A New York Love Affair

I have been having a long distance love affair for the last five years. We don't talk on the phone, or send emails, or exchange letters, but at least once a year I touch down and spend four or five days trouncing around Midtown, absolutely enthralled with everything I see, hear, smell, and touch. Yes, New York City has cast her spell on me, and I haven't been able to shake it since I first took my first taxi ride in from the airport, over the Brooklyn Bridge on a sticky summer's night in the dead of August. With the Manhattan skyline in the backdrop, I could scarcely catch my breath. Everything I had ever read and dreamed about this iconic city had come to light, and she didn't disappoint, not for a moment! I've since been back about six times over the last four years, and feel like I should share my love for this spectacular city with those who've yet to experience her splendour!

When is the best time to go? If you ask me, New York is fabulous all year round. Whether you're skating at Rockefeller Centre or picnicking in Central Park on a mild Spring afternoon, there's always something going on in the city! May, September and October are three of the best months for weather. You can still stroll down 5th Ave in a t-shirt and shorts, but you won't be in a virtual meltdown like you would in July or August. Personally, I love New York in August. The heat, though intense, it drives New Yorkers out of the city, and shops are a lot less busy. 

Where do I Stay? Being something of a New York connoisseur, I used to get this question all the time! Because the New York subway system is so efficient, Manhattan Island is easily accessible in a relatively short amount of time from any of the outer boroughs. Brooklyn has some fabulous accommodation options, but because I'm the kind of girl that likes to be in the middle of it all, I always stay in Manhattan. If you're budget conscious like myself, consider staying uptown. The closer you stay to Times Square, the more expensive it's going to be. If you're staying on 84th street or above, you'll save some money, and you can make into the centre in just 15-20 minutes! 

What can I do? The question you should be asking, is what can't I do! On or off broadway, the Theatre District is heaven for theatre buffs. With hundreds of shows that grace the epic stages, you could go to a different show every day of the year! For cheap tickets, consider buying the day of at the Times Square Visitor Centre, prices can be as much as 75% off! 

As you may or may not know, New York is a shopping Mecca! From the opulence of 5th Avenue to the cheap thrills of Canal Street in Chinatown, you can purchase a brand new spring wardrobe on your executive assistant salary and still have money left over for dinner and cocktails! 

Don't forget to purchase your 48 hour hop-on hop-off bus tour to help you navigate your way around this writing metropolis. Get above it all, and let someone else do the driving. 

Whether you're here for the weekend, or a whole week, New York city will leave you spellbound. So grab your laptop, head to your favourite coffee shop, snag yourself a cup of java and start planning your trip! 

ROADTRIP! 3 Major Survival Tips

I grew up on the West Coast of Canada, and as kids, we looked forward to spending every summer with our grandparents on their acreage in Ontario. Because our parents didn't have a lot of money, flying across the country wasn't an affordable option, so our 'ol Ford Tempo transported us back and forth for nearly a decade, and I never forgot the unspeakable freedom I felt as a young child, as we raced across the prairies, through the floodplains, past great lakes, and into the lush country side of Ontario. In the 1980's and 90's, fuel was less than half the cost it is now, so not only was it an enjoyable way to get to where you were going, it was very affordable. Unfortunately now, this is not the case. But for those of us who still love the feeling of hitting the open road, and creating our own schedule, road-tripping is the ultimate escape. So if you're itching for an adventure, here are a few things to consider before your wheels hit the pavement.

1) Prepare your wheels! The more love you give your wheels, the less likely it's going to leave you stranded. Depending on the distance you plan to travel, get a full mechanical work-up done; Oil change, wheels checked, tune-up, fluid re-fill, transmission check and anything else that your mechanic thinks you might need to consider. After she's all mechanically sound, it's time to do some housekeeping. Give your car a good scrubbing, vacuum and get rid of any junk lying around. If you're travelling with several people in the vehicle, it's important that they be allowed to enjoy a fresh and clean environment.

2) Get your kits together. My partner may disagree with me on this one, but I happen to be of the belief that you can never be too prepared. Put together a car kit. Living in Canada, we have to be prepared for all types of weather; Snow, hail storms, flash floods, hurricane winds, tornadoes, you name it, we get it! So the prospect of being trapped in near or in our car on a mid-summer's day is not impossible to imagine. It's important to ensure that you have sufficient supplies like water, blankets, warm clothes, first aid, flashlights, food, maps, whistle, a cellphone and roadside assistance membership like AAA. 

3) Accurate maps and/or a reliable GPS. I'm fairly convinced that both men and women are often lousy at asking for directions, so do yourselves a favour and plan your routes out. I do realize, however, that half the fun of being on a road trip is having the ability to go off-road through the back country and exploring a region. But, if you don't have a good grip on where you are in the first place, not only are you going to get lost, but you'll waste a precious travel day. Invest in a good GPS system, and a good set of maps and getting lost becomes not only easily remedied, but it might even be fun!

Ships Ahoy - Cruise Tips

North American's adore cruising. It is one of the most cost efficient and convenient ways to see the world, and we have been sailing the ocean blue on luxury liners for several decades. But before you shove off, whether it's an itinerary around the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or up the Inside Passage, it's important to to know how to plan for a cruise holiday and what to expect!

1) Know your Cruise Lines! There are several different cruise companies that travel to thousands of destinations around the world. Finding the right cruise line is like finding the right partner, they each have their own personality! If you are looking for a cruise experience that is more adult oriented, with a mature crowd, than perhaps you should consider Holland America. If you are traveling with young children, consider a more family oriented-experience like Disney Cruise Line, and if you're after a niche cruise like a singles cruise or salsa cruise, consider Carnival Cruise Lines. You have to become a detective of sorts to ensure that your expectations are matched with the right cruise line.

2) Get to Know Your Ports of Call! In every port of call, there is a different amount of time that the ship is going to stop. Sometimes the ship will stop over night, and sometimes you will be in port for a few hours. If you are planning on getting off the ship, you need to consider what it is you want to do, to ensure you make it back to the ship in time. Another factor to consider, is that some ports do not permit a ship to pull right up to the dock, so a ship will have to dock, and take passengers across in a smaller boat called a tender. Remember that most ships have an on-board population of several thousand, so your time needs to be managed carefully.

3) What is Included in the Price of My Cruise? Everyone wants to know the bottom line when booking a holiday, and when you're on a budget, it can make or break your holiday plans. In most cases, your cruise price will not include what we would call "specialty" drinks like soda pop, specialty coffees and alcoholic beverages. Most ships will include a soda card program that allows you to pay a set amount in exchange for limitless pop. Spa and salon services, shore excursions, professional photographs, gift shop purchases, exercise programs and gift shop purchases and gratuities are not included in your cruise price. So it's important to create an on-board budget for yourself so you don't end up with runaway costs.

4) What if I'm traveling Alone? Cruises can be a great way to spend a relaxing week, sailing the high seas and meeting fabulous new people. However, buyer beware, being a single cruiser is not a cheap endeavor! Cruise lines will charge you nearly the same rate as someone booking double occupancy because it's in the cruise line's best interest to get their money's worth. There are single cruises if you are looking for something more affordable and is geared toward meeting other singles.

5) There Are So Many Options - How Do I Choose? It can be very overwhelming to choose an itinerary. Enlisting the help of a travel consultant is a great way to help determine what your expectations are, what sort of activities you're interested in, and what sort of budget you're working with.

A Weekender in Whistler

It doesn't matter what season you visit British Columbia, it's so awe inspiring you are often left breathless. From its rugged mountain ranges, hauntingly beautiful old growth forests, pristine lakes, and glimmering cities, I am bias of course, but I truly believe that British Columbia is one of the most exquisite places on Earth. And if you happen to be a ski enthusiast, there is no better city in North America to fuel your winter passion, than Vancouver. With three premier mountains all within fifteen minutes from the

downtown core, if you live here, you can change from your work clothes, throw on your winter gear, get a ski or board session, warm up with a hot chocolate on your way down the mountain, and be home in time for dinner. If I haven't yet convinced you to booked your flights and pack your bags, what if I told you that North America's largest and most coveted ski resort is a mere hour and twenty minutes from Vancouver? Our beloved jewel, Whistler Blackcomb, is a world class resort that has been attracting ski and snowboard royalty from around the world for decades. Blackcomb is home to the world renowned Couloir Extreme, a formidable run that, according to Skiing Magazine, is considered one of the top ten steep in-bounds runs on the planet. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is another thrilling attraction that boasts  world records for being the longest free span cable. The Gondola links Whistler Mountain's Roundhouse Lodge with Blackcomb's Rendezvous Restaurant. Even if you're not a skier or snowboarder, taking the Gondola affords you the opportunity enjoy the mountain views and take some impressive photos! Life in the truly alpine-esque Whistler Village is laid back, but jubilant. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars for your apres ski time, and for those who like the finer things in life, spend the day at Scandinave Spa soaking your troubles away in their warm mineral baths. 

Getting here is a piece of cake. Fly into Vancouver International and make your way towards the North Shore. The sea-to-sky highway to Whistler is touted as one of the most exquisite drives in Canada, and as you meander up the coast, with the lush mountainside on your right and the ocean on your left, you will understand why it's accolades are well deserved. Be sure to stop in Squamish and Brackendale, the adventure capital of BC and home to the highest concentration of Bald Eagles in the world. 

Finding accommodation in Whistler, for the most part, is fairly easy. Finding affordable accommodation during the peak ski season, tends to be a little more difficult. Rooms here usually start at just under $200 per night in the peak season, but can be as cheap as $100 at the beginning, and near the very end of the season. If you are considering a longer stay up here, try websites like VRBO.COM, which provides condo and townhouses for week long renters.