Blog / michelle

Swine Flu

posted on April 29, 2009 around 12 pm from Toronto

If you're travelling to Mexico soon, Reuters has a great page with lots of information about the Swine flu, and the places around the world that have been affected. http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/swineflu I have plans to head down next month and to be honest, I'm a little...

Skydivers jump over Everest

posted on October 7, 2008 around 5 pm from Toronto

Skydivers make an unprecedented jump over Everest. This drop was so high they wore oxygen masks and were given a much larger parachute.    Read more about it here .

Visit a Haunted Hotel

posted on October 7, 2008 around 5 pm from Toronto

Always wanted to visit a haunted hotel? Well here is your chance to do so without leaving your home. Hotel626.com is an online game, apparently you start off trapped in a haunted hotel and you're allowed to use your webcam, microphone and mobile phone to make your way out.  One thing...

Torontonians Scramble across Yonge and Dundas Intersection

posted on August 28, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

Today is the first day the Yonge and Dundas Scramble intersection was put to use. This intersection allows pedestrians to cross in all directions, and the conventional way as well. This new idea is making a lot of drivers angry because the red light is longer. If this is successful,...

Presidents as Travellers

posted on August 22, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

Concierge.com has a list of the 14 most travelled presidents. These 14 also include the two candidates in the next election. So who is the most travelled? Check it out here .   - I must admit writing 'traveller' and 'president' in the same sentence made me smile...  

Make your husband/wife cook and win a trip to Australia!

posted on August 19, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

Tired of cooking? Want to visit Australia? Stoffers Skillet Sensations has the answer to both with their "Hunt for the Sensational Husband Challenge". www.skilletsensations.ca

Blow Bubbles, Make Flowers Bloom

posted on August 19, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Have you been to the Westin Hotel website recently? If not I suggest you check it out. They have a really cool interactive flash page that allows you to blow bubbles, make constellations, throw feathers, make flowers bloom and more. Its a lot of fun. If you spend a lot of time on travel...

Trip Advisor's List

posted on August 13, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

TripAdvisor has recently released a list of their top destinations. it contains 215 destinations 9 categories One incredible list full of travel ideas and inspiration   www.tripadvisor.com

Worst. Hotel Guests. Ever

posted on August 13, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

I frequently receive newsletters from concierge.com. Today's features an article on the worst hotel guests (most of them celebrities). I just finished going through each one, and wow, I can't believe some of the stuff they did!   www.concierge.com

Photo Expert?

posted on August 7, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

I was just browsing the National Geographic website and found out that they're holding a Photo Contest . I'm no photo expert, so I doubt I'm going to submit anything. The contest started August 1st and ends on October 31st. That gives me plenty of time to learn how to take a good photo, go on...

Turkish Festival

posted on July 31, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

Yonge and Dundas Square is holding the Toronto Turkish Festival this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday. There will be traditional dancing and musical performances as well as a paper marbling and carpet weaving demonstrations. The Festival starts at 10am, and ends at 10pm on both...

Hiking and Bike trails in the U.S.

posted on July 29, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

Looking for some great hiking and bike trails in the United States? Then check Trails.com they're a great resource. They have a special right now, you can try everything for free for 2 weeks.  

How green is your trip?

posted on July 29, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

Going on vacation soon? Take the National Geographic "How Green is Your Road Trip?" quiz to see if you’re doing your part to reduce our environmental problems. After you answer each question, there is a paragraph about your answer and how you can continue to help the...

Aliens do exist...

posted on July 29, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

After reading " Real Life X-Files: Alien Sightings I Want to Believe In! " I did a quick search for what other people have to say on the matter and I found that Aliens do exist... according to the U.S. commander of the space shuttle Discovery. He said that there is evidence that...

FREE stuff

posted on July 29, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Vacations can be so expensive. Travel and Leisure put together a list of free things you can do while on vacation.   They've also found a way to get free accommodation almost anywhere in the world.   click here for the list.

Passport theft

posted on July 29, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

3,000 Passports and visas were stolen from a security van in London. They were blank, and unusable for travel, but could be used for fraud or employment. It is estimated that the passports have a street value of over 2.5 million. To read more, click here .

Belly Button Festival

posted on July 29, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Japan is hosting a belly button festival in Shibukawa. People say the belly button is the most important part of the body, and Shibukawa is often referred to as the belly button of Japan. Thousands of people participate in the festival, many from around the world. Faces are painted on to...

10 Honeymoon travel destinations

posted on July 28, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

ELLE Canada has put together a list of the top 10 Honeymoon travel destinations.   Canada is on the list, specifically Montreal.   For the list of the destinations, click here . 

Ancient Olympic Chariot Racetrack

posted on July 28, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

Archaeologists are claiming to have found the Ancient Olympic Chariot Racetrack in Olympia, Western Greece. The find hasn't been confirmed yet.   To find out more, click here .

Caribana Toronto

posted on July 28, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

Caribana events will be taking place this week and next. There are four very popular events this week. Check out the list and descriptions below.   Caribana King and Queen Show $10-15 July 31st - 7pm-Midnight  The kings and queens of the bands get together to battle...

Bulls escape in France

posted on July 28, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

Usually bulls run in Spain, not France...   Vandals released about 50 bulls on Saturday causing a lot of trouble for the local police. So far 25 of the bulls have been found, and luckily no one has been injured. A field of sunflower plants were trampled, but other than that the bulls...

Shower while in the air

posted on July 28, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

On the Emirates A380, first class passengers will be able to shower 43,000 feet in the air. Two bathrooms have been installed with stand up showers. The shower cuts off after 5 minutes, so passengers have to be quick.   To read the full article, click here . 

Emergency landing in Manila

posted on July 25, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

People aboard a Qantas airliner were forced to land because of a hole in the fuselage.   Read about it here .

Sleep at the airport in a Mini Motel

posted on July 25, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

Airplane companies are watching what they're spending and because of it, are giving out fewer hotel vouchers. For those that can't afford to stay in a hotel, or can't find one close by, they end up sleeping in the airport. This is becoming a common thing. Frank Giotto, president of Fiber...

Travel Expert? Take the Quiz

posted on July 25, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

I found a Quiz on National Geographic.com that is a lot of fun. If you think you're a expert on the history of many different cities, give it a try. I tried the toronto quiz, thinking I'd score some easy points, but ended up failing, getting only 40% right. If you want to switch the city,...

Homeless Soccer

posted on July 25, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

I recently read the article on tripatlas, " Volunteer at Homeless World Cup While You Explore Australia " and stumbled upon a trailer for a movie about the homeless world cup. The movie looks great. Its such a great idea, a wonderful way to help the homeless. I play soccer every...

Fly over Central Park

posted on July 25, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

I've never been to New York City. I've seen some amazing photos, and heard some great stories, so New York City is defiantly one of the places I want to visit. I've never been on a balloon ride before, so a ride over Central Park sounds like an exciting idea. AeroBalloon started flying over...

Missed Running with the Bulls?

posted on July 22, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

The Running of the Bulls festival in Spain took place from 06 July - 14 July. If you couldn't make it, or if you're like me, and you're too terrified to run with them, then check out the photos here .   Want more information on the Running with the bulls festival, click here , I also...

Squid Dissection

posted on July 22, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

Ok, I'm warning you now, the video below is of an actual squid dissection, so if you've just had lunch, you might want to wait a couple hours... Doctors dissected a squid in front of an audience in Australia, watch the squid dissection here .   

Mediterranean Cruise

posted on July 22, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

After reading the 10 Top Portside Cities in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea , I found a great deal on a Mediterrean cruise. Its a cruise for seven nights, the ports that are visited are Venice , Bari , Katakolon , Santorini , Mykonos , Rodi , Dubrovnik . It costs $569 . The cruise...

Italian Culinary Tour

posted on July 21, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

My belly is fully of some yummy pasta I got during lunch. I LOVE Italian food, the pasta, pizza, wine... I love it all. Concierge.com has a great detailed written tour of the best food places in Italy. Each page concentrates on a location in Italy and talks about the interesting foods...

Just for Laughs

posted on July 21, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

Looking for something fun and FREE to do this weekend? If you're in Toronto, Just for Laughs is hosting a crazy street party Friday and Saturday night! I went last year and had a great time. It all takes place at Yonge and Dundas square and part of Yonge street. On Friday, its starts at 7pm...

Win a trip for 4 to Mexico!

posted on July 21, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

You could win a trip for 4 to Mexico! Pacifico has a really cool interactive map that has lots of great information on it. When you're there click on a couple bottle caps and learn more about some great Mexican destinations. In order to enter the contest, click on the little van at the top of...

Ask a National Geographic Photographer

posted on July 21, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

If you've just purchased a fancy SLR and you have a couple questions about how to use it, why not ask a National Geographic Photographer?   People have already asked a couple really interesting and common questions. Check it out here . 

Out of this world!

posted on July 21, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

So this isn't a destination that anyone can really travel too... so I guess it doesn't really fit in this travel site. But these photos are out of this world! :)  So i thought I'd share the link   Click here to view photos from the hubble space telescope.

Buck Moon

posted on July 18, 2008 around 12 pm from toronto

This is perfect for everyone, everywhere... tonight its a full moon. Specifically its a Buck Moon. Every month has its own moon name. July's is Buck, because the male deer grows his antlers back in July. There are some other common names like thunder moon - because July has so many...

Wallpaper City Guides

posted on July 18, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Heading off on vacation? Looking for a book to help you around the city you're heading to? Tired of Frommers? Fan of Wallpaper*?   If that last question confused you, I'm talking about the magazine Wallpaper*. This magazine focuses on art, fashion and architecture. They've put together a...

Tastes of Thailand

posted on July 18, 2008 around 9 am from Toronto

Nathan Phillips Square is celebrating Thailand this weekend for two days. Traditional dancing, fashions shows, and a demonstration of Muay Thai are just a few of the interesting things happening this weekend. Booths will be set up throughout Nathan Phillips square selling food and Thai...

No more folding

posted on July 17, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

Tired of folding your maps when you're on vacation? I always spend like 5 minutes trying to fold it back properly. Usually by the fifth time I've used the map, I've ripped it.   fabMaps is a napkin size map that comes printed on microfiber, so there is no folding, or ripping!  ...

Cinque Terre + Portofino

posted on July 17, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

I found some unbelieveable photos of Italy. If you have a minute, I suggest you have a look, they're gorgeous!   This is the link www.concierge.com/travelguide/cinqueterre   When you click the link, make sure to click on 'view slideshow' located right under the title.

Who are the most Obnoxious Tourists?

posted on July 17, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

Who are the most Obnoxious Tourists? According to the TIMES its the French! East Indians follow as a close second. Funny enough, the French rate second last on the popularity scale for people vacationing close to home. Its not all bad news for the French, they came in second for best dressed...

Snacking was banned at many Rome tourist destinations.

posted on July 17, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

In September I'm heading off to Italy for two weeks, and I'll be in Rome for a couple days. Many people feel like it another way for Italy to rip-off tourists, because its forces them to eat at one of the expensive cafés nearby instead of grabbing something from a street vender. The...

Get Married at the Airport

posted on July 17, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

I've heard of some crazy places to get married, ballpark, underwater etc., but getting married at the airport is definitely a strange one. Apparently is great for couples who want to get married without telling family and friends. They get married and then hop on the plane to their...

Rabbits are ruining Ancient Monuments?

posted on July 16, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

Where is Elmer Fudd when we need him??  According to National Geographic, rabbits are ruining England's ancient monuments!  Southwest England has about 40% of the country's Badger population, and that number probably wont go down since Badgers were given protected status.  ...

Travel Tips

posted on July 16, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

Condé Nast Traveler has put together a great list of travel tips. check it out here .

First time flyer?

posted on July 16, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

I found this great site for people who are nervous about going to the airport. Its great for first time flyers who haven't been through airport secuirity before. Its an american site, but it has a lot of great general information. Click here for the link. If you're in Canada, specifiacally...

Art Lover?

posted on July 16, 2008 around 10 am

Art Lover? Many hotels around the world have commissioned artists to design rooms in their hotel. Want to see some of the best? Concierge has put together a list of the best Art Hotels around the world.   Check it out here .   Toronto's own Gladstone is on the list! 

Breathe Easy

posted on July 16, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Are you a non-smoker who can't stand the smell of someone smoking? I am. My boyfriend is allergic to the smoke smell. Even with Toronto's smoke free restaurants, its annoying when we want to sit out on the patio and can't. Westin Hotels in Canada, United States, Caribbean, Scotland, Australia...

Fossil Hunt

posted on July 15, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

Remember reading about fossils and dinosaurs when you were a kid? Ever wanted to go on a fossil hunt? I recently found a site that offers a guided tour and takes you on a hunt for fossils, some of the tours allow you to take home what you find!   Check it out here . 

BIG fish

posted on July 15, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

WOAH... that's a big fish... http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/photos/megafishes-gallery.html   I don't think I want sushi for lunch anymore...       Also... check this out , great article on flat fish and Intelligent-Design .

Road Trip

posted on July 15, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

When my brother and I were much younger, for vacation, my parents would take us all over the United States. Driving everywhere was a cheap way for my parents to take us on vacation. The only down side to driving almost 20 hours to get somewhere meant that my parents had to put up with my...

Travel Scams

posted on July 15, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Going on vacation and think you've got a great deal? Becareful, it might be a scam. Check out this article on msn for more information http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6867582/  

Free Movies!

posted on July 14, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Every year from July to August there are free movies Tuesday nights at Yonge and Dundas square. Chairs are set up outside, and the movies usually start at 9pm. The theme this year is Romantic Movies, last year it was Science Fiction (see the Matrix was a lot of fun). Here is a list of the...

Ontario Place

posted on July 14, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

If you have kids, Ontario Place is where you should take them. My brother is currently working for Toyota, and they had his work party at Ontario Place yesterday. I haven't been to Ontario Place since I was a kid, and now I remember why... It's a great place to take kids of almost any age,...

8 Natural Wonders

posted on July 11, 2008 around 4 pm from Toronto

8 Natural Wonders were added to the UN heritage list. There are beautiful photos on the National Geographic site. The link is here .

Time to hit the beach!

posted on July 11, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

Its the summer, its hot, its time to hit the beach, and even though toronto has some sand, and some water it doesn't compare to some of the beaches around the world. Concierge.com put together a list of the 'World's Sexiest Beaches 2008'. The first one on the list is a beach in Turkey. I have a...

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition

posted on July 10, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

If you're in Toronto over the weekend I suggest you head over to the "Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition". There will be over 500 artists outside taking over Nathan Phillips Square. I've gone every year for the past 3 years and its something I try hard not to miss. The Exhibition runs...

Travel Green

posted on July 9, 2008 around 10 am

Looking after our planet is something that is on everyone's mind. Next vacation I go on, I'm going to look into how I can reduce my footprint while traveling. I was reading an article on MSN today about how I could keep the environment in mind, and its amazing the things I didn't think about,...

Travel Photos

posted on July 8, 2008 around 12 pm

Whenever I go on vacation, I alwas try to take my camera with me. I have a bad habit of taking a bunch of photos and not checking to see if they turn out fine. I believe that if you spent too much time worring about how your photo looks that you wont fully enjoy your trip. The only down side to...

Dinner in the sky

posted on July 7, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Imagine a great meal, fantastic service, great company... imagine all of that suspended by a crane 50 meters up. Dinner in the sky recently took place on July 2nd and 3rd at Yonge and Dundas Square in Toronto. I unfortunately missed participating in the whole dinning experience, but I read a...

Montreal Jazz Festival

posted on July 3, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

This past long weekend I was in Toronto, and even though I had a great weekend ( click here to read my posting), I wish I had gone to Montreal for the Jazz festival.  This year the festival runs from June 26th to July 6th, so if you're looking for something to do, I suggest you head...

Long Weekend Fun

posted on July 2, 2008 around 11 am from Toronto

Before the long weekend arrived several of my friends and family asked me what my plans were. They were shocked to find out that I had none. I'm sure most Torontonians had plans to get away for the weekend, either to go visit family and friends in the states, or travel to their cottage. I...

Bucket List

posted on June 16, 2008 around 12 pm from Toronto

Over the weekend I watched the movie "The Bucket List" if you haven't seen it, its a really nice movie to watch on a Sunday afternoon. The whole movie is about two older men who find out that they both have terminal cancer and only have 6 months to a year to live, so they make a list...

My Favorite Vacation

posted on June 2, 2008 around 1 pm from Toronto

This posting is in response to foren83 's posting , if you haven't read it, i suggest you do, its about a his favourite places to go. So I thought I should answer his question "And You? What's Your favourite adventure destination?" My answer is not as exciting as 'Mount Everest' or...

Doors Open

posted on May 26, 2008 around 10 am from Toronto

Over the weekend I took part in Doors Open. Up to 150 buildings in Toronto were open to the public. Most of the buildings I visited had self guided tours, which meant I could wander throughout the building at my own pace. Each open room or area, had a couple of knowledgeable people standing...

My First Flight

posted on May 20, 2008 around 2 pm from Toronto

I have always wanted to take flying lessons. I have a crazy fear of heights so I thought that this would help me overcome that. Knowing all of this, last year my family bought me an introductory flight lesson for my birthday. Needless to say, I was a little nervous the day of. My father and...

Garbage Plate

posted on May 12, 2008 around 3 pm from Toronto

Over the weekend I traveled south to Rochester, New York to celebrate Mother's Day with my family. We visited the Lilac Festival, which was full of great food, booths selling interesting items, concerts, and a lot of activities for families with small children. The Lilac Festival runs from...