Tag: Solo travel

HOW TO PACK THE PERFECT CARRY-N FOR YOUR TRAVELS: PACKING GUIDE: CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS

(Source – Arzotravels.com)

 

Whenever I travel, packing my carry-on is very important. However, it sometimes changes – whether it is a long-distance or short-distance flight.  Find out what I pack when I have long-distance flights and what the best carry-on essentials are n my eyes.

Here is my Packing Guide: Carry-on must have items for long distance flights. Find out what to do before an international flight.

Carry-on only. What to pack, the ultimate guide. Travel

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Carry-on only. What to pack, the ultimate guide. Travel

 

Here are my favorite carry-on items for long distance flights and which I always pack (unless I am not well organized which can happen once in a while, but this is what my perfect carry-on items look like).

STAY ORGANIZED

  • A big handbag and often also a wheeled extra carry-on luggage – for the more sporty ones I recommend a backpack
  • Plastic bag with a zipper for liquids – more eco-friendly and handy if you travel often is this TSA approved clear travel toiletry bag
  • Passports/ID & tickets  (extra big wallet)
  • Pens and a small journal

ENTERTAINMENT / TECH GEAR

  • I have my  laptop with me whenever I fly, as I can work etc. – new TSA regulations are stricter now, so you are probably not allowed to take your laptop as a carry-on item, so double-check before you fly.
  • A while ago, I thought my tablet is the most useless item I bought in a while – since I can download from Netflix (and thus watch my shows offline) I have found one good argument bringing my tablet with me whenever I travel
  • My phone– without doubt one of my most useful and important (travel) item
  • Pack a camera I love taking shots from my window seat – and since I take valuables with me, this is in my carry-on bag
  • I have to admit, that I still don’t have a kindle, so a “real” book is often an essential
  • What would a flight be without music? If I love one thing more than traveling it is actually listening to music with my iPod
  • Power charger– how long does your phone battery last? Not long? Neither does mine, so this is an essential.

Wondering what you can do to survive a long-distance flight?

COMFORT / CLOTHES

  • Neck pillow – my best friend when traveling for more than 4 hours
  • Warm socks which are also stylish
  • I personally do not use a sleeping mask but a must-have for many travelers
  • A big and warm scarf is my absolute must-have (which I can use for different purposes)
  • Flat shoes which can be easily taken off
  • A cardigan which I use occasionally as an extra blanket
  • For long-distance flights, compression socks are a must

BEAUTY / STAY FRESH

  • Dry shampoo – though I do not use it normally it is perfect after long-distance flights (check size, and choose the small travel size)
  • My favorite hairbrush (especially for longer hair) – or if you have less space take a comb
  • Refreshing towelettes  – though I think they are not eco-friendly sometimes they are just essential and a must.
  • Face cream (which I also use as a hand cream, so I do not have to take another cream)
  • A small cosmetic bag for your makeup
  • Peppermint drops or chewing gums (though I heard chewing gums are not good when you fly, so probably stick to peppermint drops
  • Deodorant – I don’t think, I need to explain this further 🙂
  • Invisibobble hair ties – I hate my hair open when I am in the plane
  • Toothbrush & paste should also be self-explanatory as well as mouthwash
  • I do not wear much makeup normally, rouge &mascara are my lifesavers, though
  • I have dry eyes and so eye drops are a must for me
  • I am normally sick when I fly and always have some tissues with me

So, girls (and boys) I hope, this list is comprehensive and all important items are listed. If I have forgotten something leave a comment, so I can add it.

15 Best Places to Eat Like a Local in Tokyo

Slide 1 of 11: What can you tell us about this place? Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, Tokyo's oldest onigiri restaurant, has a quaint, inviting charm. Behind a counter designed for eight diners, owner Yosuke Miura is hard at work sculpting his famous flavor bombs by hand. Surrounding him is a crowd of voracious diners, eager to gulp down the snack as fast as he can build them. What's the crowd like? They are an enthusiastic bunch, ordering their onigiri a half-dozen at a time. What should we be drinking? Tea and soft drinks. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. A reliable Japanese snack parlor is an increasingly precious commodity; thankfully, this place does it dependably, just as it has for decades. Start with the the shrimp and miso onigiri, then see how far outside your comfort zone you're willing to climb. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Keep it moving, they say. They've got a lot more onigiri to get through today. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Anything we should keep in mind? This is a quick and easy snack stop for a small group of friends. Consider it an opening act for dinner and do the the main event elsewhere.

Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

What can you tell us about this place?
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, Tokyo’s oldest onigiri restaurant, has a quaint, inviting charm. Behind a counter designed for eight diners, owner Yosuke Miura is hard at work sculpting his famous flavor bombs by hand. Surrounding him is a crowd of voracious diners, eager to gulp down the snack as fast as he can build them.

What’s the crowd like?
They are an enthusiastic bunch, ordering their onigiri a half-dozen at a time.

What should we be drinking?
Tea and soft drinks.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
A reliable Japanese snack parlor is an increasingly precious commodity; thankfully, this place does it dependably, just as it has for decades. Start with the the shrimp and miso onigiri, then see how far outside your comfort zone you’re willing to climb.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Keep it moving, they say. They’ve got a lot more onigiri to get through today.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Anything we should keep in mind?
This is a quick and easy snack stop for a small group of friends. Consider it an opening act for dinner and do the the main event elsewhere.

Slide 2 of 11: So, what can you tell us about this place? Asakusa Imahan is a massive, multi-leveled shrine to sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Slip your shoes off, climb into a private booth, and heat up some top-quality meat. Got it. Who else is here? Couples on first dates, businessmen bunched into booths, and full families crowding around in-table skillets. What should we be drinking? Sake and pints of Sapporo. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Asakusa Imahan excels in traditional sukiyaki, with impeccable, finely marbled beef that's ready to hit the grill. Adding to the experience, you'll sit cross legged on a tatami mat. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Although they're not often visible, they routinely check in, just to be sure you're set. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Sukiyaki is for all occasions, whether it's a business dinner, date night, or family meal.

2/10 SLIDES © Mark Parren Taylor

Asakusa Imahan

So, what can you tell us about this place?
Asakusa Imahan is a massive, multi-leveled shrine to sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Slip your shoes off, climb into a private booth, and heat up some top-quality meat.

Got it. Who else is here?
Couples on first dates, businessmen bunched into booths, and full families crowding around in-table skillets.

What should we be drinking?
Sake and pints of Sapporo.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Asakusa Imahan excels in traditional sukiyaki, with impeccable, finely marbled beef that’s ready to hit the grill. Adding to the experience, you’ll sit cross legged on a tatami mat.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Although they’re not often visible, they routinely check in, just to be sure you’re set.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
Sukiyaki is for all occasions, whether it’s a business dinner, date night, or family meal.

Slide 3 of 11: So, can you tell us a little about this place? More of a food stall than a proper restaurant, Karaage-ya Oshu Iwai is an unbeatable option for on-the-go fried chicken in Tokyo. A wooden placard mounted above a series of white noren banners is all there is by way of decoration, but as far as advertising goes, those take a backseat to the unmistakable aroma of chicken and garlic wafting into the street. Who else is here? Groups of 20- and 30-somethings. What should we be drinking? Soda and iced green tea from a mini-fridge. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. The secret to the chicken's success here is the optimal ratio of crispy breading to juicy meal. There's also a wide range of finishes, including spicy, garlic fried, sweet, and soy-glazed. Orders are served right from the fryer in a small carton with toothpicks as utensils. Not sure where to start? Go for the Iwaii Bento, a crowd favorite. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Staffers are fast and courteous from their position behind the counter. The menu is written in Japanese, so ask for help if you need it. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Come for lunch and evening to-go snacks. The more friends you come with, the more you'll get to try.

3/10 SLIDES © Mark Parren Taylor

Karaage-ya Oshu Iwai

So, can you tell us a little about this place?
More of a food stall than a proper restaurant, Karaage-ya Oshu Iwai is an unbeatable option for on-the-go fried chicken in Tokyo. A wooden placard mounted above a series of white noren banners is all there is by way of decoration, but as far as advertising goes, those take a backseat to the unmistakable aroma of chicken and garlic wafting into the street.

Who else is here?
Groups of 20- and 30-somethings.

What should we be drinking?
Soda and iced green tea from a mini-fridge.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
The secret to the chicken’s success here is the optimal ratio of crispy breading to juicy meal. There’s also a wide range of finishes, including spicy, garlic fried, sweet, and soy-glazed. Orders are served right from the fryer in a small carton with toothpicks as utensils. Not sure where to start? Go for the Iwaii Bento, a crowd favorite.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Staffers are fast and courteous from their position behind the counter. The menu is written in Japanese, so ask for help if you need it.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
Come for lunch and evening to-go snacks. The more friends you come with, the more you’ll get to try.

Slide 4 of 11: What can you tell us about this place? Han no Daidokoro Kadochika is a sleek lounge tucked into the fourth floor of the Dogenzaka Center Building. Inside, the wood appointments are inlaid with a circular metal thatch—the key indicator of yakiniku, or grilled meats. The name of the game here is wagyu, but not just any wagyu; rather, beef from Yamagata, a prefecture second to none in its caliber of cattle-raising. What's the crowd like? Somber businessmen (loosening up with each passing round) and gregarious groups of carnivorous friends. What should we be drinking? Ice-cold lagers: the perfect accompaniment to seared wagyu beef. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Seared Yamagata beef is a beautiful thing—and not just for your Instagram feed. It melts in your mouth, leaving nothing but a trail of unctuous umami in its wake. Order the Yamagata Gyu Ittougai, a sampling of as many as six varieties of wagyu, all sliced thin and ready to hit the grill. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Incredibly helpful and eager to please. If they suspect you need help with the grilling, they'll cheerfully step in. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Come here with your favorite carnivores, and leave the vegetarians at home.

4/10 SLIDES © Mark Parren Taylor

Han no Daidokoro Kadochika

What can you tell us about this place?
Han no Daidokoro Kadochika is a sleek lounge tucked into the fourth floor of the Dogenzaka Center Building. Inside, the wood appointments are inlaid with a circular metal thatch—the key indicator of yakiniku, or grilled meats. The name of the game here is wagyu, but not just any wagyu; rather, beef from Yamagata, a prefecture second to none in its caliber of cattle-raising.

What’s the crowd like?
Somber businessmen (loosening up with each passing round) and gregarious groups of carnivorous friends.

What should we be drinking?
Ice-cold lagers: the perfect accompaniment to seared wagyu beef.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Seared Yamagata beef is a beautiful thing—and not just for your Instagram feed. It melts in your mouth, leaving nothing but a trail of unctuous umami in its wake. Order the Yamagata Gyu Ittougai, a sampling of as many as six varieties of wagyu, all sliced thin and ready to hit the grill.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Incredibly helpful and eager to please. If they suspect you need help with the grilling, they’ll cheerfully step in.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
Come here with your favorite carnivores, and leave the vegetarians at home.

Slide 5 of 11: What can you tell us about this place? Taiyaki Wakaba's glass-encased kitchen is viewable from the street and bordered by a green awning. Inside, craftsmen crank out a traditional seafood dessert as they've been doing so skillfully here for more than a century. Most Americans have never heard of taiyaki; here you can discover firsthand what you've been missing. What's the crowd like? A mix—everyone who lines up is excited to try this time-honored Japanese treat. What should we be drinking? Free hot green tea. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Sea bream, red bean paste, and batter combine to form an unlikely confection. Molded into the shape of an actual fish, this afternoon snack strikes the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and savory. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? They take your money; they give you taiyaki. There's pretty much nothing more to the transaction. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? A lighthearted spot to take your kids or an unexpected detour on a day date.

5/10 SLIDES © Mark Parren Taylor

Taiyaki Wakaba

What can you tell us about this place?
Taiyaki Wakaba’s glass-encased kitchen is viewable from the street and bordered by a green awning. Inside, craftsmen crank out a traditional seafood dessert as they’ve been doing so skillfully here for more than a century. Most Americans have never heard of taiyaki; here you can discover firsthand what you’ve been missing.

What’s the crowd like?
A mix—everyone who lines up is excited to try this time-honored Japanese treat.

What should we be drinking?
Free hot green tea.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Sea bream, red bean paste, and batter combine to form an unlikely confection. Molded into the shape of an actual fish, this afternoon snack strikes the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and savory.

And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
They take your money; they give you taiyaki. There’s pretty much nothing more to the transaction.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
A lighthearted spot to take your kids or an unexpected detour on a day date.

Slide 6 of 11: You can spot Shichisai by its white brick façade and hungry crowd of ramen devotees queuing up outside. The noodles here are pounded and shaped from dough in front of your very eyes. It isn't just impressive to watch; it makes for a profoundly more satisfying noodle that's thick, chewy, and perfectly wavy. Don't be afraid to pile on extra chashu, but if you're craving something lighter, go for the hiyashi chuka, which features thinner noodles in a tomato-based broth.
6/10 SLIDES © MyRamen Company

Shichisai

You can spot Shichisai by its white brick façade and hungry crowd of ramen devotees queuing up outside. The noodles here are pounded and shaped from dough in front of your very eyes. It isn’t just impressive to watch; it makes for a profoundly more satisfying noodle that’s thick, chewy, and perfectly wavy. Don’t be afraid to pile on extra chashu, but if you’re craving something lighter, go for the hiyashi chuka, which features thinner noodles in a tomato-based broth.
Slide 7 of 11: So, can you tell us a little about this place? Tamai Nihonbashi Honten, an anago—or eel—destination, is a dense space with black-painted wood and a paper lantern hanging high overhead. What's the crowd like? A spirited assortment of salarymen and Ginza locals, young and old. What's the drink situation? Non-alcoholic: hot green tea, assorted soft drinks. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Anago, or saltwater eel, is the star of the show here. And if you want to enjoy its full flavor potential, start with the hako-meshi; the signature preparation of Conger eel that's been seared and basted in a warm paste of sugar-sweetened soy. And what's the service like? Staff work hard to keep everyone moving, but don't expect to make friends. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? If you're traveling with seafood enthusiasts who want to experience an under-appreciated aspect of Japanese cuisine, this is the spot for them. Loud and compact, it's not exactly a romantic setting; for date night, head elsewhere.

Tamai Nihonbashi Honten

So, can you tell us a little about this place?
Tamai Nihonbashi Honten, an anago—or eel—destination, is a dense space with black-painted wood and a paper lantern hanging high overhead.

What’s the crowd like?
A spirited assortment of salarymen and Ginza locals, young and old.

What’s the drink situation?
Non-alcoholic: hot green tea, assorted soft drinks.

Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Anago, or saltwater eel, is the star of the show here. And if you want to enjoy its full flavor potential, start with the hako-meshi; the signature preparation of Conger eel that’s been seared and basted in a warm paste of sugar-sweetened soy.

And what’s the service like?
Staff work hard to keep everyone moving, but don’t expect to make friends.

What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
If you’re traveling with seafood enthusiasts who want to experience an under-appreciated aspect of Japanese cuisine, this is the spot for them. Loud and compact, it’s not exactly a romantic setting; for date night, head elsewhere.

Slide 8 of 11: With unadorned concrete walls, Seirinkan, Tokyo's original pizza hideaway, feels like it’s built inside a bunker. Susumu Kakinuma, the owner and pioneering pizzaiolo, cut his teeth in Naples, returning to his native land well equipped to roll some dough. Here he keeps the menu purposely simple, with just two pies: a traditional margherita and a cheese-less marinara. The crust bubbles and chars in small pockets, thanks to a short blast in the wood-fired oven, and holds a crisp exterior before revealing a satisfying underlying chew.

Seirinkan

With unadorned concrete walls, Seirinkan, Tokyo’s original pizza hideaway, feels like it’s built inside a bunker. Susumu Kakinuma, the owner and pioneering pizzaiolo, cut his teeth in Naples, returning to his native land well equipped to roll some dough. Here he keeps the menu purposely simple, with just two pies: a traditional margherita and a cheese-less marinara. The crust bubbles and chars in small pockets, thanks to a short blast in the wood-fired oven, and holds a crisp exterior before revealing a satisfying underlying chew.
Slide 9 of 11: Tadashi Hosokawa is a soba whisperer, having earned a Michelin star for his Zaru-style preparation: thick buckwheat strings served alongside a smoky and salty tsuyu dipping sauce. At his pint-size restaurant, you can opt to enhance your soba with tempura or fried vegetable and dashi. The plate might appear minimal—even boring—but you'll be wowed by the flavors and textures once you did in. It’s enough to inspire the endless queues that form every afternoon.
9/10 SLIDES © Yasuyuki Takagi

Hosokawa

Tadashi Hosokawa is a soba whisperer, having earned a Michelin star for his Zaru-style preparation: thick buckwheat strings served alongside a smoky and salty tsuyu dipping sauce. At his pint-size restaurant, you can opt to enhance your soba with tempura or fried vegetable and dashi. The plate might appear minimal—even boring—but you’ll be wowed by the flavors and textures once you did in. It’s enough to inspire the endless queues that form every afternoon.
Slide 10 of 11: Tokyo is home to thousands of noodle shops. So how, exactly, do you set yourself apart in the world of ramen? First: patience. At Nakiryu, a Michelin-starred destination, it takes days to refine and condense the rich and unctuous broth before hand-pulled noodles and house-made sauces added. Top it off with tender roast pork so tender, and it's no wonder why folks stand in two-hour queues just to taste it. If you’re willing to brave the line, try the tongue-tingling Spicy Tantanmen, a gritty orange broth with complex aromas and flavors.
10/10 SLIDES © Condé Nast Traveler

Nakiryu

Tokyo is home to thousands of noodle shops. So how, exactly, do you set yourself apart in the world of ramen? First: patience. At Nakiryu, a Michelin-starred destination, it takes days to refine and condense the rich and unctuous broth before hand-pulled noodles and house-made sauces added. Top it off with tender roast pork so tender, and it’s no wonder why folks stand in two-hour queues just to taste it. If you’re willing to brave the line, try the tongue-tingling Spicy Tantanmen, a gritty orange broth with complex aromas and flavors.

Incredible pictures of tourist attractions that no longer exist

Slide 1 of 31: These days when we travel there are more accessible adventures and amazing opportunities on offer than ever before. But as the following pictures prove there are some experiences that money can’t buy – a glimpse of the attractions and hot spots from yesteryear that have disappeared off the map. Whether because of nature, mankind’s unthinking actions or climate change, we take a peek at travel hot spots that we'll never get to visit.

Lost wonders of the world

These days when we travel there are more accessible adventures and amazing opportunities on offer than ever before. But as the following pictures prove there are some experiences that money can’t buy – a glimpse of the attractions and hot spots from yesteryear that have disappeared off the map. Whether because of nature, mankind’s unthinking actions or climate change, we take a peek at travel hot spots that we’ll never get to visit.
Slide 2 of 31: The former Penn Station, which opened in 1910, was a striking sight: designed in the Beaux Arts style, it featured pink granite, vaulted glass windows, giant stone pillars and archways. Unfortunately, like many grand buildings, it cost a hefty sum to maintain, so in 1962 it was demolished – despite the backlash of many New Yorkers.

2/31 SLIDES © Everett Historical/Shutterstock

Penn Station, New York City, USA

The former Penn Station, which opened in 1910, was a striking sight: designed in the Beaux Arts style, it featured pink granite, vaulted glass windows, giant stone pillars and archways. Unfortunately, like many grand buildings, it cost a hefty sum to maintain, so in 1962 it was demolished – despite the backlash of many New Yorkers.
Slide 3 of 31: Today’s Penn Station is a far cry from what it once was, a smaller, underground network complete with neon lighting and all the mod cons. But its modest size means that the now-increasing number of rail passengers create a strain on the building, so new plans have been put in place to expand it. Check out these stunning pictures of abandoned train stations from around the world.

3/31 SLIDES © EQRoy/Shutterstock

Penn Station, New York City, USA

Today’s Penn Station is a far cry from what it once was, a smaller, underground network complete with neon lighting and all the mod cons. But its modest size means that the now-increasing number of rail passengers create a strain on the building, so new plans have been put in place to expand it.

Slide 4 of 31: Once a Victorian masterpiece, this impressive glass and steel structure was built in 1851 in London’s Hyde Park but it was later moved to Penge Place, where it remained for 82 years. In its heyday, it was home to a mind-boggling array of delights: a roller coaster, festivals, cricket matches and even a garden complete with model dinosaurs all featured within its grounds in the south of the capital.

4/31 SLIDES © Fox Photos/Getty

Crystal Palace, London, UK

Once a Victorian masterpiece, this impressive glass and steel structure was built in 1851 in London’s Hyde Park but it was later moved to Penge Place, where it remained for 82 years. In its heyday, it was home to a mind-boggling array of delights: a roller coaster, festivals, cricket matches and even a garden complete with model dinosaurs all featured within its grounds in the south of the capital.
Slide 5 of 31: Tragically, the building was swallowed up by flames in 1936 and it’s still not known how the fire was started and if it was intentional. Currently, remnants of the palace including terraces, sphinxes, and a huge bust of its designer Sir Joseph Paxton can be seen in the park, which has been renamed Crystal Palace Park.

5/31 SLIDES © Colin Smith/Wikmedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Crystal Palace, London, UK

Tragically, the building was swallowed up by flames in 1936 and it’s still not known how the fire was started and if it was intentional. Currently, remnants of the palace including terraces, sphinxes, and a huge bust of its designer Sir Joseph Paxton can be seen in the park, which has been renamed Crystal Palace Park.
Slide 6 of 31: If you picture San Francisco, attractions like the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz or Lombard Street might spring to mind. But did you know that the city was once home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment? The impressive complex included six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool, with capacity for 10,000 people.

6/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Sutro Baths, San Francisco, USA

If you picture San Francisco, attractions like the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz or Lombard Street might spring to mind. But did you know that the city was once home to the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment? The impressive complex included six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool, with capacity for 10,000 people.
Slide 7 of 31: After struggling financially for many years, the Sutro Baths closed in 1966, and later burned down in June of that year. Now, the foundations remain as a reminder of the Victorian attraction, with the cliff-side setting making it a popular spot for walkers.

7/31 SLIDES © FlyingToaster/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Sutro Baths, San Francisco, USA

After struggling financially for many years, the Sutro Baths closed in 1966, and later burned down in June of that year. Now, the foundations remain as a reminder of the Victorian attraction, with the cliff-side setting making it a popular spot for walkers.
Slide 8 of 31: Back in the mid-19th century, these gorgeous naturally-formed cascading pools attracted tourists from across the globe and were one of the biggest draws for those visiting the southern hemisphere. Often dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” they were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera back in 1886, and now their glory is captured only by a handful of paintings, like this one by English artist Charles Blomfield.

8/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Pink and White Terraces, Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand

Back in the mid-19th century, these gorgeous naturally-formed cascading pools attracted tourists from across the globe and were one of the biggest draws for those visiting the southern hemisphere. Often dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” they were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera back in 1886, and now their glory is captured only by a handful of paintings, like this one by English artist Charles Blomfield.
Slide 9 of 31: Nowadays, Lake Rotomahana remains a beautiful sight, although the exact location of the Pink and White Terraces is not known. However, researchers are using the diaries of geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who wrote detailed notes on its location before the eruption, to try to pinpoint and excavate the terraces – meaning they could one day be restored.

9/31 SLIDES © Brain Taylor/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Pink and White Terraces, Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand

Nowadays, Lake Rotomahana remains a beautiful sight, although the exact location of the Pink and White Terraces is not known. However, researchers are using the diaries of geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who wrote detailed notes on its location before the eruption, to try to pinpoint and excavate the terraces – meaning they could one day be restored.
Slide 10 of 31: Daring skiers would once have dreamed of ticking the notoriously tough Chacaltaya mountain, the highest ski resort in the world, off their bucket lists. The ancient glacier which sits within it spanned more than 2,000 square feet back in 1940 but rapidly decreased in size over the years until 2009, when it completely melted away.

10/31 SLIDES © Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Chacaltaya glacier, Bolivia

Daring skiers would once have dreamed of ticking the notoriously tough Chacaltaya mountain, the highest ski resort in the world, off their bucket lists. The ancient glacier which sits within it spanned more than 2,000 square feet back in 1940 but rapidly decreased in size over the years until 2009, when it completely melted away.
Slide 11 of 31: In 1998 experts predicted the glacier would survive until 2015 but due to climate change, it melted six years earlier than estimated. Now, Chacaltaya is pretty barren, but despite the lack of skiing it remains a popular spot for mountaineers looking to hike its summit. Check out the world's most dangerous attractions.

11/31 SLIDES © Aizar Raldes/AFP/Getty

Chacaltaya glacier, Bolivia

In 1998 experts predicted the glacier would survive until 2015 but due to climate change, it melted six years earlier than estimated. Now, Chacaltaya is pretty barren, but despite the lack of skiing it remains a popular spot for mountaineers looking to hike its summit.

 

Slide 13 of 31: Unfortunately, the theme park was forced to close in 2013 after several years of declining visitor numbers. The space is currently undergoing construction to enlarge the neighboring city zoo and a few rides will be maintained. In fact, the century-old carousel has already been relocated to the zoo and is now up and running again. Take a look at America's best theme parks.

12/31 SLIDES © Jeremy Thompson/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Vidámpark, Budapest, Hungary

While it may not possess stunning architecture or natural beauty, this former amusement park was an institution for thrill-seekers and adventure-lovers alike. The attraction offered several historic rides, including the City Wave Roller, a wooden roller coaster built in 1922, and a carousel built in 1906.
Slide 14 of 31: Thirty-seven years ago, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, lay the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Comprising a series of 18 falls, with the tallest 130 feet high, this natural wonder attracted tourists from across the globe, who were captivated by its immense power and beauty.
14/31 SLIDES © @pombero008/YouTube

Guaíra Falls, Paraguay/Brazil

Thirty-seven years ago, on the border between Paraguay and Brazil, lay the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Comprising a series of 18 falls, with the tallest 130 feet high, this natural wonder attracted tourists from across the globe, who were captivated by its immense power and beauty.
Slide 15 of 31: In October 1982, the falls fell victim to a giant engineering project. They were closed and dynamited to create the Itaipu Dam, which now provides 75% of the electricity used by Paraguay and 25% of the electricity in Brazil. While they’re clearly a viable source of renewable energy, whether it’s worth the price of losing such a natural spectacle is another question altogether.
15/31 SLIDES © Noberto Duarte/Getty

Guaíra Falls, Paraguay/Brazil

In October 1982, the falls fell victim to a giant engineering project. They were closed and dynamited to create the Itaipu Dam, which now provides 75% of the electricity used by Paraguay and 25% of the electricity in Brazil. While they’re clearly a viable source of renewable energy, whether it’s worth the price of losing such a natural spectacle is another question altogether.
Slide 16 of 31: Today, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a beloved attraction in this seaside town, but just along the coastline you’ll find the skeletal remains of an older pier. Opened in 1866, during the Victorian boom for seaside holidays, the West Pier featured a concert hall, funfair and tearoom and was extremely popular in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

16/31 SLIDES © Francis Frith/Hulton Archive/Getty

West Pier, Brighton, UK

Today, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a beloved attraction in this seaside town, but just along the coastline you’ll find the skeletal remains of an older pier. Opened in 1866, during the Victorian boom for seaside holidays, the West Pier featured a concert hall, funfair and tearoom and was extremely popular in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.
Slide 17 of 31: The West Pier fell into financial decline in the 1960s, before closing in 1975 and falling into disrepair. Since then, it partly collapsed due to a storm in 2002 and caught fire the following year, in a suspected act of arson. Despite being mostly destroyed, the hollowed-out structure makes for a spooky yet beautiful silhouette for photographers.

17/31 SLIDES © Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty

West Pier, Brighton, UK

The West Pier fell into financial decline in the 1960s, before closing in 1975 and falling into disrepair. Since then, it partly collapsed due to a storm in 2002 and caught fire the following year, in a suspected act of arson. Despite being mostly destroyed, the hollowed-out structure makes for a spooky yet beautiful silhouette for photographers.
Slide 18 of 31: If you’ve ever smashed a piece of porcelain crockery, a 260-foot tower made from the stuff might not sound like the smartest idea. Yet surprisingly this architectural gem lasted for around 400 years, from the 14th to 19th centuries, before being destroyed by rebels. In its day, it showcased a traditional pagoda style, adorned with colorful Buddhist imagery and lit up by lanterns at night.

18/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

If you’ve ever smashed a piece of porcelain crockery, a 260-foot tower made from the stuff might not sound like the smartest idea. Yet surprisingly this architectural gem lasted for around 400 years, from the 14th to 19th centuries, before being destroyed by rebels. In its day, it showcased a traditional pagoda style, adorned with colorful Buddhist imagery and lit up by lanterns at night.
Slide 19 of 31: In 2015, the tower was reborn in the form of a modern, steel and glass construction when property developer Wang Jianlin donated $156 million (£118m) to the construction of a new building. Complete with multiple viewing platforms and surrounded by a futuristic Buddhist-themed museum, it certainly provides a new take on the historical site.

19/31 SLIDES © MyCreative/Shutterstock

Porcelain Tower, Nanjing, China

In 2015, the tower was reborn in the form of a modern, steel and glass construction when property developer Wang Jianlin donated $156 million (£118m) to the construction of a new building. Complete with multiple viewing platforms and surrounded by a futuristic Buddhist-themed museum, it certainly provides a new take on the historical site.
Slide 20 of 31: If you had walked down to 1120 6th Avenue in New York 100 years ago, you’d have been greeted by the sight of this spectacular theater. The giant 5,697-seat Hippodrome was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy, who enticed new middle-class customers with lower ticket prices and made theater accessible for all.

20/31 SLIDES © Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock

The Hippodrome Theatre, New York City, USA

If you had walked down to 1120 6th Avenue in New York 100 years ago, you’d have been greeted by the sight of this spectacular theater. The giant 5,697-seat Hippodrome was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Frederick Thompson and Elmer Dundy, who enticed new middle-class customers with lower ticket prices and made theater accessible for all.
Slide 21 of 31: As was the case for other grand turn-of-the-century buildings, the Hippodrome fell into the trap of high maintenance costs. Despite going through the hands of numerous owners, it finally had to close in August 1939 and was demolished later that year. In the 1960s it was replaced by a parking lot and an office building, which has remained ever since.

21/31 SLIDES © Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Hippodrome Theatre, New York City, USA

As was the case for other grand turn-of-the-century buildings, the Hippodrome fell into the trap of high maintenance costs. Despite going through the hands of numerous owners, it finally had to close in August 1939 and was demolished later that year. In the 1960s it was replaced by a parking lot and an office building, which has remained ever since.
Slide 22 of 31: Yes – it’s just a tree, but it’s possibly one of the most pictured ever after landscape photographer Ansel Adams brought it to fame back in 1940. With its dramatic, keeled-over shape, the tree became a popular photo spot for visitors to Yosemite National Park, showing the effects of over 400 years of windy weather.
22/31 SLIDES © David Schroeder/FlickrC/C BY-NC-ND 2.0

Jeffrey Pine, Yosemite, California, USA

Yes – it’s just a tree, but it’s possibly one of the most pictured ever after landscape photographer Ansel Adams brought it to fame back in 1940. With its dramatic, keeled-over shape, the tree became a popular photo spot for visitors to Yosemite National Park, showing the effects of over 400 years of windy weather.
Slide 23 of 31: Nature took its course and, in 1977, the tree finally died. However, it remained upright, looking even more striking for its bleached wood, until 2003 when it toppled to the ground after a storm. Jeffrey Pine remains in its former spot and attracts the fascination of visitors and photographers, despite no longer standing tall.
23/31 SLIDES © John Krzesinski/Flickr

Jeffrey Pine, Yosemite, California, USA

Nature took its course and, in 1977, the tree finally died. However, it remained upright, looking even more striking for its bleached wood, until 2003 when it toppled to the ground after a storm. Jeffrey Pine remains in its former spot and attracts the fascination of visitors and photographers, despite no longer standing tall.
Slide 24 of 31: This quirky tradition saw tourists flocking to the City of Love to express their amor by signing theirs and their partners’ names on padlocks, before attaching them to the Pont des Arts over the River Seine. The practice became so popular that at one point the bridge contained a million padlocks weighing 45 tons.

24/31 SLIDES © Stephane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty

Love Locks Bridge, Paris, France

This quirky tradition saw tourists flocking to the City of Love to express their amor by signing theirs and their partners’ names on padlocks, before attaching them to the Pont des Arts over the River Seine. The practice became so popular that at one point the bridge contained a million padlocks weighing 45 tons.

Slide 25 of 31: In a moment of extreme irony, in 2014 part of its fence broke due to the weight of these symbols of ‘everlasting’ love. The following year, city officials began to remove padlocks and replace the bridge’s metal grilles with plastic panels, which have now been replaced by glass panels. Determined to keep the tradition going, some have begun to attach padlocks to lampposts along the bridge instead.

25/31 SLIDES © Stephane de Sakutin/AFP/Getty

Love Locks Bridge, Paris, France

In a moment of extreme irony, in 2014 part of its fence broke due to the weight of these symbols of ‘everlasting’ love. The following year, city officials began to remove padlocks and replace the bridge’s metal grilles with plastic panels, which have now been replaced by glass panels. Determined to keep the tradition going, some have begun to attach padlocks to lampposts along the bridge instead.
Slide 26 of 31: Seen from a distance, this piece of rock jutting out from Franconia Notch might not have looked like much. But when seen from the north, the rock once resembled the profile of an old man, with a clearly-define forehead, nose, lips and chin. Hence it became known as the "Old Man of the Mountain", an iconic symbol in New Hampshire.

26/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire, USA

Seen from a distance, this piece of rock jutting out from Franconia Notch might not have looked like much. But when seen from the north, the rock once resembled the profile of an old man, with a clearly-define forehead, nose, lips and chin. Hence it became known as the “Old Man of the Mountain”, an iconic symbol in New Hampshire.
Slide 27 of 31: After existing for an estimated 12,000 years, the poor Old Man fell off the mountain one fateful night in May 2003. Local people mourned the loss of their mascot, creating a memorial in Profiler Plaza at the base of the mountain. This picture shows the now-missing section. 

27/31 SLIDES © Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

The Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire, USA

After existing for an estimated 12,000 years, the poor Old Man fell off the mountain one fateful night in May 2003. Local people mourned the loss of their mascot, creating a memorial in Profiler Plaza at the base of the mountain. This picture shows the now-missing section.

Slide 28 of 31: You might recognize this stunning natural formation – it’s been featured in Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo and Clash of Titans, as well as many an Instagram feed. The arch was formed by the collapse of a coastal cave, probably in the 19th century, and was a popular spot for photographs.
28/31 SLIDES © Sascha Steinbach/Getty

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

You might recognize this stunning natural formation – it’s been featured in Game of Thrones, The Count of Monte Cristo and Clash of Titans, as well as many an Instagram feed. The arch was formed by the collapse of a coastal cave, probably in the 19th century, and was a popular spot for photographs.

Slide 29 of 31: When heavy storms hit the Maltese archipelago in March 2017, the world was devastated by the announcement that the iconic arch had collapsed. However, it wasn’t all bad news, as the fallen rock formation has now added to the intrigue underwater, attracting scuba diving enthusiasts to the area.

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta

When heavy storms hit the Maltese archipelago in March 2017, the world was devastated by the announcement that the iconic arch had collapsed. However, it wasn’t all bad news, as the fallen rock formation has now added to the intrigue underwater, attracting scuba diving enthusiasts to the area.

Slide 30 of 31: This ancient city, which was built in the third millennium BC, combines Greco-Roman, Persian and Arabian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, among its ruins are the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, Damascus Gate and a Roman amphitheater. But tragedy hit in 2015, when the site was captured and partially destroyed by Isis. Discover 15 destinations around the world that are nearly impossible to visit 

Palmyra, Homs, Syria

This ancient city, which was built in the third millennium BC, combines Greco-Roman, Persian and Arabian architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, among its ruins are the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, Damascus Gate and a Roman amphitheater. But tragedy hit in 2015, when the site was captured and partially destroyed by Isis.

Slide 31 of 31: Between 2015 and 2017, the militants rampaged and blew up parts of the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Victory. While it may no longer contain some of its original features, humanity can continue to be inspired by its history, as UNESCO has funded renovations and the site is set to reopen later this year. Now read 17 destinations you must visit before they disappear 

Palmyra, Homs, Syria

Between 2015 and 2017, the militants rampaged and blew up parts of the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Arch of Victory. While it may no longer contain some of its original features, humanity can continue to be inspired by its history, as UNESCO has funded renovations and the site is set to reopen later this year.

Nearly 100 Million Americans Planning a Family Vacation in 2019

Family packing luggage for a summer road trip

AAA projects that nearly 100 million Americans will take a family vacation at some point in 2019.

While the figure is slightly higher than last year, it still only represents about four in 10 U.S. adults. According to the recent AAA Travel survey, many families are planning spring and summer road trips.

In fact, more than half (53 percent) plan to take a road trip in 2019.

The good news for those families is that gas prices have averaged nearly a quarter cheaper so far this year compared with the first few months of 2018, AAA reported, pointing out that summer gas prices are also expected to be cheaper than they were a year ago.

The AAA Travel survey also found that approximately two-thirds of all family travelers (68 percent) plan to enjoy a summer getaway. However, fewer Americans are gearing up for spring travel, with only 45 percent of family travelers making plans, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, travelers in the South are more likely to be making plans for a family trip this year (62 percent) compared to travelers in the Northeast (35 percent), the survey found.

“The great American road trip is still one of the best ways for families to relax and reconnect with one another,” said AAA Travel Information & Content executive director Stacey Barber in a statement. “This is quickly shaping up to be another busy year for family travelers, both on the roadways, as well as other popular travel destinations and attractions. To make the most of their vacations, AAA recommends families plan and research as far ahead as possible to avoid missing out on popular activities and fun.”

While planning and budgeting for a family vacation can be daunting and sometimes the biggest obstacle to getting away with your loved ones, there are plenty of tips and tools to make the process fun and easy.

First, consider working with a travel agent who can take the stress out of planning while also saving you money and ensuring you’ve got assistance in the event that something goes wrong. The U.S. Travel Association’s Vacation Planning Tool is also extremely helpful if you and your family choose to do it yourselves.

What to see and do on a day trip to Lille

Slide 1 of 12: When in France, the classical way to start your day off is with having a nice traditional breakfast. France is most famous for its tasty, mouth-watering baked goods and you can find bakeries serving fresh, hot croissants and pain au chocolats everywhere you turn. Some of the most famous bakeries around the city center are the Boulangerie Brier, Patisserie du Lion d'Or and Maison Doucet.

Start your day with a traditional French breakfast

When in France, the classical way to start your day off is with having a nice traditional breakfast. France is most famous for its tasty, mouth-watering baked goods and you can find bakeries serving fresh, hot croissants and pain au chocolats everywhere you turn. Some of the most famous bakeries around the city center are the Boulangerie Brier, Patisserie du Lion d’Or and Maison Doucet.

Slide 2 of 12: After you've had some nice food, start your sightseeing tour in the main central square known as Grand Palace. The square is actually officially named Place du Général de Gaulle as a tribute to Lille's most famous resident, president Charles de Gaulle. Here you can gaze the 17th century Flemish buildings surrounding the square, creating an impressive sight. The square is a meeting point for locals and a famous hub for cafes and restaurants, so to get a glimpse of everyday life in Lille, sit at one of the nearby cafes, drink coffee and watch people pass by and admire the marvelous architecture around you.

2/12 SLIDES © Chris Dorney/123RF

Explore the heart of the city – Grand Palace

After you’ve had some nice food, start your sightseeing tour in the main central square known as Grand Palace. The square is actually officially named Place du Général de Gaulle as a tribute to Lille’s most famous resident, president Charles de Gaulle. Here you can gaze the 17th century Flemish buildings surrounding the square, creating an impressive sight. The square is a meeting point for locals and a famous hub for cafes and restaurants, so to get a glimpse of everyday life in Lille, sit at one of the nearby cafes, drink coffee and watch people pass by and admire the marvelous architecture around you.

Slide 3 of 12: The historic center of the city is known as Le Vieux Lille. It's characterized by colorful Flemish buildings, old redbrick houses and churches. Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets that are full of cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and cute restaurants ideal for a light brunch. From luxury goods to delicacy shops and affordable clothing boutiques, Lille is famous as a shopping destination. In the neighborhood you'll find the Cathedral Notre Dame de la Treille, an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Streets are paved with stone and lined with impressive tall medieval buildings, making an ideal setting for a pleasant stroll.

3/12 SLIDES © : iloveotto/123RF

Wander around the streets of Old Town

The historic center of the city is known as Le Vieux Lille. It’s characterized by colorful Flemish buildings, old redbrick houses and churches. Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets that are full of cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and cute restaurants ideal for a light brunch. From luxury goods to delicacy shops and affordable clothing boutiques, Lille is famous as a shopping destination. In the neighborhood you’ll find the Cathedral Notre Dame de la Treille, an impressive example of Gothic architecture. Streets are paved with stone and lined with impressive tall medieval buildings, making an ideal setting for a pleasant stroll.

Slide 4 of 12: Lille is famous for housing the largest flea market in Europe every year, taking place during the last week in August and the first week in September. If you're not in town then, don't be disappointed because Lille has some good markets open all around the year. The most famous farmers market is the vibrant Wazemmes market, open during the weekend. It's the prime spot in the city for buying fresh groceries and experiencing the city as a local. The market is a paradise for foodies, with famous French cheese at every turn and pastry shops serving warm baked goods. Flowers, antiques, material, souvenirs and almost everything you can think of can be bought here!

4/12 SLIDES © Olena Kachmar/123rf

Shop at bustling farmers and flea markets

Lille is famous for housing the largest flea market in Europe every year, taking place during the last week in August and the first week in September. If you’re not in town then, don’t be disappointed because Lille has some good markets open all around the year. The most famous farmers market is the vibrant Wazemmes market, open during the weekend. It’s the prime spot in the city for buying fresh groceries and experiencing the city as a local. The market is a paradise for foodies, with famous French cheese at every turn and pastry shops serving warm baked goods. Flowers, antiques, material, souvenirs and almost everything you can think of can be bought here!

Slide 9 of 12: Vieille Bourse or Old Stock Exchange is one of the most beautiful sites in Lille. The architecture of the landmark is just majestic as the building consists of 24 identical houses built around an arched courtyard. With its unique architecture and lavish ornament facade, it's dubbed as the finest building in the city. For the full experience, visit the Flemish masterpiece in the afternoon when booksellers sell second-hand books and locals play chess on the little square

9/12 SLIDES © Jordan Tan/123RF

Go book shopping in front of the Old Stock Exchange

Vieille Bourse or Old Stock Exchange is one of the most beautiful sites in Lille. The architecture of the landmark is just majestic as the building consists of 24 identical houses built around an arched courtyard. With its unique architecture and lavish ornament facade, it’s dubbed as the finest building in the city. For the full experience, visit the Flemish masterpiece in the afternoon when booksellers sell second-hand books and locals play chess on the little square
Slide 10 of 12: In Lille there's no shortage of amazing pastry and food shops. If you've gotten an afternoon sweet craving, there's a seemingly endless list of delicious patisseries. A must try in Lille is the Merveilleux cake, originating from Belgium and also very popular in France. As the name suggests, the cake is really marvelous and the typical desert to eat in this region of France. For the most famous waffles in town, visit La Maison Meert. Meert is a sweet-tooth's paradise, serving iconic waffle sandwich filled with vanilla cream. With an impressive selection of chocolates and pastries, this 170-year-old place is a bit pricey, but definitely worth the splurge!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Merveilleux cake

In Lille there’s no shortage of amazing pastry and food shops. If you’ve gotten an afternoon sweet craving, there’s a seemingly endless list of delicious patisseries. A must try in Lille is the Merveilleux cake, originating from Belgium and also very popular in France. As the name suggests, the cake is really marvelous and the typical desert to eat in this region of France.
For the most famous waffles in town, visit La Maison Meert. Meert is a sweet-tooth’s paradise, serving iconic waffle sandwich filled with vanilla cream. With an impressive selection of chocolates and pastries, this 170-year-old place is a bit pricey, but definitely worth the splurge!
Slide 11 of 12: Lille's town hall is one of the most impressive landmarks in town, so it's no wonder it's protected by UNESCO. The beautiful Flemish-style building is crowned by an impressive 340 feet belfry that dominates the whole city. For the best picture-postcard view of Lille, climb 100 steps to the top of the building and enjoy the imposing panorama view.

You Can Rent A Glass Igloo In Finland To Watch The Northern Lights

You Can Rent A Glass Igloo In Finland To Watch The Northern Lights

Imagine looking up at the Northern Lights from a cozy hotel room 250 km above the Arctic Circle.

From the resort’s website

Glass igloo provides an one of a kind opportunity to admire the northern lights and millions of stars of the crystal clear sky in a comfortable room temperature. Built from a special thermal glass the temperature inside the igloo always stays a normal level. It also prevents the glass from not getting white frosted, hence keeping the view clear even when the temperature outside drops to under -30°C. Every igloo is equipped with a toilet and luxury beds.

 

What to know about tipping in Canada

Toronto Canada Ontario Queen Street West trendy neighborhood corner historic building 1886 Black Bull Tavern restaurant student.

Though servers in Canada make around $11 an hour, more than the minimum requirement for restaurant employees in the United States, they very nearly mirror US tipping customs in the hospitality industry.
Even in places gratuity is not exactly expected, it is still surprisingly popular.
Here’s how it works.

From the big city to the little town

In Toronto, the calculation’s easy. There’s a 13% HST (harmonized sales tax) charge at the bottom of every bill. Take that amount, round it up, and you’ll be in the neighborhood of the 15% that Torontonians consider the minimum tip on a meal.
Especially good service will take it up to 18% or beyond.
Pubs are the classic drinking establishments in a city where cocktails are still considered fancy (and so merit percentage tipping), and the standard tip for a beer or equivalent drink is $1 per drink.
Vancouver’s tax system is more complicated — 5% on meals, 5% plus 10% provincial tax on alcohol — but the standard tip remains the same; you just may have to use your phone to figure it out.
According to a recent study by national pollsters Angus Reid, tips in small towns tend to be closer to the 10% mark for restaurants, with a similar buck-a-beer system for bars.

Quebec stands alone

In Quebec, French is spoken, and the provincial government is called the National Assembly. It’s maybe not surprising then that Quebecois tip differently.
The expectation is that you’ll be more generous in la belle province — and you will be called out if you fail to meet the standards surrounding gratuity.
There was a flurry of controversy last year when a popular tourist restaurant in Quebec City, the province’s second largest urban center, tacked on a 15% charge to a Vancouverite of Asian descent, revealing a long-standing practice of charging Asian tourists what amounted to a service charge. The overt racism caused a ruckus, but there was another underlying message: Don’t leave without tipping.
Eighteen percent is the norm, 20 not unusual, and if you have a really good time, 25% is not going to raise eyebrows.
Be ready to tip if you plan to visit Montreal. It is expected in hotels, bars and restaurants.

Be ready to tip if you plan to visit Montreal. It is expected in hotels, bars and restaurants.
EVA HAMBACH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
But it’s not only Quebec restaurants — where servers and bartenders make a minimum of $9.80 an hour — that expect a tip. The Montreal Yellow Pages — remember those? — has a whole section on tipping in hotels, just in case you decide to do some research.
It’s quite a long section, but the takeaway — confirmed by Eve Paré, CEO of the Hotel Association of Greater Montreal: $2-$5 a day for cleaning staff, $2-$5 for the parking valet, and $1-$2 a bag for the bellhop, and up to $20 for a concierge who gives you any advice you end up using.
A server in a Quebec City diner writes down an order.

A server in a Quebec City diner writes down an order.
RosaIreneBetancourt 3/Alamy Stock Photo
Related content

Montreal is Canada’s city for every kind of traveler

How tourism dictates tipping

Tourism is extremely seasonal in Canada, meaning the people working in tourist spots, like Niagara Falls in the summer, and Whistler in the winter, have limited earning windows. This is reflected in tipping expectations and, for the most part, behavior. Expect those table-side credit card point-of-sale devices to suggest 20% and even 25% as the default. Of course, you can tip whatever you want, but the floor in tourist destinations tends to hover around 18% rather than 15%.
whistler british columbia

Staff in establishments in heavily touristed spots such as Whistler have limited earning windows and do typically expect you to tip.
Pixabay/Creative Commons
Same for drivers — taxi and ride-share. Instead of rounding up, think 15%, and then round up on that figure. And don’t forget the guides, bus and boat tour narrators, paddle board instructors…the list goes on. These types of tour operators are usually looking for a little extra something.

Taxis, hotels and coffee and more

Across the country, in cities and small towns alike, the rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest $5 whenever you take a taxi.
The Montreal Yellow Pages model — $1-$2 a bag for bellhops, etc. — is a good one to reference whenever you stay in a Canadian hotel.
Not just a doughnut shop, Tim Horton’s is a national institution. And to some, the kerfufflesurrounding news earlier this year that one location was forbidding its employees to accept tips might have seemed curious.
With average bills of $2-$3, you wouldn’t have thought tipping was much of an issue.
But it most definitely is.
A nationwide boycott ensued, Canadian Twitter erupted in outrage, and people were standing outside Tim Horton’s locations handing out tips to employees when they finished their shifts or took mid-shift breaks.
Beck Mageau, a Tim Horton’s employee in Nova Scotia, even took to Quora to clarify the matter. Despite the low prices and largely take-out nature of the place, at least half of patrons tip their Timmy’s staff, often with round-up tips, but sometimes as much as $10 on a $6 box of Timbits (doughnut holes to the uninitiated).
Many Canadians also tend to be generous when traveling by train. Canada’s national rail service is often mocked, but much loved — a fact that is illustrated by about a third of its passengers on the busy Windsor-Quebec City rail corridor tipping their attendants when they order coffee or snacks. According to VIA server Alexandre Beland, it’s mostly a rounding-up tip. “A coffee is $2.25,” he says, “so people will sometimes just give $3.”
Unsurprisingly, he says he gets the most tips on Quebec routes between Montreal and Quebec City. Foreign-traveling tourists aren’t obligated to leave a tip in this situation, but the gesture won’t be rejected either.

New frontiers of tipping

With the proliferation of point-of-sale machines, everything from bike shops to dry cleaners can now suggest a tip when you pay by card. You’re free to do as you like, of course (minimum wage in Canada hovers around the $14-an-hour mark), but if a business does not have a clear system for distributing tips, you do so at your own risk.
There has been a flurry of no-tip restaurants popping up across the country since a spot called Smoke ‘n Water in tiny Parksville, British Columbia floated the idea in 2014. The latest is trendy upscale spot Bistro Rosie in, of all places, Montreal.
Instead of accepting gratutity, they charge a flat fee ($44 for two courses, $55 for 3, etc.). Staff, according to owner Sophie Duchastel de Montrouge, make between $15 and $25 an hour.
It’s not a trend yet, and given that Smoke ‘n Water gave up its policy after three months due to protests of customers who wanted to leave more money, it’s unlikely to be the tip of any iceberg.

How To Travel Like Marie Kondo

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The KonMari method goes far beyond weeding through the stuff that takes residence within the four walls of our homes. In fact, you can apply the method to just about anything.

So how does one travel like Marie Kondo? Folding methods aside, this article is meant to both provide insight on gear that keeps your belongings super-organized, but also reminds you to pack only what sparks joy, of course.

One of the moments I like best in Marie Kondo’s Netflix series is how she takes the opportunity to bless each house she’s about to transform, letting the families know how important it is to express gratitude toward their home.

It seems to me, this is also a good strategy for travelers to practice while they are packing. After all, it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to leave town.

Here are 6 items that will make Ms. Kondo proud:

A Lunchbox With Style 

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Carry your lunch fashionably and sustainably.

Goodbye paper bags, plastic lunch boxes and take out. Modern Picnichas revolutionized the traditional lunchbox into a snazzy fashion-forward bag that will make you want to pack your own food no matter where you are in the world.  The Luncher is designed to keep your food cool during your commute and is made with premium vegan leather on the outside.

The brand founder, Ali Kaminetsky, set out to bring a more functional, eco-friendly way for bringing your lunch (or snacks) with your while never feeling that you have to sacrifice your style for sustainability.

The Everything Bag

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The Modern Bag is anything you need it to be.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POND LA

I’m not sure what to even call this work of genius, which I guess is why it’s appropriately named the Modern Bag, because it can be anything. Crafted from beautiful Italian pebble leather and finished with a waterproof coating, The Modern Bag by POND LOS ANGELES is for work, baby, travel and beyond. The interior is uniquely organized to separate shoes (or diapers) with plenty of room for a laptop and tablet. The coolest part: you can convert it from a shoulder carry, to backpack, to top handle.

“In today’s fast-paced world, a woman is busier than ever, yet her handbag has not evolved to keep up with her demanding schedule. In my previous job, many women carried multiple bags to fit all their personal and work essentials, and I thought, there just had to be a better and easier way to get through the day,” says Daphne Chen, founder of POND LOS ANGELES.

The Ultimate Carry-On

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Meet the carry-on that has a spot for everything.

COURTESY OF TORTUGA

The Outbreaker travel backpack from Tortuga is a dream for the organized traveler. There are just enough interior pockets in the main compartment so you don’t feel confined by the packing space. The next compartment is all about your electronics. Whether carrying your laptop or tablet (or both), there are fleece-lined sleeves for your precious cargo. The front panel is for all of the little stuff that tends to get lost without some order: your passport, pens, keys, sunglasses, etc. Even the hip belt has pockets for the stuff you want to easily access without taking off the backpack. With two different lengths, the Outbreaker is meant to cater to individual body size. For more features and even a sample packing list, check out the product page.

Portable Air Purifier 

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Give your hotel room an uplifting scent.

COURTESY OF THE PURE COMPANY

We’ve all been in hotel rooms with unpleasant odors. If you’re lucky, you can switch rooms. But, if you simply don’t want to deal with the hassle or the hotel is booked solid, The Pure Company’s Portable Air Purifier will bring the life back into your travels by making the air feel cleaner. The device is lightweight, quiet and even has a built in aromatherapy pad that allows you to scent the room with your favorite essential oils.

Road Trip Necessity 

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Carry you picnic on your back

COURTESY OF HYDRO FLASK

Hydro Flask isn’t all about the water bottles. Stumbling upon this backpack cooler helped make family road trips a cinch. In true Hydro Flask style, food and drinks stay chilled up to 48 hours. “Advanced Thermal Mapping” with “Ultralon Buoyancy Foam” puts the insulation where it needs to be. With no bulk and lots of comfort, the kids may even offer to carry this lightweight pack (depending on how many goodies are stored inside). A bonus: it stands on it’s own when you set it down!

An All-Occasion Shoe

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Shoes don’t need to take up space in your luggage

COURTESY OF OLUKAI

A big dilemma when packing is often the question of how many shoes to bring along. Versatile shoes are best for the obvious reason of taking up less space and weight in your suitcase. But, to find a pair that does all the things and sparks joy? For women, OluKai’s Pehuea Leather is that shoe. The comfort certainly matches the style. Some colors are embossed suede, making for a look of total sophistication. Men, check out the Nalukai Slip for your go-to.

6 Ways To Be A Sustainable Traveler

When you consider all of the current global sustainable tourism issues, it certainly seems like a monstrous task for any traveler to take on to help. That said, if we all take small steps to lessen our personal footprints, we will ultimately make a difference. Recently, I connected with Sustainable Travel International, to find out what travelers can be doing to be more sustainable. They believe that “travel and tourism can protect the world’s natural and cultural riches and create economic opportunity,” and they create tools to enable self-directed sustainability for the travel and tourism industry.

One thing to note is that sustainable travel tips vary heavily by destination. In order to be a green traveler, the most important tip is to do your research. Making informed travel decisions can make a huge difference, travelers just need to know what they should be aware of before planning a trip and going to a destination.

Here are several practical and easy tips from Sustainable Travel International that are marked under six categories. These can all be used as a starting point towards being green. We usually only think about the environment when it comes to sustainability, but it also includes your impact on people, animals, and cultures.

1. Minimize Waste And Pollution 

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Woman cleaning up a beach and collecting washed up garbage.

CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM / ROIJOY, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Travelers continue to overuse the earth’s resources that we depend on, creating excess waste and pollution. Small islands and developing destinations lack sufficient waste management infrastructure and are also highly vulnerable to climate change. Travelers can take small actions such as avoiding the use of disposable plastic products. More specifically, you can bring reusable water bottles and refuse plastic shopping bags and straws. Also, it’s important to do your research to know how to properly recycle and dispose of waste, you can always ask the locals when you arrive to make sure you know how it works. While it may not always be an option, try to use public transportation, or explore destinations by foot or bicycle. If you need to use a car, try to rent a biodiesel, hybrid-electric, or fuel-efficient model. While travelers sometimes can’t avoid flights to get to a destination, they can consider choosing the most direct route and packing their bags as lightly as possible. Considering the majority of carbon emissions caused by tourism are due to air travel, you could also consider which airlines you fly with and what they are doing to help. Some airlines, such as United Airlines, has a program to use cleaner fuels and take measures to reduce fuel consumption – such as using newer planes.

2. Conserve Natural Environments

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Visitors enjoy an overlook of Maya Ruins and Copan River Valley in Honduras.

CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM/MILEHIGHTRAVELER, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Travelers have a huge opportunity to protect our planet’s natural surroundings and resources.  To better understand how to help, do your research and stay on top of knowing what issues are affecting the environments you are visiting. Overall, tourists tend to consume far more than locals and many destinations struggle with limited natural resources. For instance, any travelers heading to Cape Town, South Africa, should already know about the water crisis and be careful with their water use. Also, Sustainable Travel International recommends that you visit protected areas as the fees you pay to use them support local efforts to conserve them. Rules and regulations in these areas are there to protect the environment, wildlife, local communities, and you. If you hire a local guide, you’ll not only learn about the local environment, but you will also provide incentive to local communities to invest in environmental conservation. If you do not hire a guide and venture on your own, make sure you “leave nothing but footprints” as you explore, be mindful of your surroundings and of course, don’t litter. Make sure any business you spend your money on is eco-friendly and supports conservation efforts. Research is key here as a lot of businesses claim they are green, but may not necessarily be taking realistic actions to help.

3. Support Local People

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Woman in national clothes sells the products of her weaving in Otavalo, Ecuador

CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM/XENI4KA, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Travelers should be mindful of where they’re spending their money and ensure that it goes to locals and benefits the local community. Unfortunately, tourism can contribute to economic leakage and human rights violations. Therefore, travelers should make sure to support businesses that employ locals, you can do this by eating locally and dining in restaurants that use local ingredients. Or, visit a local market – a great way to get to know locals and enjoy a foodcation. You should also buy locally, you can purchase souvenirs from local artisans as it will encourage the preservation of their cultural heritage. Most importantly, treat locals with respect. If you book an adventure and need to cancel last minute, it could throw off their entire day’s earnings. Also, if you’re a photographer, be respectful of snapping photos of locals without their permission, always ask first.

4. Respect and Preserve Culture

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Sellers and buyers in the fish market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM/MIROSLAV_1, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Traveling offers an amazing opportunity to learn about and celebrate other cultures. Of course, travelers play an important role in preserving these cultures. Therefore, it’s important to respect and celebrate traditions, and be aware of cultural norms that could touch on dress code, language, food etiquette, and general behavior. Many gestures have different meanings in different cultures, be sure to learn from locals on what’s appropriate before visiting religious and cultural sites. Be mindful when visiting heritage sites and do not touch artifacts, go during off-peak hours to offset any strain on over-tourism and potential lack of infrastructure.

5. Prioritize Animal Welfare

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Lion watching at Ngorongoro

CREDIT: ISTOCK.COM/CENERI, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Many travelers are animal lovers, but they may lack awareness on tourist activities that actually harm the animals they care about. Prioritizing animal welfare can mean a lot of different things. Firstly, it’s important to choose ethical experiences and do your research to know what tours and attractions cause suffering to animals or allow travelers to interact with animals in abusive ways. Sustainable Travel International recommends you steer clear of common culprits such as elephant rides, lion petting, tiger selfies, and dancing monkeys. You should also make sure to only visit attractions that do not capture animals from the wild and provide adequate living conditions. While traveling, be aware of what you’re eating as well, and make sure you’re aware of what species are endangered or threatened. If you’re spending time in the water, make sure you wear reef-safe sunscreen as many chemicals in sunscreens can cause coral bleaching. You should also make sure to not touch, disturb, or feed any wildlife as this can alter their natural behavior and effect their ability to survive. Lastly, when shopping, make sure you’re not purchasing souvenirs that are made from animals (turtle shells, ivory, coral products, etc).

6. Give Back

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Volunteers conducting trail maintenance in Torres del Paine National Park

CREDIT: TORRES DEL PAINE LEGACY FUND / PROJECT EUDAIMONIA, COURTESY OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

If you’re looking to give back, make sure your contribution is in fact making a positive difference. Firstly, as mentioned within all of these tips, make sure you do your research on any volunteer experiences to ensure they are ethical. Besides joining volunteer groups such as cleanup events, you can donate supplies. To browse destination-specific supply lists, visit Pack For A Purpose, and bring items that have been specifically requested by local organizations. You can also support local nonprofits to fund the specific destination you’re going to, or support global nonprofits such as Sustainable Travel International, that help on a global scale and focuses on using tourism to advance conservation and combat human welfare issues.

Of course, this is just a short list of everything we could be doing. If travelers are mindful of their impact and take the above into consideration when they travel, it will make a huge collective difference.

100 Ways to Be Less of a Colonialist Jerk When You Travel

Repeat after me: It is never OK to take pictures with smiling, barefoot children. Even if it’s for your Tinder. Especially if it’s for your Tinder.

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