Tourism in Canada: The Main Sporting Events Not to Miss

Posted on May 23, 2013 by admin

Around the world, Canada is known for its beautiful mountains, its impressive wilderness and its maple syrup. As a touristic destination, it does not draw that much attention as a sporting country; however, many huge competitions happen throughout the year and sport passionate could definitely regret not synchronizing their trip to Montreal or Calgary with its most famous competitions! This guide will offer you a short guide on some of the most interesting events that you’ll find across the country.

The Montreal Grand Prix

F1GrandPrixCanadaThe 2013 Montreal Grand Prix is sure to attract, this year again, a lot of people. With its capacity of over 100 000 spectators, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the most appreciated tracks of the F1 races thanks to its unforgiving configuration. Almost every year will see one of the main pilots crash because of its famous “Welcome to Quebec” wall or its sharp turns. The Circuit is based on Notre-Dame Island, a beautiful spot that is very appreciated by racers and by cyclists all year long.

Aside from the main event, party adepts are sure to find a lot of things to do in Montreal at that time. VIP parties, special night clubs events and jet-setters will be legion in Montreal from June 7th to June 9th. Some entertainment companies even offer special packages to party directly with some of the F1 drivers! The city is extremely lively throughout the event, attracting many internationals as well as a crowd of Canadian race fans.

The Stampede, a huge tradition in Calgary

Canada’s western provinces are known to be a land of farmers and cowboys, but it is never as true as during the Calgary’s Stampede. This festival, which lasts from July 5th to July 14th, was created almost 100 years ago and it kept growing to become one of the main events in Alberta. The biggest competition of this festival is definitely the rodeo, a sport where cowboys will wrestle to stay as long as possible on a bull’s back. It attracts cowboys from all over the world and delivers more than 1 million dollars in prizes. Another sporting competition to take place during the Stampede is the Rangeland Derby, a horse race event.

Families will also find many things to do on site. Kids will love educational activities that will be organized around the theme of farms and animals. An amusement park will also be installed during the festivities and many games will be played by the visitors. Many concerts will take place during the evenings, including a performance from Kiss, a legendary rock band!

The Stanley Cup finals

Not always will Canadian hockey teams reach the last rounds of the NHL playoffs, but be ready to meet a crowd of explosive fans if they do. Canada currently hosts seven hockey teams which have a very strong rivalry with their American counterparts. Hockey is Canada’s most loved sport and even though the temperature is starting to rise all across the country, fans are eager to mass in the stadiums and watch the international celebrities fight for the puck on the ice rink. Currently, teams from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa are still competing for the famous Stanley Cup.

Many more events will take place during the year: the Red Bull Crashed Ice (extreme skating), the Grey Cup (American Football), the Canadian Open (golf)… you’ll find something to do at every time of the year!

Charles Bernard is a Canadian that has many great souvenirs of watching Formula 1 races and hockey games with his family. He now writes for Formula tours, a company offering Formula one Montreal packages to potential tourists.

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Looking After Your Holiday Destination

Posted on May 23, 2013 by admin

If you are going on holiday abroad and going to an area which is flush with natural beauty and nature is all around you, then you need to make sure that your visit has as little impact on the environment as possible. This will help to keep the area in a good condition for decades to come and also mean that others can also share in the natural beauty of the area. There is something called the leave no trace principles, which consist of seven points that you should follow when visiting somewhere. By following the guidelines set out in these principles, we can help to preserve our natural surroundings and make sure that these will be here for a long time to come. These principles are as follows:

  • Holiday destinationPlan Ahead and Prepare
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave what you Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of other Visitors

Being Prepared

Being prepared is an important aspect of this philosophy and planning ahead before your trip can make sure that you are fully prepared. If you are going into a special nature reserve or park, then make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations of the place that you are visiting. Try and prepare for all extremities of weather that you may encounter on your trip and also try and schedule your trip for quieter times when the area is less busy. Visiting in smaller groups is also a good way to minimize the impact you have on the local area. You will also need to make sure that when travelling you use established paths and trails and also when camping you make sure that you camp on established campsites. Ideally the campsite will be at least 200 feet from a lake or stream and will be small and compact. Camp fires can leave a lasting impact on the surrounding area so if you do have one you need to keep it as small as possible. Alternatively you should use a small camping stove for cooking and either use candles or torches for lighting. If you do have a campfire, then you should have this only in the designated area. Keep this small and use only wood found on the floor which you can break with your hand. When you have finished with the campfire, lets this burn completely and then spread the cool ashes around the place. Another major point is that you should always take all of your rubbish with you and dispose of this in the correct manner. All you need to do is take a couple of bags with you which you can use to collect your rubbish in. Ideally these would be biodegradable bags also.

Looking after Nature

If we wish to be able to enjoy our surroundings for a long time to come then we really do need to look after these areas, and this means everyone that visits with no exceptions. If we leave things as we find them, then they are going to be there for other people to enjoy. This can mean old buildings or artifacts that you find and even plants and rocks or other natural objects should be left where they are. Make sure that you do not introduce anything foreign to the area and certainly do not make any structure or alter the natural habitat yourself for your own comfort with things like trenches or any type of furniture. We also need to respect the wildlife which we may encounter. It is ok to observe animals from a distance, but we should not approach the animals or try to interact with them at all. If you do need to take your pet with you, make sure they are under control at all times and are not allowed to wander freely. Under no circumstances should you try and feed the animals and you will need to make sure any food and also rubbish is securely stored to stop animals from trying to get at it. We also need to have consideration for other visitors. If we look after our environment then others will be able to experience the same as you and it will be preserved for a long time. Be courteous to other travelers and try not to be too loud when travelling. If taking a break or a rest, move away from the trail so that people can still use it freely, but be careful to not have an impact on the surrounding area. If we all look after nature when we go away hiking or camping, then we can help to preserve it and make sure that everyone can have the same experience when they visit.

By-Line

Ted Hunter is a keen environmentalist who is also well travelled. He loves to share his experiences with others and also tries to preserve the places he visits so that other people can enjoy them. He was pleased to see that Travel Republic can offer cheap holidays abroad for the more environmentally conscious people.

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Exploring the Charm of London city

Posted on May 23, 2013 by admin

If you are a traveller who likes to explore the world from coast to coast, London is the city for you. London is the capital city of England, and the largest city. It is the most metropolitan and urban area in all of the European Union. If you are looking for a city with a splash of creative culture, look no longer. Pack your bags and head to the astonishing city of London.

London BridgeLondon has many marvelous sights to see, you will not believe your eyes. The River Thames, Big Ben, London Bridge, are just to name a few. Hop on a red double decker bus and let your soul soar across the city. One of the must see areas is definitely The River Thames. Although you cannot swim in it’s freezing waters, you can walk along side it and enjoy the atmosphere. There are always talented street performers along side the river. Walk by and watch them turn tricks, it will put a smile on your face. When you finish watching performers, make sure you stop by the coffee shops. Grab a coffee, sit back, and relax.

Once you have enjoyed your coffee, run over to see Big Ben. The name Big Ben refers to the actual clock inside of this clock tower. This particular clock is the largest clock in all of England. Not only is it the biggest, it is the longest running clock. Even when bombings were taking place in World War II, Big Ben kept on chiming. Even though you can see Big Ben from almost anywhere in London, do not miss out on the experience of getting a close up. You will remember it forever.

Of course, something everyone remembers is the old London Bridge song. If you are already on The River Thames, take a look at London Bridge. It lifts up and down daily, in order to let boats go through. If you have a fear of bridges, do not worry about the London Bridge. In medieval times, an older London Bridge was torn down and the current new one was built. Take the day off and just stroll down the bridge. It is a beautiful view that is well worth seeing.

After reading about all of these sights, you are probably asking yourself, “How do I get to London?” Have no fear, getting to London is rather easy. If you are travelling from the United States, you do not need an US esta. The only people who need a US esta are people who are travelling into the United States. For all other countries, simply go to the UK Border website and see whether or not you need a visa. Typically, if you are just visiting, you will be fine.

If you are a traveller who likes to explore the world, London is the city for you. Do not miss out on seeing The River Thames, Big Ben, London Bridge, and so much more. London is a city that has everything to offer.

Author Bio: Lucy is a Travel blogger who works for ESTA VISA, She regularly updates on ESTA information here and at other top blogs around the web.

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4 Amazing Must-Visit Destinations On The East Coast Of The USA

Posted on May 20, 2013 by admin

One of the best things about America is the numerous opportunities and destinations for travel that the country can offer. The United States is awash with many cities and towns that are more than welcoming to tourists and visitors. On the East coast of the USA itself are numerous destinations that traveller should not miss, besides big cities like New York, Boston and Miami. If you are planning to travel down the East coast, here are 4 amazing must-visit destinations that you should not skip.

New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven

New Haven may not be the largest city in New England or even in Connecticut for that matter (that honour goes to Bridgeport), but it certainly is one of the most charming harbour cities in the United States. Home to Yale University, New Haven is undoubtedly one of the smartest cities in America. In terms of culture, New Haven certainly boasts of a rich cultural heritage; one that few other places in New England can match. Whether you are into architecture, cuisine, museums or the theatre, the city of New Haven has a lot to offer. Do not miss out on visiting the Peabody Museum of Natural History or the historic Five Mile Point Lighthouse.

Savannah, Georgia

Most Americas know that Savannah, Georgia is a lovely city. However, what they fail to realize is that the city of Savannah is also one of the best and most tourist-friendly destinations in the United States of America. Located on the shores of the Savannah River, the city is a dream come true for any visitor who likes destinations for their architectural curiosities. Most of the buildings in Savannah are not just wonderful examples of classical architecture, but also points of historical significance. The Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Georgia Historical Society see their fair share of tourists drawn in from all over the country. However, Savannah isn’t just about historical tourism; the city is also a favourite with shopping enthusiasts and offers numerous malls and shopping centres that are waiting to be explored.

St Augustine, Florida

Anyone who studies the history of America cannot deny the cultural influence of the Spanish settlers. St Augustine, in Florida, remains one of the most prime locations within the United States to have meticulously preserved heritage buildings that proudly display the Spanish influence. The first site people should to is the Lightner Museum and City Hall. Also of importance are the Flagler College Buildings and the Memorial Presbyterian Church. St Augustine also proves to be a fantastic base from which to explore Northern Florida, providing a much more suitable alternative to the crowded Jacksonville.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia, truly is one of the hidden gems of domestic American tourism. Established in 1619, the city of Norfolk has reinvented itself, without cutting itself away from its proud history and heritage. Present day Norfolk is more than just an important harbour at the Hampton Roads; it is one of the biggest cultural and financial powerhouses in Virginia and the surrounding states. With a view to boosting tourism, the local government has gone to great lengths to make Norfolk tourist-friendly. And all their efforts have certainly paid off. Norfolk, along with Portsmouth and Hampton, has so much to offer in terms of arts and culture, green open spaces and adventure activities. For those seeking a wholesome family vacation, Norfolk, Virginia is perhaps at the top of the list.

The next time you are bitten by the travel bug don’t hesitate to visit these 4 amazing East coast cities.

Patrick Armstrong is an avid traveller and likes to blog about the various destinations he visits. He was really amazed with the beauty of some of the tourist attractions in Southern Virginia and is planning to revisit Norfolk for a business conference.

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Just Why Is Thailand Such A Popular Tourist Attraction?

Posted on May 19, 2013 by admin

The world has countless tourist destinations ranging from tropical paradises to heaving metropolises and some attract overseas visitors in their droves. Some destinations are household names even among people that have never made the journey and one of the most famous destinations of all is Thailand. One reason for Thailand’s popularity is that it has something for everybody and what it does do it does very, very well.

Culture

This predominantly Buddhist nation is peppered with ancient sites with ruins of temples and castles dating back to the days when Siam was a mighty empire. Even in modern Bangkok the ancient culture is very much a part of everyday life with vast temples situated throughout the sprawling urban jungle. Another big attraction to the country is the people as Thais are known for their warm welcome and fun loving nature. Anybody that has spent time in Thailand will tell you that the culture and the people help to make their stay a very pleasurable one indeed.

Beaches

Thailand beachesWhen most people think of Thailand they think of pristine beaches on paradise islands and the reputation is richly deserved. The waters around Thailand are home to a number of islands with beaches that would not look out of place on any picture postcard and clear, warm water that is home to a vast number of colourful marine creatures. Millions of people from around the world travel to Thailand for its beaches whether they come for the diving, water sports or just to relax and have fun under the sun.

Shopping

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise where amazing bargains can be found on foods that you will not find anywhere else. From gigantic modern shopping malls stocked with products from the world’s best known brands to endless open air markets selling local crafts and discounted goods, even the biggest shopping fans will have their appetite satiated. There is so much shopping to be done that you might need to look for international parcel delivery services to help you get everything back home as there will simply be too much to take back yourself. Be sure to take plenty of spending money with you to Thailand, because there is plenty to spend your money on.

Natural Beauty

Another thing that brings people back to Thailand in numbers is the natural beauty and there are some truly spectacular sites to be enjoyed. From the rugged limestone cliffs of Krabi to the rich tropical mountainous jungles inland, Mother Nature will feast your eyes. Trekkers can get even closer to nature as they traipse through thick rainforest teeming local wildlife and if trekking is not for you, you could choose to make the journey on the back of an elephant instead.

Many countries have resorts that offer a lot to visitors but not all countries have something to offer everybody. If you would like to visit a country that has a seemingly endless number of things to see and do then Thailand should be high up on your list.

Jamie Finch lives in Thailand and tries to make the most of all the country has to offer. If he goes shopping for family back home, he uses international parcel delivery services from Pharos Parcel to send his purchases to them.

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