North America’s Little Piece of Europe- Montreal

Welcome guest blogger, Brooklyn Nomad!

Want to take a European vacation without the long plane ride and the European price tag that comes along with it? Don’t fret my frugal friend, because there is a place that encompasses that Euro style and comes along with a much friendlier exchange rate. That place is Montreal, Quebec, Canada. From the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, to the chic shops and restaurants along Saint Catherine Street, Montreal blends old and new effortlessly. This “must visit” Quebec province offers so much to so many different kinds of travelers.

Unlike in Europe, where the American traveler gets .75 Euros for every $1 US Dollar they fork over, in Canada it is the opposite. As of this post, your $1 US Dollar will get you $1.18 Canadian. Yeah that is not going to make you rich, but at least you are not losing money while on vacation.

Montreal is a city filled with so many great things to do and see…for free! One of the biggest attractions is Mont Royal, which is where the city of Montreal gets its name. On top of city’s most famous landmark sits Mont Royal Park. This great attraction was created more than 130 years ago by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City’s Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Mont Royal Park has two amazing locations for absolutely breathtaking views of the city below. The park is used by locals and tourists in both the frigid fall and winter weather as well as in the pleasant spring and summer climates. Some activities include renting pedal boats and taking them out onto the man-made Beaver Lake. During the cold months in Montreal, and there are quite a few, partake in some cross-country skiing along the snowy trails in the park.

Now if you visit Montreal anytime between September and late April, you might be in store for some chilly to arctic cold weather. Temperatures can be brutal! When I visited this great city a few years ago in the month of February, the temperatures dropped to -32 degrees Fahrenheit. The weathermen on the local news said to not go outside. Yeah no kidding! Well in any other city, you might have to think up some ideas for indoor activities or just spend the rest of the day in the hotel room watching TV. But not in Montreal! This city comes equipped with an amazing Underground City! Built in 1962, Montreal created the Underground City, which links much of the city to one another without having to go above ground. I was able to take an escalator from my hotel lobby down into this Underground City and stroll (without a jacket) to the mall. Yes while the city of Montreal was blanketed with snow and experiencing a 21 century ice age outside, I was drinking an iced coffee and checking out shops and dining options down below.

Other Montreal highlights include:

• Old Montreal: this part of town is a great way to spend the afternoon. Enjoy the true European charm by simply walking down one of the cobblestone streets and stopping into a cafe.
• Notre Dame Basilica: While you are in Old Montreal, check out this stunning church that dates back to 1888. Whether you are religious or not, the interior of this house of worship is simply beautiful.
• Saint Catherine Street: This hugely popular strip is lined with top shops, restaurants and nightlife. Every July, Saint Catherine Street, or rue Sainte-Catherine, is host to a large sidewalk shopping sale for one weekend only. Anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 people attend this hugely popular event.

Traveling Overseas: Ten Tips for Backpackers

Backpackers

Traveling abroad excites most of us, but it can be difficult to read situations in another country, with its different languages and customs. So, whether you’re a young traveler or a retiree, there are a few more things apart from passport, tickets and packing your bags, you should do to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

1. Research your destination: Before you depart, it’s a good idea to do some research on your destination and make sure you have the necessary documentation and items you need. Collect all the necessary information on the safety and security situation of your destination.

2. Travel light: For reliability and ease, a backpack is still a budget traveler’s best friend. But don’t pack what you don’t need. There is nothing worse than lugging around a cumbersome pack while trying to find a place to stay. Whatever you think you’re missing, you’ll certainly be able to buy it on the road.

3. Beat up your pack: This might sound a little crazy, but if your backpack looks as though it has been around the block a few times, would-be thieves are more likely to avoid it. They’re bound to go for the brand spanking new pack next to yours which they’ll think contains lots of expensive high-tech gizmos.

4. Don’t over-plan: The basic rule for backpacking is to be as flexible as possible. You’re bound to meet new friends on the road, so don’t plan your route too far in advance. That said, booking a hostel bed for the first few nights in a new city is a good idea. As for the rest, be spontaneous and have fun!

5. Wear comfy shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must! But they’re bulky and awkward to carry, so limit what you take — perhaps just a good pair of lace-up boots or trainers for hiking and a casual pair of sandals. And don’t forget your flip-flops — they’re a must-have for public showers.

6. Don’t carry too much cash: Never carry huge amounts of cash. Beside the possibility that you could be robbed, you may simply lose it. So if possible only carry a couple of days’ worth of money, kept in small denominations. Take a variety of money options such as credit card, some cash and perhaps some travelers’ cheques. And whatever you do, don’t keep all your money in the one place.

7. Sleep on it: Money belts are great for concealing your cash and passport. But if you’re worried about someone swiping it while you sleep (or even if you’re not), keep it in your sleeping bag or tuck it in your pillow case. It’s unlikely any thief would be brave enough to look for it there!

8. Keep a travel journal: Unfortunately, memories fade with time. So keeping a travel journal is a wonderful way of recording your activities, storing photos and mementos and collecting information to share with others when you get home.

9. Take a guide: While a guidebook certainly shouldn’t be considered the “Bible”, they do give extensive rundowns on accommodation, transport and sightseeing and also offer heaps of information to help make backpacking easy. If nothing else, reading your guide will help pass the time while you wait for the next bus.

10. Get connected: With Internet cafes sprouting up like mushrooms in almost every city and backwater town around the world, it has never been easier to stay in touch. Not only is it vital to have a few regular contacts at home who can keep tabs on you, but they’re great places to meet fellow travelers.

Top 10 Travel Tips for Summer

After a half year of hard work, summer is the time to get rid of our daily schedules and relax with our family and loved ones. To make your trip more smooth and convenient “American Airlines” has come with some hot travel tips that will help you to have a great vacationing experience!

10. Don’t procrastinate, book early: It’s always advisable to use a travel agent to redeem your frequent flier miles and book in advance to grab the best deals on hotels, airlines and car rentals.

9. Travel during off-peak times: To avoid any problems, try to travel during off-peak times like mid-morning through early afternoon or in the evening.

8. Pack smart with security in mind: Do not bring any prohibited items in your luggage due to the security reasons. You can visit: www.tsa.gov to get the details of items which are allowed or not allowed on board.

7. ID your baggage, but don’t lock it: Place identification tags on the inside and outside of your baggage but don’t lock your checked baggage as security personnel may break the lock if they need to check your baggage.

6. Check in early: You can arrive at the airport for check in a bit early to select the seat assignments and print boarding passes.

5. Arrive early at the airport, avoid the lines: Arrive early so that you can go through all the formalities smoothly.

4. Dress for success to navigate security: Don’t wear any kind of metal accessories as it screening machines don’t approve it.

3. Don’t forget your photo ID: If you are above 18, make sure you have an ID proof with you while on checkpoint or boarding.

2. Stay close to your departure gate: Be there when your group number or row is called.

1. Relax and enjoy your flight to the vacation of your dreams: By following all the above mentioned tips, you are finally ready for a tension free vacation. So, go there and have Blast!!!!