Wanted: All-Inclusive Resort Blog Site. Apply Within!

April 28, 2012 · Filed under Blog, travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

I know it has been a while since I last posted … and I’m sorry for that. I do have some footage of my dance class that I need to edit and get up as soon as possible; as well as, a funny music video we shoot on a down day while on a destination shoot. I promise I’ll have some content for you soon. I’ve been pretty busy with traveling for work and getting things organized on that front, so I haven’t had time to sit down and dedicate to you. With my apology for blog-senteeism out of the way, it brings me to why I’m back for this brief moment. I’ve been researching blog sites for the past month trying to come up with content to add to the blog site we are working on for my company. I work for a vacation company, so we sell all inclusive vacation packages and we, like everyone else, want to blog. It’s part of our social media strategy. However, finding relevant information to add to this blog has been trying. There are millions of travel blogs on worldwide web. Ok, maybe not millions, but there is a hell of a lot. People have travelled all over the world and back and documented their travels on their blog. But the common thread between all of these travel blogs is that none of them focus on all inclusive vacations, or at least I haven’t found one that is dedicated to it. It is sort of like, if you talk about your all inclusive vacation, you are a persona non grata! The adventure travellers are looking down there noses at you, from the top of  Mount Kilimanjaro, with an air of reverse travel blog-snobbery. It seems, the more couches you surfed, safari’s you took, hostels you crashed in, dirt roads you transversed, African babies you snuggled, Canadian flags on your MEC backpack, vaccinations you received and remote destinations you visited, makes you more of a “traveller” and more worthy to tell your tale.  Let’s face it, there are probably more people spending money to stay at all inclusive hotels than their are Nomadic Matt’s but you would never know it based on the types of travel blogs that are out there. Is it that you all inclusive people are ashamed to admit you pampered yourself for a week or two weeks (or three or four) out of the year? Are you afraid that people will think that you are shallow because you spent a week lying on a beach catching up on that novel you bought months ago (or downloaded on your Kobo) instead of building a house for Habitat for Humanity or doing a home stay with a local family? Don’t be ashamed, we all deserve a break once and a while … you work damn hard! Obviously, people are writing about their hotel stays because the world’s largest travel site, Trip Advisor, has millions of reviews of hotels worldwide. Do you feel safer contributing to a “review” site than building your own followers on your own blog site? Is that it? Help me understand the reason because right now I can’t understand why the only all inclusive blog sites are hosted by travel company’s, such as ourselves, or they are categorized as hotel or resort “review” sites. All Inclusive go-ers aren’t all bad. Yes some can be selfish winers that think they deserve the world just because they spent $1000 for a week vacation. Some people simply want to spend the one or two week vacation they are allotted from work in a nice hotel, on a nice beach, in a safe compound, instead of worrying about where there next meal is going to come from or if they are going to robbed of their HD camera or iPad (yes, I called you tech savvy adventure travellers out). Isn’t that the reason we take a vacation, to not worry? They’ve worked hard, saved their money and deserve some “all about me time”.  I’ve met people at all inclusive resorts that have frequented them so much that they’ve pretty much adopted the workers as family. They provide clothing and essentials to them whenever they visit the destination. They keep in touch and also visit family homes when ever they are in the country. That doesn’t sound selfish to me? Everyone has a comfort level and should not be ostracized for adhering to their own. Now before our adventure traveller friends get all up in arms about the damaging effects of all inclusive resorts to host communities, I’ll have you know that I am very aware of sustainable tourism and the massive impact that all inclusive resorts can have on a host environment; however, I am also aware of the Multiplier Effect of Tourism and how tourism dollars trickle down to the various sectors within a host environment that can benefit the community (and that family that you have arranged a homestay). In conclusion, consider this my call to action! I’m calling out to all my all inclusive resort junkies to create a blog. Most are free to use and since you are already writing on Trip Advisor, why don’t you just contribute to your own blog? There is an audience that wants to read about your vacation in xyz destination, what there is to do that, what the hotel is like, and how much to tip Javier the cute Dominican bartender. I would blog about all inclusive resorts that I visit on this site, but it would be a conflict of interest and I quite like my job and don’t want to loose it. If you know of any blog sites, please feel free to leave it in the comment section below. If you agree with me, please leave a comment below. And if you are an adventure traveller and fit the description of any of anything listed above and have taken offence to it, please know that I love and respect your work but you can leave your comments too.

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Travel and Dance … the Ultimate Experience.

February 23, 2012 · Filed under Dance, travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Ok, so you know I love to travel, that is no secret … but I think my second love would be dance. I am that person that dances the whole night long no matter the genre of music. I’m also that person who joins every dance lesson at the resort, even though I already know most of the dance styles. It is amazing when I can marry the two, Travel and Dance as it makes for the best travel experience in my eyes. I recently became interested in a dance style out of Angola called Kizomba. I’ve watched many YouTube videos on the style and thought to myself “I think I would be good at that style”. I believe it to be a combination of Bachata, Salsa, and Tango, all styles that I am familiar with. When I found out that a dance school here in Toronto was offering classes, I leaped at the chance to learn. And here begins my Kizomba journey… stay tuned!!

Check out the film I produced as a promo for the class. Hope you like!

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Coolest University in the World

January 16, 2012 · Filed under Hotel, travel · Tagged , , , , , , ,

 

Bell Boy Training

I used to think my alma mater, Florida International University, was the best Tourism and Travel institute in the world. In addition to providing a sound education, and located on the totally cool Biscayne bay (studying by the waterfront now how cool is that?!) we got to do totally righteous, cool things. For instance, we went on a weekend class trip to the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean to learn about the cruise industry. I took not one, but two wine appreciation courses (some of my hardest classes I tell yuh). A senior class trip to Peru, semesters abroad in Lucerne and China; also, we were able to take part in the best wine and food festival in North America (if not on the planet) the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. It’s no wonder that I graduated both undergrad and graduate school with top honors, because learning was … well … fun! But, on a recent trip to Huatulco, I met students that may have me bet in the “best University education in the world” category.
Our first night at the Barceló Huatulco, as we listened to one hell of a Spanish Jazz singer serenade an after dinner audience of full bellied travelers, we noticed a caravan of young people filing through the lobby. I thought maybe they were a group of students doing a hotel site visit, but it was pretty late in the evening for classes so I quickly dispelled that notion and continued enjoying the singer and her three-piece band. The next day, we saw students all around the resort, some helping the workers, others frolicking in the pool. So curiosity leads me to inquire, what’s the deal-le-o? I pulled one aside and asked “hablas ingles? (do you speak English?)”. She responded with a Spanish-English accent, “a little bit”. Great! I thought to myself and I begin my barrage of questioning. This is what I discovered … it was a group of 75 students studying Travel and Tourism at the National Polytechnic Institute in Huatulco. As part of their degree requirements, they have to do an internship of sorts which consists of actual job experience at a hotel or resort. The internship occurs every six months where they spend one week (yes five days) at a resort shadowing in an area of the resort that is of interest to them … here’s the kicker, they are only required to work one eight hour shift and the rest of the time is either free time or they get to do a cool activity. Even my informant revealed it is more fun than an actual job! Umm heck yeah! That rocks! Imagine, getting to go to a resort, with some of your buddies, every six months, and get your accommodations, meals and activities covered and your only pre-requisite is to work one eight hour shift?!! Sign me up! It does seem like a sweet deal and better than any internship that I’ve ever done. Sorry Rachel Ray, it’s even better than hanging with you at the Burger Bash at the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
I truly believe education should be fun. Educators that incorporate these types of interactive and enjoyable learning experiences will definitely have more engaged and productive students. Furthermore, in my opinion, you get more out of your College or University experience if you leave with pleasant memories and experiences rather than 100 page essays on topics you can’t even recall now.

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Happy 2012!

January 2, 2012 · Filed under travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

 

Happy 2012! Don’t you just love a new year? I do. It’s a time to start fresh. New beginnings … starting a new with 365 new days … big exhale as we are reborn (or at least we think) . So what is the plan? What? You don’t have a plan for the New Year? Well I sure hope it will involve the big “T”.  Yes T for TRAVEL!!! I promised myself that I will travel to a new destination every year of my life. Somewhere I’ve never been.  So far I’ve kept that promise to myself. Last year I went to Dominican Republic for the first time, Cayo Santa Maria Cuba, St. Maarten, and finally Huatulco, so I think I did pretty darn good for myself (pat on the back). But I want to go further. My career affords me the ability to travel; which is great, but I want to venture overseas this year. I’ve had my sights set on India for sometime so I believe 2012 will be the year (fingers crossed). So what’s on your Travel bucket list? Having a hard time deciding, well here are some of my top picks for 2012:

Belize

Every since I met one of my college mates who was from the Central American country, I’ve longed to go. With the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, and more Mayan ruins to explore, it’s certainly a gem worth discovering.

http://www.travelbelize.org/

London

The union jack makes a return. Last year for the Royal Wedding, this year will be for the summer Olympics, and Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee – marking 60 years on the throne (not toilet) … You go girl! (quote Beyonce’s song “who runs the world Girls!” … London is always a hot spot for travel. Don’t let the pound price tag scare you off, I hear there is a whole slue of free things to do. Just got to look (or have a link tah-dah …

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/london/travel-tips-and-articles/76482

Ancient Mayan Civilizations

Well, according to the Mayan calendar, this is our last year. Supposedly on 12.21.12, the Mayan calendar ends, which is suppose to mark the end of the world … or so people have interpreted it to be.  So places like Belize (mentioned above), Riviera Maya Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala are great places to track Mayan history and visit great sites of ruins. Having spent time in Riviera Maya, I can attest to the wonder and intrigue that the ruins bring.

www.mayanruins.info

Brazil

Hot women (models), Hot men (footballers), Hot weather … Hot destination. I don’t think Brazil will ever go out of style. Two years away from FIFA and total soccer domination, it is probably best to make a trip now when it’s still relatively affordable. Do remember Canadians and Americans do need a visa to travel to the country so plan ahead.

http://www.braziltour.com/

Here are some lists compiled by industry heavy hitters:

FROMMER’S: Bay of Fundy, Beirut, Chongqing, China, Curaçao, Fukuoka, Japan, Ghana, Girona, Spain, Greenwich, London, Kansas City, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.

LONELY PLANET TOP CITIES: Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, Cadiz, Darwin, Australia, Guimaraes, Portugal, Hong Kong, London, Muscat, Oman, Orlando, Santiago, Chile, Stockholm

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER: Dresden, Germany, Guatemala, Istria, Croatia, Koh Lipe, Thailand, Muskoka, Ontario, North Colombia, Oman, Sonoma, California, Sri Lanka, Virunga Volcanoes, Africa

TRAVEL + LEISURE:  Abu Dhabi, Capital of UAE, Bentonville, Arkansas, Costa Navarino, Greece, Hamburg, Germany, Northern Coast of Mozambique, Panama, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Southern Bahia, Brazil, Toronto, Ontario, Xishuangbanna, China.

What ever you decide, make sure you have a prosperous 2012. Happy traveling!

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Meet … Plan … and Away We Go!

October 26, 2011 · Filed under travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Have you ever had that  “I need to just pack it all in travel the world and write about it” kind of feeling? You sit and day dream about it and think of the lotto 649 slogan “Imagine the Freedom”. You spend countless hours reading your favorite travel blogs you think to yourself, “Man O man!  Aren’t they are so lucky. I would love to do that … but where would I even start?” And the idea just fades away like the American Idol season five-winner  … yah I can’t remember who it was either.   That aged old though “Where would I even start?” was probably the launching point for the Meet Plan Go meeting that I attended on October 17th at the Hard Rock Cafe Toronto. Hosted by Janice Waugh aka Solo Traveler, the event brought together several individuals with a common goal … *exhale* A Career Break. To be absolutely honest, I have no intention of doing a career break, my career just started to take off. I attended the event to network and meet fellow bloggers…although I would love to one day travel the world and write about it … oh wait, I do do that now (I love my job) … I suppose, curiosity was what really brought me to the event.

Meet Plan Go Toronto was a panel discussion of Career Break aficionado: Evelyn Hannon (Journeywomen), Mareriellen Ward (Breathe Dream Go), Deb & Dave (Planet D, and the Rick Storey Family. All panelists brought a different perspective of Career Break based on their current life situation. From Solo traveling, to couples, to families, each with their own advice that catered to the various stages of Career Break planning.

Following an introduction from Evelyn Hannon with a profound and personal message suggesting that one gives into their fears, our host invited everyone in the room to stand up, introduce themselves to the people around them and express their Career Break goals. The belief is, in order to make your goal happen, you have to express it out loud. I felt a tad silly as I heard other people around me with clear visions as to what they want to accomplish particularly with regards to taking a Career Break. All I could come up with was … I haven’t really given it much thought … which was the truth.

Marriellen Ward represented the solo traveler and her Career Break had taken her to India. She revealed that loss had pushed her to make that step.  Once on her journey she became aware of her global existence. Now that is deep.

Dave and Deb, Canada’s adventure couple represented the couple’s perspective. With thriving careers in the film industry, they decided that they wanted more out of life. They said that they now go through life with the moto “anyone can do it” you have to simply act on your decision. They addressed the fear that many have which is the dreaded dum dum dum “Re-entry”. The question of “what happens upon my return? Will I have a job?” They said in their case, new opportunities tended to appear upon their return, and the new opportunities were a step higher. It’s sort of like when one door closes another one opens.

Rick and Helen Storey represented the family career break. They uprooted there family and traveled around the world. They believed it was the best thing for their children.  The children were able to learn valuable lessons in history, social studies and geography simply through their everyday travel. Essentially the world became a great big interactive classroom. Additionally, the Storey family shared some of their must have travel essentials … 25 to be exact. Their Canadian Flag adorned knapsack included everything from yellow fever cards to quick dry underwear.

To sum up the discussion they panelist suggested that Career Breaks require a great deal of Planning – trip and financial planning. The planning should also include a re-entry plan. They suggest to start off small, meaning a month long trip to get acclimated to time away from home. They also stressed that it is important to leave on good terms.

I must admit the evening was informative and interesting. I’m sure those planning a Career Break found the information and resources invaluable … as for me, I was one number away from winning the Grand Prize of a $1000 travel voucher but I left with several new twitter followers … that works for me. One door closes … another one opens…

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The Future of Tourism Review

October 2, 2011 · Filed under travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On Tuesday September 27, 2011, coinciding with United Nations World Tourism Day, I ventured into the city to attend an event about my favourite topic … Tourism!!! …  but more specifically the Future of Tourism. I was invited to this event by my close and personal friend Bruce Poon Tip, the founder of, the company formally known as, GAP Adventures (I will explain the significance of the statement later in the post). Okay yes a slight exaggeration.  He isn’t a personal friend or close friend for that matter, but he did invite me (and I’m sure many others) to the event via twitter … he follows me you know (pop my collar). The evening was advertised as an evening of discussion, debate and exchange with speakers: Erika Harms, the Executive Director of Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Megan Epler-Wood, the Executive Director of Planeterra, renowned Travel blogger, Gary Arndt, and the in comparable founder of, the company formally known as, Gap Adventures (don’t worry, I promise I will explain). Additionally, we were to expect a special message from scientist and climate change activist David Suzuki

I was extremely keen to find out what this panel of Tourism visionaries would revel as the “Future of Tourism”. So much so, I made sure I was in line waiting more than an hour before the doors opened… furthermore Bruce told me not to be late!!! Okay so he tweeted it, but I know it was secretly meant for me. As I watched all the VIP’s heading pass the usher to the special VIP reception, I heard a women in line snort … “VIP’s? That’s not very “GAP” like.” It is funny how a company can create such a prominent “anti-establishment” identity that any behavior resembling “classism” is considered uncharacteristic and scoffed at. Anyway, my OTP paid off as I was able to secure prime real estate seating in the Winter Garden Theatre (of course behind several rows of VIP’s) but it didn’t matter because I was ready with pen and note book in hand (archaic I know, especially when dude beside me whips out his iPad). I was ready to take copious notes on the invaluable information that was about to be shared in this forum (happy happy joy joy). The tone was set right off the bat! A “Gapper” video set to the Jackson Fives “Can you feel it” turned theatre into party central.

A pretaped message from David Suzuki opened the discussion. In addition to stating how Tourism is important for educating people about places and receiving a greater understanding of cultures (sentiments shared in a UNWTO address on World Tourism Day) he also went further to call out big business as not being sustainable if they are focused solely on growing profits (hear hear Suzuki – San).

Erika Harms was the first to address the crowd about sustainable tourism. Much of what she had to say wasn’t anything that I hadn’t heard before in Dr. Nancy Del Risco’s Sustainable Tourism class at FIU. I think I have the definition of sustainable tourism forever engrained in the fiber of my being. For those of you who are not familiar with sustainable tourism the definition is as follows (take note as this is also the answer to question 3 on the Sustainable tourism mid-term):

Tourism envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled with maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems

Source: GSTC website

In addition, Harms introduced the campaign that the GSTC has launched to increase awareness about sustainability. In short, enduring cultures, educating, employing and protecting environments were some of the key points of her address.

Shannon Stowell from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) was an unexpected addition to the evening. After explaining what ATTA is all about, he shared a promising statistics about adventure travel. Apparently, 16% of travelers are leading towards adventure travel (it’s okay insurance companies, you can go ahead and salivate).  He also announced the location of the 2012 Adventure Travel World Summit … wait for it … wait for it … the hint was an oversized cowbell … can you guess? Switzerland (ding ding ding, you win!)

Next up to grace the stage was Megan Epler-Wood, the Executive Director of Planeterra. With all the exuberance of a schoolgirl, she skipped on stage and began to talk about all the wonderful initiatives that Planeterra has spearheaded around the world. The key point of her address is that all of Planaterra’s projects were geared toward creating independency (oh and feel free to leave a donation on your way out).

Travel blogger/world traveler Gary Ardnt was next on stage. His speech was entertaining as all Heck! He revealed if we want to understand the future of travel we have to understand technology. He went on to explain how technology is molding our culture and the amalgamation of work and leisure into just life is becoming more evident. He suggests, as long as you are a “Knowledge Worker” (sorry to all the dairy farmers in Wisconsin, you don’t qualify) you can essentially work from anywhere because Internet is everywhere … it may not be fast or free but it is available! (Sweeet, pack your bags and spin your globe, whereever it stops, that were we will go). In essence, “If you can work at Starbucks, you can work anywhere”. Thoroughly entertained by Gary, I thought, well he is a tough act to follow…

But then the Mayor of … altogether now, the company formally know as GAP Adventures, took the stage to introduce their commander in chief (nobody said Obama was coming?? Oh no they meant Bruce Poon Tip) Bruce took the stage like a rock star! After a little dig at our illustrious … ahem Mayor of Toronto (and Nickleback) … he began to address the crowd.  He summed up the question of the “Future of Tourism” in three letters … YOU! (or one letter if you are one of these new age social media gen-Y-ers)! A charismatic leader and entertaining speaker he kept us engaged and hanging off of his every word. He announced that “75% of travel is travelers on an all inclusive package” (Cha-ching) but the frightening statistic is that for every $100 USD spent, only $5 USD goes back to the economy of that country … Huh?! (Whoa Nelly, don’t press book just yet). After dispelling the notion that we will be one day become eco-green-sustainable-responsible-ethical tourist, Bruce (yup we are on a first name basis) continued to explain a bit about the bottom line (people, planet and profit) and how business models have to change because consumers are becoming savvier (that word always makes me think of Captain Jack Sparrow … SAVVY) Wait, I thought I was at a “Future of Tourism” debate, not a Harvard Business School undergraduate lecture??  A free Ivy League first year lecture … oh yeah, bring it on the Professor Poon Tip. Humorous antidotes (entrepreneurial are whores and I’m going to space Bitches) mixed with the impactual initiatives that the company performs in order to “change peoples lives” resonated throughout the packed auditorium. One of the poignant parts of the evening was when Bruce revealed to the audience in attendance a huge announcement about his company. That very evening it was revealed to an audience of employees, travel agents, educators, travelers and personal twitter friends such as myself that the company had decided (arm twist) to change it’s name. They would no longer be called Gap Adventures, and the new name would be G Adventures (it all makes sense now). Long story short, they have been in a lawsuit with Gap Clothing over the name GAP, so instead of continuing to spend money on legal fees (which I’m sure was not sustainable for the bank account) they decided to drop the “AP” and continue changing people’s lives. I’m sure there are a lot of loyal fans that will boycott the clothing brand now (haha take that suckers). After announcing a few more innovative G Adventure company initiatives – a new brochure concept, lifetime deposits and a mobile App (so much for NOT promoting the business, very slick Poon Tip), the two and ½ hour exchange ended with a yet another entertaining viral video promoting the message FREEDOM (choreographed to George Michaels song of the same name) showing that G-ers (can’t call them Gappers anymore, maybe go with Original G and a cool hand signal … just a thought but make sure it’s not patented) really have the perfect work/fun balance! If my current job wasn’t so awesome and kickass, I probably would have applied for a position at G Adventures immediately after I left the theater.

I must admit the evening was a successful engagement of laughs, maverick thinking, and an exchange of ideas and schools of thought. Were there any groundbreaking revelations exposed that evening … no not really … the messages that I took from the evening were personal. Additionally I felt a reemergence of a former me … a right out of University me … full ideas and hopes and dreams about an industry that I am so very passionate about. To conclude, I took from the evening the G Adventure core values “LOVE –LEAD- EMBRACE – CREATE – DO” (and a sweet G – Adventure T -shirt I copped for free).

If you would like to see the Webcast of “Future of Tourism—an Evening of Discussion, Debate and Creative Exchange” visit the website www.futourism.org and follow the link to webcast. Enjoy!

Oh one last thing … although this was a free (pay what you feel it is worth on your way out) event, I think it was like a MasterCard commercial … Priceless. I did donate to Planeterra because it is a great organization supporting a great cause. Also, I can’t wait for the new brochure to come out because G-Adventures will be taking me to Asia in 2012 baby! (I won’t be stealing the itinerary off the website and using the App to use all of your food and accommodation contacts).

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20 of the Most Ridiculous Complaints by Travellers

September 19, 2011 · Filed under travel · Tagged , , ,

While skimming the Toronto Star this weekend, I came across this article that totally made me LOL … no word of a lie, these have got to be the MOST ridiculous complaints I have every heard … and trust me, I’ve heard a lot in my 12 years in the industry.

A recent survey from Thomas Cook and the Association of British Travel Agents revealed  by holiday-makers made to their travel agent.

1. “I think it should be explained in the brochure that the local store does not sell proper biscuits like custard creams or ginger nuts.”

2. “It’s lazy of the local shopkeepers to close in the afternoons. I often needed to buy things during ‘siesta’ time — this should be banned.”

3. “On my holiday to Goa in India, I was disgusted to find that almost every restaurant served curry. I don’t like spicy food at all.”

4. “We booked an excursion to a water park but no-one told us we had to bring our swimming costumes and towels.”

5. A tourist at a top African Game Lodge overlooking a water hole, who spotted a visibly aroused elephant, complained that the sight of this rampant beast ruined his honeymoon by making him feel “inadequate.”

6. A woman threatened to call police after claiming that she’d been locked in her hotel room by staff. In fact, she had mistaken the “do not disturb” sign on the back of the door as a warning to remain in the room.

7. “The beach was too sandy.”

8. “We found the sand was not like the sand in the brochure.Your brochure shows the sand as yellow but it was white.”

9. A guest at a Novotel in Australia complained his soup was too thick and strong. He was inadvertently slurping the gravy at the time.

10. “Topless sunbathing on the beach should be banned. The holiday was ruined as my husband spent all day looking at other women.”

11. “We bought ‘Ray-Ban’ sunglasses for five euros from a street trader, only to find out they were fake.”

12. “No one told us there would be fish in the sea. The children were startled.”

13. “It took us nine hours to fly home from Jamaica to England, it only took the Americans three hours to get home.”

14. “I compared the size of our one-bedroom apartment to our friends’ three-bedroom apartment and ours was significantly smaller.”

15. “The brochure stated: ‘No hairdressers at the accommodation.’ We’re trainee hairdressers — will we be OK staying there?”

16. “There are too many Spanish people. The receptionist speaks Spanish. The food is Spanish. Too many foreigners now live abroad.”

17. “We had to queue outside with no air conditioning.”

18. “It is your duty as a tour operator to advise us of noisy or unruly guests before we travel.”

19. “I was bitten by a mosquito, no-one said they could bite.”

20. “My fiancé and I booked a twin-bedded room but we were placed in a double-bedded room. We now hold you responsible for the fact that I find myself pregnant. This would not have happened if you had put us in the room that we booked.”

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Junior Jump Up – Junior Carnival 2011

August 1, 2011 · Filed under Local · Tagged , , , , ,

On July 16th 2011, Toronto was entertained by little masqueraders who participated in the Junior Carnival. Jane street was filled with colour, sound and little one’s jumping and dancing in the hot sun like they’ve been doing it for years … and some of them were not more than 2 years old!!! The day was a huge success and if this is any indication of the future of Mas in Toronto…we are in good hands.

Produced by Urbantravelite Productions

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WHAT’S HOT? SUMMER IN TDOT!!!

June 24, 2011 · Filed under Local, travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TO Skyline by Craig Chung Timeless Productions

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no, not Christmas, or back to school..it’s SUMMER in Tdot (aka Toronto). After 9 months of winter, it’s finally here!!! I’m so glad because I honestly believed I wasn’t going to make it..especially around the vicinity of February/March, there were some very hairy moments I tell ya.. But, alias, it’s here and I’m like a pig in mud, a kid in a candy store, and any other idioms used to express ones elation for things that make you want to fist pump. The weather is warming up, the sun is shining, I get to wear all my summer sandals and open toed shoes and most of all I get to start planning what summer festivals I plan to attend. Toronto has so many festivals and events to choose from in the summer time. My summer weekends are always jam packed with fun things to do in and around the city. Admittedly, I’m sometime selfish with my summer event schedule, but this time I share some of my favorites:

 

TD Jazz Festival – June 24 – July 3

This festival has a lot of acclaimed Jazz artists (that only my Dad knows), but I’m looking forward to the Legendary Roots and Bootsy (yeah baby) Collins performance.

Pride Week – June 24 – July 3

Said to be the Largest Pride Celebration in the World, Pride week is a host of activities, events, parties and parades celebrating the LGBT community. Sadly, this will be the first year that I miss Pride but I will be there in spirit. Dream Big Boys and Girls!

Corso Italia Festival – July 2-3

Streets are shut down, and filled with RED, WHITE and GREEN pride for this two-day festival celebrating Italian culture. The best part hands down is counting the Jersey Shore look-alikes.

Scotia Bank Chin International Picnic – July 1-3

This is the largest FREE (bold, highlight, underscore, underscore) Multicultural Picnic. It’s a family friendly event that showcases the diversity that makes up Toronto. Pack a blanket and some sandwiches and enjoy the day with the family at this FREE event.

Afrofest – July 7 -10

A celebration of Afrocentric culture with music, food, and culture that is representative of all countries that makes up the Motherland. If the food doesn’t draw you in, or the many vendors, the pulsating drums will have you dancing to beat.

Salsa on St. Claire – July 7 – 10

This weekend is normally a busy one for me because I’m usually running from one side of the city to the other to not miss a beat. Salsa on St. Claire is one of my favorites because I get to dance salsa for hours on end. Live music, dance lessons, lots of food and blocks worth of dance floor space. What more can a Salsa junkie ask for.

Summerlious – July 8 – 24

150 restaurants around the city participate in offering a 3 course prix fixe menus at discounted prices. It’s typically an opportunity to try out a restaurant that you won’t normally be able to try. It’s also a perfect opportunity to impress on a first date.

Beaches Jazzfest July 15 – 24

So after you have impressed the date at a Summerlicious restaurant you can plan a picnic at the beaches and take in the ambience and music of the Beaches Jazzfest. It’s may not be a beach in the Caribbean or South of France, but little bars and cafes along the Beaches strip or the beach itself, sets the tone for a romantic evening out.

Scotia Bank Caribbean Carnival (formally Caribana) July 12 – August 1

One of the Largest Caribbean Carnivals in North America recently went through a name change, and rebranding but that won’t stop it from being one of he best Carnivals in the world. Many events make up this festival but it all culminates in a huge colourful street parade full of (as my folks call it) beads and bikinis.

Taste of the Danforth August 5 – 7

A celebration of the Best of Greece…FOOOD! Opa!

Jerkfest August 6-7

This is not a celebration of the biggest A-hole you may know, this is a celebration of the Jamaican cooking style/seasoning “Jerk”. Simply everything and anything that can be marinated in the seasoning … IS!!Be aware, lines can be very long but once you get your hands on the succulent, spicy, goodness, only then will you realize it was all worth the wait.

Masala, Mehndi, Masti August 19 – 21

I really think I may have been East Indian in a past life. I love the music, the food and the clothing. Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a big Bollywood fan also, so this festival satisfies the Indian in me. A celebration of East Indian culture, food, music, and best of DANCE!

Hot and Spicy Fest September 2 -5

Okay, so most of my favorite summer festival are food related..it’s not my fault that we have some of the best Chefs and street food vendors in the world (bias I know)! This festival definitely lives up to its namesake .. because it’s muy Caliente!

International Airshow September 2 – 5

Although I will probably receive hate mail from tree hugging environmentalist that think that the Airshow an abomination; as well as a, gas guzzling, noise polluting worthless waste of tax payer money..oh well, I love the airshow!!! It’s free, it’s exciting and satisfies my addiction to all things metal and airborne.

 

Those are some of my picks; I love to hear some of yours! Post a comment!

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It’s not ETTE – TI – ADD! Fun Facts about Etihad Airways

June 15, 2011 · Filed under Air Planes, travel · Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I had to recently say goodbye to a colleague of mine, as he accepted a position overseas to fly for Etihad Airways, or as I would joke, went to make that oil money bizznatch. As time approached for him to depart, I began to feel a bit of sadness. For one, I was losing the only piece of Pilot eye candy remaining at the Airline; as well as, my adult crush; secondly, the Airline was losing a talented young Pilot, and thirdly, I…an educated, self proclaimed urbantravelite, and travel aficionado, knew squat about this airline that seduced my friend into accepting a job miles a way from friends and family. So although HE may think this post is about HIM (don’t you don’t you don’t you), it really isn’t..it’s just some fun facts that I found out about Etihad Airways…

Did you know? Etihad’s hub is Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is said to be the richest city in the world, but before oil was discovered in the 1950’s it was known for camel herding and date farming. Even the camels are rich now!

Did you know? Etihad means “united” in Arabic; therefore, there are technically TWO United Airways in the world.

Did you know? Etihad had to write off a brand new airbus, estimated cost USD274.5 Million, when it crashed into a concrete blast fence during an engine test. I would hate to have been the person that had to report that expense to the Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan (and is that person still alive??)

Did you know? Bollywood star Katrina Kaif (named the most beautiful Asian Woman in the world for 4 consecutive years from 2008 – 2011) is the airline’s brand ambassador and has even filmed a dance sequence in one of its first class lounges.

Did you know? Etihad First class guests receive amenity kits containing luxury products from Salvatore Ferragamo. Salvatore Ferragamo was a famous Italian shoe designer who created the cage heel and wedge heel. And…said amenity kits have been auctioned off on Ebay for a 100 dollar price tag! (HIM, if you are reading this..1 First class amenity kit please)

Did you know? Etihad Business class guest receive designer skincare products by Aigner. However, that’s not sooo special because other top Airlines such as Qatar, China Airlines, Thai Airways provide passengers with Aigner amenity kits as well..But a 200ml bottle of Aigner Black body lotion can retail for upwards of $35, so it’s not so bad. (HIM, a business class one will suffice as well)

Did you know?  Italian haute couture fashion designer, Ettore Bilotta, designs Etihad uniforms. Couldn’t find any exciting information on him, but he has a great website.

As I wish HIM much success along his new career path (and beg for an amenity kit or a buddy pass or both), I hope this post was insightful and you learned a little about one of the fastest growing Airlines in the world. If you have ever flown with Etihad Airways, please feel free to share your experiences. I would love to hear. Oh and it’s not’s pronounced ETTE – TI – ADD!

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