Experience the other North American Country - GO CANADA!

When you’re thinking of a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a vacation destination with a lot of historical sites and adventure, does Canada come to mind? If it does, continue reading about second largest country in the world and what it has to offer.  If it doesn’t, then you should still continue to read the following and allow us to introduce you to a beautiful country, one that is closer to home than you might realize.  Depending on whether you are traveling from the East Coast, West Coast, or from the Mid West, there are cities within Canada that are easily accessible from various points within the United States. 

We  are always asked, “What documents are required to cross the Canadian Border?”  “Do we need passports; can we use our driver’s license, or birth certificates?”  For all American citizens entering into Canada, you are required to present a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card. NEXUS members receive a special travel card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through both U.S. and Canadian border controls. For entry back into the United States either by land or by sea, you MUST present a valid U.S. Passport, passport card, NEXUS Card, or an Enhanced Drivers License.  Children under 16 are only required to present proof of U.S. citizenship.

Canadian

Now that we’ve given you the information on how to get into Canada, let’s talk about why you should visit and where you should go.  Since there are so many different cities within this beautiful country, you could plan an amazing vacation to satisfy everyone’s needs; it all depends on what interests you and the time of the year you are traveling.  For instance, if you want to take an Alaskan cruise, (see our March 11^th Blog – From Hiking to Cruising, Alaska has it all), you might want to consider departing from Vancouver, British Columbia. If you are looking to visit the famed Niagara Falls, (yes there are two sides, one in New York and one on the Canadian side) then you would want to arrange your travel to include a stay in Toronto.  If you are looking for a little bit of a historical tour, then you should definitely check out Montreal and Quebec City.  And finally, if you are looking to take a road trip or a New England Cruise out of either Boston, MA or out of New York, you absolutely should make sure your itinerary includes a stop in Nova Scotia.

Aerial View of Vancouver

Let’s take a look at what Vancouver has to offer you.  Named the Top Destination in Canada, Vancouver has something for all its visitors. From outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and even skiing, to unique spa experiences, to fine wines, and gourmet foods, Vancouver will leave you wanting to come back for more.  Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. 

Toronto Skyline

Are you into performing arts and want a cultural experience? Are a sports fanatic and like Canadian hockey or baseball teams over the U.S Teams? Then you should consider Toronto for your next vacation destination.  Toronto offers you the very best of Canada. It’s said, “if Vancouver is the pretty face of Canada and Montreal it’s bohemian soul, Toronto is the country’s warm, fast beating heart.” With neighborhoods that include five China Towns and two Little Italy’s, it’s no wonder this city is compared to other big cities like New York and Chicago, Toronto is the second largest city within Canada.

If being in the city for your entire getaway is not your cup of tea, then why not check out the Toronto Islands and the Waterfront. One of the most popular islands is Ward Island. It once was a very busy resort destination with small hotels, an amusement park, and the 10,000 seat baseball stadium which is most known for where Babe Ruth hit his first MLB home run!

Niagara Falls



80 miles south of Toronto is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls.  There are different areas of the falls which will no doubt amaze you.  Millions of Gallons of water fall every minute of every day.  They say it actually drops 750,000 gallons of water each second.   With breathtaking scenery, thrilling attractions, family-friendly and interactive exhibits, miles of hiking trails and  delicious dining options, Niagara Falls State Park gets you closer to the Falls than anywhere else. The park features classic adventures and vacation amenities to make the most of your trip. You want to make sure you take one of the boat rides on Maid of the Mist.  This will surely be the highlight of your trip.

Notre Dame Cathedral

If you’ve always wanted to travel to France, but didn’t really want to take a long flight or have the expense of one, you can always plan your vacation to the beautiful cities of Montreal and Quebec. Montreal is known for its culture. Being one of North America’s oldest cities, it has incredible historical sites like Lachine Canal, Old Montreal (a personal favorite),  and many historic museums like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, not to mention some of the most spectacular Churches you will ever visit like St. Joseph Oratory and the Notre Dame Cathedral. No matter what time of the year you travel, Montreal has something to always keep you entertained. 

Combine your stay in Montreal with other areas of Quebec for a full adventure getaway.  There is so much to see and do in Quebec, no one will be bored. Visit one of its wilderness parks and see the natural wonders of the Chute Montmorency, the Rocher Perce, or the Saguenay Fjord. Swim, kayak, or go rafting in one of their numerous lakes and rivers. If you are there in the winter go snowboarding, skating, and skiing. The adventures are endless.  

Peggy's Cove
 

One of the most beautiful vacation spots in Canada is Nova Scotia.  Here you can take a step back in history and visit Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, explore Joggins Fossel Cliffs, take in the sites of their beautiful waterfront, or plan a visit to Peggy’s Cove and see the beautiful lighthouse that lights the shore for all the boats entering the harbor. Whether you visit one of the above sites or one of their many beaches along the coastline, you will not be disappointed. You will be pleasantly surprised what an amazing and memorable vacation you will have.

We hope you enjoyed your brief journey through the majestic country of Canada and hope you want to return. For more information on how you can experience more of what you just read, contact one of our North American Specialists at 866-720-5435 or via email at info@destinationsgalore.net

 

From Hiking to Cruising, Alaska has it all!

With National Parks like Denali, various wildlife, glaciers and spectacular journeys on the Alaska Railroad, it is no wonder why Alaska is a nature lover's prime vacation spot.  Each year thousands of visitors land in either Anchorage or Fairbanks in order to experience the magic this state has to offer. We welcome you to read further as to why you should consider Alaska, "the Last Frontier", for your vacation. Whether you're captivated by her raging rivers, by the magic of her local cultures, or by the beauty of thousand-year-old glaciers, Alaska's countless wonders will make a lasting impression on you.

Alaska Railroad

One of the favorite ways to see Alaska is via rail. I remember as a teen taking a train from Fairbanks  to Anchorage and remembering how incredible it was to be in the heart of endless nature. Unlike the "Bullet Trains" of Europe, this train will travel through small and large  towns, stopping along the way to pick up fisherman to take them to the next stream.  The views are simply beautiful.  Alaska offers some of the world's most spectacular rail journey's. Two railroads operate in the state, the Alaska Railroad and the White Pass & Yukon Route. The White Pass & Yukon Route travels from Skagway to Fraser, B.C. Established more than 100 years ago during the Klondike Gold Rush, it’s now a scenic rail line that takes visitors through rugged terrain and impressive scenery. The Alaska Railroad is a modern railroad with track stretching from Seward to Fairbanks with stops in Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park and Preserve. The Alaska Railroad is famed for its glass-domed rail cars and excellent service. Both the White Pass & Yukon Route and the Alaska Railroad go places no accessible by road. Both trains still offer “whistle stop” service for passengers to disembark along the way for a quiet day of picnicking, fishing or hiking. On the Alaska Railroad, glass-domed cars offer 180 degrees of scenery. A major rail station in Denali National Park provides one of the most favored methods of reaching this iconic national park.

Some of the areas you you will explore via rail would be Anchorage, Denali, Seward, and Fairbanks.

Chugach State Park

One of the departing cities is Anchorage, the largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet Alaskan restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your Alaskan vacation.  With the  Chugach Mountains to the east, the platinum waters of Cook Inlet west, more than a half-million acres of wilderness, 223 parks and 250 miles of off-street recreation trail, it’s obvious what sets Alaska’s unofficial capital apart. Visit the Alaska Zoo, where you can see musk oxen, wolves, otters, seals, caribou, wolverines, moose and other sub-arctic denizens. You can visit Chugach State Park, which is home to almost a half million acres, most of that wilderness. This park is the third largest state park in the U.S. With lakes and mountains, rivers and woods, bears, moose, wolves, mountain goats, eagles and more, the park offers almost all the wild attractions that draw visitors to Alaska.

Glorious Mt. Mc Kinley

You definitely don't want to miss a visit to Denali National Park.. Denali National Park and Preserve is a wild, wonderful place. Located in central Alaska, Denali is a protected area about the same size of the state of Massachusetts. Its more than 4.7 million acres is served by a single, 92-mile road that is mostly made of gravel — a rustic but vital artery that brings travelers deep into the heart of the wilderness via bus and bike. You will see spectacular scenery and have an abundance of adventure. Visitors can climb Mount McKinley, the highest peak on the North American continent, hike the extensive, wide-open back country, or just sit back and take in the glimmering celestial beauty of the northern lights.

Northern Lights also known as
Aurora Borealis

Speaking of the Northern Lights, Fairbanks is the best location to witness this magnificent quality of light, energy, and warmth. No where on Earth can you have experience like the one you will have in the northern city of Alaska. With the summer sun shining nearly 24 hours a day, Fairbanks is simply bursting with energy. Strike it rich panning for gold, float the Chena River, mingle with reindeer and musk oxen, cool off in an ice museum, take a refreshing hike, or be inspired by brilliant art galleries, museums, and historic sites. Late August to April you have a great chance to see the shimmering light of the Aurora Borealis.  Once a gold rush boomtown, Fairbanks is now Alaska’s second largest metropolis known as the “Golden Heart City,” a testimony to the warmth of the people.

Cruise along incredible glaciers and fjords

For the ultimate Alaska vacation, combine a cruise with your land tour. Cruise past glacial fjords and experience nature in a way you've never imagined before. Cruise on the Hubbard Glacier, the longest rive of ice in North American. It's also one of the most active glaciers in Alaska. You'll also be visiting Juneau, the capital of Alaska, founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Located at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. One of the last cities to visit would be Ketchikan.  Here you can explore the history of the totem poles, experience the sheer granite cliffs, 1000 foot waterfalls, crystal lakes, and low hanging mists of the Misty Fjords. 

This is just a taste of what you could experience during your vacation to this magnificent destination. As you say goodbye to Alaska, think of extending your stay by visiting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  We'll have more on Vancouver and other beautiful Canadian cities next month in our Canada, nice mix of the United States and Europe.

For more information on how you can plan your own Alaska Experience, contact one of our agents at 866-720-5435 or via email at info@destinationsgalore.net

Legendary Thailand and Cambodia

Whether you are looking for a romantic, adventurous vacation, or planning a once in a life time family vacation, Thailand and Cambodia have things everyone will love and marvel at.  From gleaming Buddhist temples, to amazing, quiet beaches,and the bustling streets of Bangkok, it's no wonder why Thailand has been a travel paradise for many years. However, due to the luck of history and the power of past kings, Thailand has remained South East Asia's only country to never have been colonized;making it possible to retain its cultural integrity. The mountains of the north, the rice paddies of the east and some of the world's most beautiful beaches in the south make Thailand one of the best travel destinations for your vacation

Bangkok

Start your journey in Bangkok City, also know as the City of Angles. This is a vibrant city with tremendous cultural. You definitely want to start your stay in one of the many amazing hotels right in the heart of the city.  Everything is right at your disposal. Gleaming skyscrapers, glittering temples, colourful street markets, sophisticated shopping malls, a bustling nightlife scene, and an energy that reflects the city's incredible economic growth over the past few years. Visit the Grand Palace, entering via a secret doorway that reveals oftened missed treasures in the exhibit of royal regalia. Explore its sprawling grounds dotted with over 100 ornate buildings, gardens and statues of mythological creatures. Continue to the Wat Phra Kaew, home to the famous Emerald Buddha. Then visit Wat Pho, where the 150-foot-long Reclining Buddha lies.

Grand Palace

Bangkok's temples, the Chao Praya River and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya are three of Thailand's most iconic symbols and undoubtedly among its biggest attractions. A river cruise in a converted rice barge or modern luxury cruiser is the perfect way to see all three up close and personal.

Painting with the Elephants

From Bangkok take a short flight up North to Chiang Mai. which is home to Thailand's highest mountains.  There is so much to do in this much more relaxing than Bangkok. One of the hottest attractions is a visit to one of the many elephant sanctuaries. Here you can interact up close with these majestic animals, take an elephant ride, and even paint with them! Inaddition to visiting the elephant camps, visit Chaing Mai's most famous temple, Wat Doi Suthep, their famous night market where they are more street vendors and food carts than you can imagine.

White Sand Beaches of  Phuket

If after visiting the Northern area of Thailand, why not take a trip down to the Southern area and visit one of their beautiful beaches in Phuket or Koh Samui. Phuket offers world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the surrounding islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Are you looking for something to do in the evening, check out what Patong Beach has to offer, total enjoyment! If you want a smaller beach/village, check out Koh Samui . This beach area has everything to offer, from relaxing on white sand beaches to pristine jungles to a vibrant nightlife.

There are other areas in the north which are just as beautiful to visit, but we suggest you take a flight, via Bangkok to Siem Reap Cambodia. If you are looking for adventure, you could bike ride through the countryside visiting the temples, little seen villages where children will great you with excitement.  If biking isn't what you are looking for, discover Siem Reap's secrets by taking a local boat trip, visit the floating village of Chong Kneas, and take the back roads bacj to town. 

Ta Prohm - Jungle Temple

One of the highlights of visiting Siem Reap are the temples of Angkor including Angkor Wat, Bayon, with its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 mysterious smiling faces.  You might also want to visit Ta Prohm (the Jungle Temple) made famous in the Tomb Raider Movie. Feel like one of the early explorers as you visit this temple which has been left to be reclaimed by the jungle. If time permits finish the day climbing one of the oldest buildings in the Angkor complex, the brick temple of Pre Rup.

There are so much more to Southeast Asia besides Thailand and Cambodia. If you want to read more, check out our blog in January on Vietnam.  Combing all three countries would guarantee and incredible vacation.

  

Travel back in time to historic Vietnam!

There are many exotic destinations in the world, but none more than Vietnam. Vietnam has become known as one of the world's most fascinating destinations in Asia. With pristine landscapes, alluring cultures, and incredible hospitality, it's no wonder you can expect to have the ulitmate vacation experience.

We'll begin your adventure in northern part of Vietnam in the city known as Hanoi. This 1,000 year old city promises to offer you history and tradition. Hanoi's present architecture is mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries, and the stately French-built section of town is largely intact. Hanoi is cleaner, leafier, and quieter than other big cities in Vietnam — in a word, it's "cooler." You will most likely be exhausted after your lengthy flights, but there are a great deal of sites to see and do in this wonderful Vietnamese city. Hanoi's street life is fascinating. In the morning, you may see tai chi practitioners, martial arts exponents, badminton players, and joggers along Hoan Kiem Lake. Bicyclists wearing berets ride past with baguettes tucked into their baskets. Strolling through the old French sector, you can find a street occupied by outdoor barbers clipping their customers in front of mirrors hung off building walls. On Trang Tien Street there's a beautician at work: a woman with a flashlight mounted on her head, cleaning a customer's ears. At street corners in the Old Quarter, men with green pith helmets chat over steaming bowls of noodles. Farther along the street, women sell fresh-cut flowers from the backs of bicycles.

Bicycle or stroll around Hoan Kiem, or the Lake of the Restored Sword as thousands of Hanoians do on weekends. At the crack of dawn locals assemble on the thin parkland perimeter for an hour or so of tai chi, jogging, or badminton. There is a legend from the 15th century that a a humble fisherman named Le Loi asked the heavens for help in resisting the Ming dynasty Chinese who occupied the north. A golden turtle from the lake then brought him a magic sword that flashed like lightning. After leading at insurrection against the Chinese, Le Loi returned to the lake, and the turtle reclaimed the sword.

At the northern end of Hoan Kiem is Ngoc Son Temple, reached by the bright red Sunbeam Bridge, an arched Chinese-style wood en structure built in 1855. Before crossing the bridge you pass Penbrush and Inkslab towers built in 1864 to commemorate the learned school at Nguyen Van Sieu. Ngoc Son Temple is a mixture of temples and gift shops, and is the desired place for Vietnamese to have their pictures taken. Built in the early 19th century, it has undergone a few renovations, most recently in 1994. The temple honors several Vietnamese icons, including Van Xuong, the god of literature; Quan Vu, a martial arts exponent; physician La To; and 13th-century hero Tran Hung Dao. At the back of the shrine is the preserved body of a huge turtle found in the lake in 1968. It weighed 552 pounds and was believed to be 400 years old-some say 500 years old, to make it old enough to serve as the turtle of legend. On an islet at the south end of the lake is a dilapidated three-tiered tower, built in honor of the valiant turtle. Turtles are occasionally still sighted in the lake. On the west bank there is a small temple with a statue of Le Loi.

A stroll through Hanoi's happily chaotic Old Quarter will quickly put to rest the conception that the city is gray, dull, and reserved. In the middle of the Old Quarter you will fine a commerce in trade and handicrafts. The place is full of character and characters. You might come across a woman strolling down a street with a shoulder pole of dual baskets of porcelain, an old woman who reveals blackened teeth when she smiles, or a group of men crouched over bamboo bongs at tiny sidewalk stools. The quarter is a medieval maze of alleys lined with shops, homes, and cafes. It's best to tackle the area on foot,make sure to bring comfortable shoes, allowing time to stop and poke around. Unfortunately, the sidewalks are often blocked by parked motorcycles, the narrow roads filled with bicycles and motorbikes. Just a note of caution when walking around the Old Quarter, sidewalks can be uneven with gravel and other hazards.

One of the most popular attractions in Hanoi is water puppetry. This magical art form is intended for children but will amaze adults as well. Unique to Vietnam, it's seen regularly only in the north. The exact origins of water puppetry are uncertain, but it's known the Red River Delta area nurtured and preserved this traditional theater over many centuries. What goes on under the water is closely guarded secret some puppeteers have t swim under other puppeteers. Water plays a key part in the show-the surface of the water is flaring with a naval battle, or romantically calm when a group of fairies float across. Underwater fireworks bring flashing dragons to life and furnish a haze of smoke for mythical settings. Puppeteers and percussionists provide explosive sound effects-rhythmic mush and zany sound effects maintain the tempo.

Obiviously there is much more to Hanoi, such ashaving brunch while cruising along Halong Bay, visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and make sure you don't miss visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, Coc Island, Cap De Island, Bo Cau Island, Vong Vieng fishing village,Trong Cave,Ho Dong Tien Cave,

Let's explore the southern area of Vietnam known as Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon. You can either enjoy this historic city tour takes in the most popular attractions for a wholesome Vietnam holiday plan, including the Reunification Palace, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral and Thien Hau Pagoda. Take a short shopping trip to Ben Thanh Market. This market is one of earliest surviving structures in the city. You'll be able to find local handmade crafts, textiles, and local cuisine. The perfect way to end your day in this amazing city is to take a break at a nearby cafe watching local folks coming and going. Softly with the music, your heart gets under old Saigon's magical spell.

One of the most historic sites located just outside the city is the remainder of a reminder of wartime history buffs' passions, that is the Cu Chi Tunnel System. This system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. These tunnels are nationwide and was the base where the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968.

We believe we have shown you parts of this incredible destination, which will allow you to consider vacationing in this part of the globe. What's even more ideal when considering Vietnam, is you can combine an array of countries to your travel plans. There is Thailand (see our previous blog on Thailand), Camdodia, and other breathtaking and unique countries to give you a trip of a lifetime!

For more information, Feel free to contact one of our Travel Specialist who are more than happy to assist you with all of your travel needs. You can reach us at 866-720-5435 or info@honeymoonsgalore.com. Make sure to check in next month for our continued tour to Cambodia.