not forget the incredible weather. Over and above all that, Cape Town was put on the map by the great Nelson Mandela. Just off the coast of Cape Town, on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27 year sentence after he challenged the apartheid government at the time. Robben Island has become one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and it sure is a hit with the tourists and locals alike. It goes without saying that the deep history, as well as the strong African culture that can be recognised through the foods, the languages and the traditional dress, makes Cape Town one of the most rich and diverse cities in the world.

Source: Le Petit Journal

Mykonos, Greece

While most of the above mentioned destinations are attracting students, honeymooners and anyone looking for a great break; Mykonos is a little different. Mykonos is attracting the celebrities in a big way, as well as those looking to party their way through their vacation. It has become known as ‘the party island’, similar to the likes of Ibiza in Spain. Mykonos is rather exclusive and the rates of hotels are incredibly pricey; as for the restaurants, beach bars and clubs. While Mykonos is stunning, with magical little beach coves dotted throughout the island, this is not what attracts the travelling folk. Be prepared to party from morning to night at the many extravagant beach bars; dance on tables at the exclusive restaurants and live it up in the hotels that scream grandeur!

The Maldives Islands

It’s a no brainer that the Maldives makes this list! For some reason there’s been a significant boost in the amount of travellers visiting this island. Of course we can put it down to the fact that the Maldives literally looks like heaven on earth; but there’s another reason why the Maldives has quickly become popular with travellers across the board, and this is thanks to the very reasonable packages that are on offer for this exquisite island. You’d think the Maldives would be a pricey option because it looks like paradise, and because many of the hotels are on the water – it just screams exclusivity, doesn’t it? And yes, you’re right, but don’t be fooled by this – there are plenty of accommodation options that are extremely well priced, and are just as comfortable, luxurious and utterly breathtaking.

3 Ways to Get Out on the Water in Seattle

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If you are a lover of water and everything that it entails, then Seattle offers you many options for doing just that. You just have to know where to go, and what to use in order to find your favorite attractions. So, where do you start? How do you go about enjoying the water attractions in the city of Seattle?

Use the Ferry Services for Transportation

Image via Flickr by thirteenthbat

One of the best ways to get around in Seattle and its vicinity is to make use of Washington State Ferries. This ferry service system consists of 28 ferries that travel across 10 routes.

If you want to go on a tour of Bainbridge Island and enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery or travel to Bremerton and visit the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship, the Washington State Ferry services will get you there. And you will be able to sightsee and enjoy the local attractions in peace until it’s time to go back again.

Generally speaking, if you want to tour the entire Puget Sound and see what’s on offer, the ferry services offer you the best chance to do so. But in case you do not have much time, it pays to find an IHG hotel in a great location with water views for your enjoyment.

Boat Rentals for Fun and Sports

It’s safe to say that fishing is indeed a sport. And in Seattle, you can rent a boat when you’re feeling the itch to release the reel. You can charter a fishing boat for salt-water fishing courtesy of Seattle fishing companies. You will then have access to experienced skippers and the right tackles so that you can finally catch salmon just like you have always wanted to. And it’s year-round too. What’s not to like about that?

You can also rent boats or kayaks for fun. Green Lakes Park offers you the chance to learn about sailing. And you can use your knowledge to set sail using the rental boats available. You can opt to be part of a group canoeing event if you would rather. Paddle boats, row boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boats are also available if you are looking for a fun workout.  And when you are done, there’s a café nearby to help you get your energy back up again.

Cruises and Sightseeing

What if you could go on a cruise and get to see a lot of Seattle even when you have minimal time to enjoy yourself?

You could start by booking the DUKW aka the Duck, which is an amphibious vehicle that travels on both land and sea, courtesy of Ride the Ducks of Seattle. You can get to view the Seattle waterfront, Pioneer Square, and even the downtown shopping district before you sail into Lake Union.

You can also book a whale watching tour that will take you to the San Juan Islands, where whales are frequently seen. Other cruises will enable you view whales in Puget Sound and the Salish Sea. You can also charter private cruise boats that will allow you to sightsee at a more relaxed pace.

These are just a few of the ways you can get out on the water. Between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle is a haven for water-lovers.

How to Survive Your Beach Vacation with Your New Baby

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Summer is almost here. It’s the best period of the year and many are surely planning to hit the beach and kick back after working extremely hard for the better part of the year. By now, most of us have made it a habit of carrying certain things such as a book, swimming costume & sunscreen when going to the beach. However, what does a parent(s) need to do when taking their newborn along?

It is, without doubt, an ingenious idea to take your latest addition in your family on a beach vacation and start making memories as soon as possible. But it is also wise to take along some nifty baby beach gear to help make the experience at the beach go as smoothly as possible. Here are some top tips for your first excursion to the beach with your baby:

1. Pitch a Baby Beach Tent

This is obviously the most important thing to do when going to a beach holiday with a baby. Baby beach tents are lightweight, easy to assemble and can provide much needed shade for your little one. Not only that, but it will also help protect them from the wind, sand and UV rays. We never head to the beach without our beach baby tent.  You can see a selection of our favourite baby beach tents by clicking here.

2. Carry Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an obviously important item to carry whilst going to the beach, no matter what age you are. On top of the baby beach tent, you should take along special baby sunscreen and apply it regularly to your baby. Don’t forget to take a wide-brim sun hat with as well.

3. Use a Clear Plastic Zip-Lock Bag to Pack Your Clothes

We all know that beach sand pretty much tends to get in everywhere. At some point your baby might get a bit frustrated with the scratchy sand (or by the wet togs).  Having some clean clothes in a zip-lock bag is a good idea, so you can change them into some soft clean clothes when needed.

4. Carry Lots of Water and Snacks

Everyone needs to be well fed and hydrated during a trip to the beach. If you are breastfeeding, hydration is even more important than normal.  Also, don’t forget to come prepared with bottles and formulae if your baby is bottle-fed.

5. Keep the Visit to the Beach Short

The thought of spending the entire day at the beach, relaxing, sunbathing and reading a lovely inspirational book looks like a picturesque holiday. Unfortunately, this is impossible when you have your baby around. That said; keep the trip to the beach nice, sweet and short. An hour or two is plenty when you have your little baby with you.

6. Pack as Light as Possible!

Heavy bags weighing down on you while you’re looking for a nice spot at the beach is the last you’d want to deal with at the beach, especially with a baby in tow.

Keep it simple and only take along the most practical and essential items. Things like a baby beach bag, disposable swimming diapers, a pop-up baby beach tent, a water resistant baby beach blanket, beach shoes, baby powder (work wonders in removing sand from the body), and baby beach toys will make your beach life much easier.

Spending some time at the beach with your loved ones is always memorable. Taking your baby to the beach for the first time will be a memory that both of you will cherish for many years to come.

The above tips will make your beach holiday with your baby nice, sweet and enjoyable. Remember to bring your camera to document this special trip. Happy beach holiday!

Author Bio:

This guest post is brought to you by Andrzej & Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers, a widely successful family travel blog. They love sharing their passion for travel with people all around the globe. 

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