Christmas Markets I - Toronto

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some markets in North America, beginning with The Toronto Christmas Market, and in other countries.

The Toronto Christmas Market has become an annual holiday event.  It is held in the Distillery District close to the centre of the city with easy public transit access.  The Distillery District itself is an historical area with cobblestone streets and the old buildings add to the seasonal charm.  Fodor has listed it as one of the 10 best Christmas Markets in the world. http://torontochristmasmarket.com

Entry is free; however, you have the chance to make a charitable donation.  It is a suitable event for children as well.  As you wander through the area you will see Santa, elves and reindeer so it is a suitable event for children and adults.

Crowds are inevitable at such events, but you will find them less during the week, and on weekend afternoons.  Weekend evenings tend to be most crowded.

The Market is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.(Sat.); 10:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Sun.); 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. (Tues. to Thurs.); 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. (Fri.) and at any time of the day you will experience some of the cheer of the season.  The lighting at night adds to that special festive charm.

There are many stands selling merchandise, as well as the shops of artisans in the District for shopping.  Prices tend to be high, but you might find THAT gift item you have been looking for.

The Distillery District is near Lake Ontario.  Blustery winds can blow in off the lake.  Be sure to dress warmly when you go.  California heaters and bonfires around the location also help to keep you warm.  Try the warm mulled wine as you stroll or sit by the fire.  Sit in the Beer Garden and enjoy a pint.  There is hot chocolate and other beverages available.

Try some of the food available at some of the stands, or head into one of the established restaurants in the district.

There is lots of entertainment at the Market.  There are carollers and sing-alongs.  Musical groups representing some of Toronto's culturally diverse communities take to the stage on the weekend.  Check the schedule for details.

Be sure not to miss seeing the Christmas tree.  Perhaps ride the ferris wheel and get a bird's eye view of the area, especially when it is lit at night.


Tip:  If at all possible take the public transit to The Toronto Christmas Market.  Street parking is limited, and parking lots are expensive, in some cases charging $20.  Why blow the budget before you even get there?

The Toronto Christmas Market is within a day's drive of many cities in Canada and the eastern United States.  Toronto is connected to many cities by direct daily flights.  There are many hotels and restaurants nearby that appeal to a variety of budgets.  The Market is open from November 15 to December 23, 2018 (closed Mondays - Santa and his elves need to rest, and work on other Christmas projects.).

The Christmas Market charges an admission of $6 on weekends, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.  It is free the rest of the week. Children under 2 are free.

Christmas Markets in Quebec

Christmas Markets in Quebec

Guadeloupe - The French Caribbean

                                   
                                         Guadeloupe - The French Caribbean - CNN

Reflections of Montreal

Cathedrale Christ Church

Cathedrale Marie Reine du Monde

My TO - April 18, 2017

Spadina House
285 Spadina Road
Toronto, ON
M5R 2V5

Spadina House was built in the mid-1860s as part of an estate. Today it is a museum dedicated to the 1920s and 30s.

Click here to read more.

Where in the World? #41 - April 17, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below. 

Come back after April 24 for the answer.



















Where in the world was the last photo?

Cathedral of St. Andrew/Duomo di Amalfi
Amalfi, Campania
Italy

Click here to read more.

Thoughts 'n Tips #51 - April 11, 2017

Impressive places that every first time visitor to Italy must see - handluggageonly.co.uk
Vietnam's coffee culture: What to know and where to go - Intrepid Travel: The Journal
Seven holidays that are cheapest if you book now - The Telegraph
The 30 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2017 - Forbes


Impressive places that every first time visitor to Italy must see - handluggageonly.co.uk

A first time trip to Italy is an incredible experience, it's a country steeped in history, culture and mountains of delicious pasta and gelato on every street corner... and trust me on the latter, if your not rolling back to your hotel in a pasta-induced haze, your not doing Italy right!
Read more...








Seven holidays that are cheapest if you book now - The Telegraph

The marina at Playa Blanca, Lanzarote  Credit: ALAMY

From European rail holidays to cut price river cruises, these are the holidays that are best booked now. This article is updated each month with new suggestions and tours.
Read more...

Vietnam's coffee culture: What to know and where to go - Intrepid Travel: The Journal

Mention Vietnam to anyone, and the conversation might conjure up a few things - beautiful scenery, the tragic war, the chaotic, thrilling big cities. But as someone who has spent much time travelling through Vietnam, there's only one thing for me that stands out as synonymous with the country, and that's the burgeoning coffee culture that has taken hold.
Read more...




The 30 Cheapest Places To Travel in 2017

Time to start packing your bags: 2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for budget travel.  The dollar is enjoying historic highs - meaning your money goes further in many destinations around the globe - and according to American Express Global Business Travel Report, airfares are expected to fall in 2017.
Read more...

Buyer Beware! - Making Reservations on Third Party Sites

Working in the travel industry I should have known better.
We all use third party sites - sites that work with a number of companies, often providing good deals, and one-stop shopping for your travelling needs. Be cautious when making bookings on these sites for your trips. Read the fine print of the deal. It can avoid a lot of headache.
A personal experience...I recently was in Italy and rented a car online. I did not choose a well known company, choosing instead to save some money. The original plan was to pick the car up at noon. With difficulties making connections en route, the arrival time was about four hours later. By that time my reservation was cancelled...lost...including my money.
I had to start over, making another reservation. Since it was immediate it cost more.
When I called the third party company to inquire about this, I was told it was stated in my reservation.  Later, I found out it was there. You know that part you check off about agreeing to the conditions. It was in there...I had scanned it, but obviously not given it enough attention.
In this case, I was able to work out an acceptable agreement with the company, but such an outcome is not guaranteed.
Always know what the conditions are for your agreement - cancellation policies, baggage allowances, hours of operation, etc. What initially seems like a good, is not always so.

Where in the World? #40 - April 10, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below. 

Check back after April 17 for the answer.



















Where in the world was the last photo? 

 

Tony Bennett Heart,
Union Square,
San Francisco, CA


Click here for more information

Thoughts and Tips #50 - March 13, 2017

How to Pack a Month's Worth of Holiday Clothes into Your Carry-on Baggage - Intrepid Travel Blog

Using a few simple techniques, this fine gentleman has blown minds the world over with his ability to pack a month's work of holiday gear into a carry-on suitcase.

Tony Ayzenberg has already clocked over 6 million views for this little gem - and for good reason. He makes holiday packing look like Tetris. A really fun, really useful version of Tetris.

Read more...

From 'Fascinating Things in the World'

Amalfi, Italy           

Best Spring Break Destinations for 2017

Although it is almost upon us, it is still not too late to plan a last-minute getaway for Spring Break.

The experts at Lonely Planet have compiled a list of spring break ideas this year, that go beyond Disney parks and college student hotspots to include night kayaking in Puerto Rico and surfing in Nicaragua.

For last-minute bookers and Easter weekend travellers, there's still time to reserve a first-quarter getaway, this time that offers more than a spring break cliché.

Read more...

Spring is in the air... Spring Training (from February 25, 2015)

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Spring is in the air... Spring Training that is

As much of North America sits in the grip of yet another cold snap, there are jokes about relying upon a rodent to forecast the weather.  People are looking for any sign of winter releasing its grips and spring approaching.

One sign that spring is coming is Spring Training in baseball.  While it seems like it was just yesterday that the San Francisco Giants won the World Series, players have been reporting for training for a new season.  Early next week teams will begin their pre-season game schedule.

While spring training is in most cases held far from the actual home fields of the teams, the games are played in the sun, where temperatures are warmer than they have been, and, still are for most of us at home.  The Grapefruit League is based in Florida, and the Cactus League in Arizona.  Both those locations bring to mind sun, warm temperatures and better weather, and almost create a euphoria in the minds of many.

If you are a baseball fan, and are still looking to get away this winter, here is a good reason.  Take off for a few days, a week or more to follow your team.  Find the city where they play.  Check the game schedule.  Buy tickets for the games you want to see.  Book your plane ticket and accommodation.  Since you will likely be going to more than one stadium, you will want a rental car to get around.  Besides, in both Florida and Arizona you really need a car to get anywhere.

Attending a pre-season game can be a lot of fun.  The stadiums are much smaller than the major league stadiums at home, so no matter where you sit you are up close to the play.  You get to see your team's players from previous season, as well as the new one play.  It may give you an idea of what their season ahead will be like.

While your team will be playing some games at  their Spring Training stadium, they will also be playing at other stadiums in the area.  Most are not too distant, so a one or two hour drive will get you to the game.  As an example, staying in Lakeland, I have been able to take in games with Detroit Tigers (Lakeland), Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin), Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton), Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota).  These are just some of the teams in the area.

School breaks begin in the next few weeks.  If you are heading south for the break with your kids, why not take in a game or two, or more.

Attending a Spring Training game is another great way to have some fun while you are in the sun.  It a great way to remind yourself about good weather and good times to come.

In all cases, remember the sunscreen.  Having attended numerous games in the Grapefruit League, I have managed to get a couple of unnecessary sunburns.  Caught up in the play you forget the effects of sitting in a stadium in direct sun...especially after being bundled up all winter.

For information about the Grapefruit League (click here) and the Cactus League (click here).

Where in the World? #39 - March 6, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below. 

Check back March 13 for the answer.

Where in the world was the last photo?

Koutoubia Mosque
Marrakesh, Morocco

Click here for more information.

Canada 150 - #2

The Hopewell Rocks

The Hopewell Rocks are found on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick near Hopewell Cape. They are also referred to as the Flowerpot Rocks. The tide of the bay covers their bases twice a day and causes the erosion of the rocks.

Click here for more information.

Where in the World? #38 - February 23, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.

Check back March 2 for the answer.












Where in the world was the last photo?

Brighton Pavilion
Brighton, England

Click here for more information.

Canada 150 #1

This year, 2017, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday.

This feature will hopefully give you an idea of the richness and diversity of the country. Covering over 5000 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, its motto of 'ad mare usque ad mare' meaning 'from sea to sea' is very fitting. Actually it should be 'ad mare usque ad mare usque ad mare', as the country stretches from the United States border to the Arctic Ocean.

Canada's Parliament Buildings. The site of Canadian government overlooking the Ottawa River in Ottawa Ontario.

 

Click here for more information.

Where in the World? #37 - February 16, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.
Check back February 23 for the answer.

Where in the world was the last photo?

Ceiling of Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
Istanbul, Turkey

Click here for more information.

Thoughts and Tips #49 - February 9, 2017 - We're Back!

We're back...

After a pause of 18+ months, the blog 'Thoughts, Tips 'n Travel is back.

While taking on a new job related to travel in June 2015 gave me greater opportunity to travel, the time I had to write decreased. I never wanted to give up the writing. During the intervening time there were many occasions when I thought of writing again. 

Here we are nicely in to 2017. I hope to maintain many of the features of the established blog; however the frequency of their appearance, and of the publishing of the blog may change.

Benjamin Disraeli said, 'Travel teaches tolerance.'  

Where in the World? #36 - February 9, 2017

Where in the world is this?

Enter your answer in the comment box below.
Check back February 16 for the answer.

Where in the world was the last photo?

The Chateau Frontenac (from Lower Town)
Quebec, Quebec