Warm Winter Wanders: January Destinations to Soak Up the Sun 

BY  Arnab Nov 20, 2023

There are many reasons to travel to Canada in winter. You might have heard people immigrating to Canada for business and job purposes. They provide better opportunity for the young generation with better life style. However, if you are focusing on that part, you need immigration advice before you take further steps. You can set off to iconic mountain resorts, visit a Christmas market, or spend time at an ice rink. At the same time, even more adventures await you if you are ready for winter camping.  The list of perfect cold-weather destinations in Canada is simply endless. Snow-covered Banff National Park in Alberta, untouched nature in the Northwest Territories, and mind-blowing Mont-Tremblant in Quebec to name a few. You will certainly appreciate the silent beauty of the snowy forest in February and January, especially at sunset or dawn.  So, it would be great to pick up a car rental in Toronto and go towards a winter fairy tale. A large selection of Toronto Airport car rental deals allows you to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. If you are traveling with family or friends, consider a more spacious option - car rental for 7 people will be a balanced solution for your icy ride.  However, winter camping in Canada is as dangerous as it’s exciting. Low temperatures can cause hypothermia and the most severe consequences for your body. Thus, such experience requires a particularly careful approach. Here are a few cold-weather adventure tips to keep in mind before embarking on such an outing.  1. Use a layered clothing strategy  When it's hot during the day and cold at night, you need to carry a variety of outfits with you to stay comfortable at all times. Layering is one of the best ways to stay dry and warm without overheating.  Layering is an art and once you master it, you can easily regulate your body temperature depending on your activity level and weather changes. Using layers correctly allows you to add or subtract layers throughout the day so you feel comfortable no matter what.  Start with wool or synthetic thermal underwear. Also, avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and loses all its insulating properties when you sweat, making you feel much colder. The job of thermal underwear is to wick sweat away from your body and keep you dry and warm.  Thus, apply insulating layers such as a fleece, light down jacket, or synthetic jacket as your middle layer to help keep you warm. The greater the middle layer retains heat, the better. Finally, cover the previous two layers with a windproof jacket with a waterproof membrane to keep you warm.  The outer layer also serves to remove moisture evaporated from the body. Don't skimp on a high-quality outer layer if you expect to encounter some serious wind and rain. If it doesn’t cope with its functions, you can become seriously hypothermic. 2. Make sure your sleeping bag can handle low temperatures  Canadian winter camping expeditions require a sleeping bag - this is the golden rule for a hassle-free overnight stay. The temperature label on your sleeping bag can be confusing. For example, if your sleeping bag can withstand +5°C, this doesn’t guarantee that you will feel warm at +5°C. The fact is that sleeping bags have two temperature conditions: a temperature at which a tourist should feel comfortable, and a lower temperature limit at which a sleeping man should feel comfortable.  Temperature values are approximate and depend on multiple factors. Just in case, take a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 5–10°C below expected degrees. You can also add an extra blanket over your sleeping bag to help keep you warm. 3. Select and prepare a place to pitch your tent  Setting up a camp in winter is much more difficult than in summer, so first of all, plan your time correctly - you should arrive at the overnight site at least 30 minutes before sunset. Then, choose the right campsite, prepare it, and set up the tent. Here are some important snow camping hacks to follow.  Place a tent in a sparse forest, on the edge, in a gentle depression between ridges  Remove snow from the area of the tent + 0.5 m around, remove the top layers or clear to the ground if the snow is not deep  Build snow walls around the camp, especially in open areas  Use special elongated winter pegs, which can be replaced with trekking poles  Make an entry from the leeward side 4. Bring all your essentials into the tent Be sure to bring shoes, a backpack with food, a first aid kit and hygiene products, and gas cylinders inside the tent. Plus, put things like your phone and power bank in your sleeping bag. This way you will better conserve charge. If your trekking socks are wet, dry them too.  5. Ventilate your tent The only thing worse than waking up frozen on a hike is waking up cold and wet. It may seem counterintuitive, but opening tent windows for cross-ventilation is among the top priority cold-weather camping essentials. How does it work? When warm, moist air in your tent or RV meets cold surfaces such as tent walls or car windows, condensation occurs. Small droplets of water form and everything becomes wet. Therefore, ensure air circulation in your tent and prevent condensation by opening entrances and windows slightly. 6. Warm up before going to sleep Before you go to bed, warm yourself by the fire or take a walk - whatever you can to warm up. Having a warm drink or snack before bed can also help keep you warm since the process of digestion warms you up from the inside. Just try not to sweat. Wet clothing quickly lowers your body temperature and can contribute to condensation in your tent or camper. Avoid storing wet clothes in the sleeping area and always change into dry clothes before going to sleep. 7. Go to sleep in a dry change of clothes  Advice on how to sleep in a sleeping bag goes to one extreme or the other: some say to wear everything you can, others recommend sleeping in just your underwear. And the correct option is in the middle.  Winter survival techniques claim that thermal underwear is optimal for sleeping in a tent, ideally if it contains merino wool. You need to wear socks on your feet (maybe two pairs), thin gloves on your hands, and a thin hat and/or buff on your head. Provided that the sleeping bag and mat are suitable for the weather, this set will often be sufficient. If not, you can insulate yourself additionally.  Important! All sleepwear should be dry. Thus, be sure to change into a spare set before going to bed, and store it in a waterproof bag while hiking. 8. Use heating pads  A heating pad is definitely a must-have on a winter hike! That's why we advise you to stock up on such items. They are lightweight, easy to use, and provide gentle heat (about 50°C). You can choose among the following options:  Chemical heating pads. They are disposable, with enough heat to last all night and even in the morning (about 12 hours overall).  Reusable heating pads. Such items can radiate heat for about 2 hours. Then, you need to charge it by simply boiling it in water. A more advanced option is electronic heating pads with USB charging. Ultimately, use our winter survival techniques for your camping trip to Canada. Also, don't forget to adjust your plans to the current weather. The forecast can be changeable during the off-season, and you should be prepared for everything. This is especially important when traveling in mountainous areas, where rain and snow can make roads impassable. Read Also: Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 4, 2024

The rich history and culture of Toronto cannot be denied. The city is one of the most prominent in North America, known for its museums, culture, food, and more recently Art! It may be a surprise to some people, but Toronto Ontario has a plethora of options for art exhibitions, paintings, and more. The city is bustling with aspiring artists and art museums alike, it is no wonder that people are flocking to the city to learn more about this art and to visit and see for themselves the options and the beauty of all that it has to offer.  But what is the best way to visit the city, especially for large groups who may be traveling together, perhaps as part of an art tour or an art exhibition? One standout option is taking art and architecture tours by bus, these tours offer a way to discover the city’s treasures and impressive buildings while at the same time providing comfort and relaxation to the visitors. These tours give an overview of Toronto's public art, galleries, and innovative architectural designs making them a must-do activity, for those interested in the creative and structural sides of the city. Exploring Torontos Vibrant Art Scene The art scene in Toronto reflects the city’s population showcasing everything from installations to timeless masterpieces. Charter and coach bus tours make it convenient to visit art venues in one go allowing groups to delve into the spectrum of artistic offerings in the city. An exciting part of these tours is getting access to galleries like the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which is a classic place to visit and is also home to over 90,000 artworks, while at the same time being recognized as one of North America's premier art museums. In addition to galleries, Toronto streets come alive with art that turns the urban landscape into an engaging open-air exhibition. These guided tours lead guests through neighborhoods decorated with murals, sculptures, and art installations that showcase Toronto's culture and vibrant art scene. From the sculptures, in the Distillery District to the thought-provoking installations along Queens Quay, each piece shares a narrative that enhances the viewer's appreciation of Toronto's character. Charter Bus Tours Toronto's landscape reflects the city’s growth, blending structures with contemporary skyscrapers. Guided bus tours via a charter bus company can provide a view of this evolution highlighting landmarks like the CN Tower that defines the city skyline and Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival mansion offering a glimpse into history. Some of the charter companies offer a variety of selections such as buses for up to 50 passengers and comfortable seating, we checked out charterbusrentaltoronto on our last trip to Toronto and were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to visit the city from the comfort and beauty of your own rented coach bus. A highlight of one of our tours was visiting the St. Lawrence Market area, where some of Toronto's buildings have been carefully preserved. Here visitors can witness the coexistence of new architecture symbolizing the city’s reverence for its heritage alongside its vision for the future. It was a remarkable day that was truly enjoyed by all. Our driver even knew some hidden gems of restaurants that we were able to visit for dinner after our tour, which had some outstanding authentic food. This journey was more like an invitation to see the city through a new lens, to appreciate the interplay of light and space, color and form, history and innovation. We were able to participate with not just photographs and memories, but a renewed appreciation for the power of art and architecture to transform spaces and communities.  Other places that we visited on these tours include buildings such as the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), with its striking Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition, and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) which underwent a redesign by renowned architect Frank Gehry. These structures act as places where culture is preserved in addition to being iconic buildings that challenge the norms of design and purpose. Related: How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe Tailored Experiences What makes these bus tours unique is the experience they provide. Led by guides these tours offer commentary on the art and architecture that define Toronto. Participants don't just passively observe; they engage in conversations that enhance their understanding of the city’s architectural accomplishments. Furthermore, some Toronto tours are crafted for convenience offering a stress-free way for groups to explore Toronto. Best of all, there are tours that can cater to all audiences, making art and architecture accessible to everyone. Exploring Toronto art and architecture through bus tours offers a journey through this unique city’s core and structural essence. They unveil the narratives behind Toronto’s public art installations and architectural wonders providing an insight into the city’s historical background. For those interested, in discovering Toronto's architectural marvels these tours offer an unforgettable experience that highlights the city’s finest offerings. Read Also: Warm Winter Wanders: January Destinations To Soak Up The Sun Experience Canada Like A Local: Insider Tips You Can't-Miss Best 9 Things To Do In El Paso!

BY  sagnika Aug 14, 2023

Want to visit Iceland to experience nature in its un-jaded form? Read the article to learn about the best time to visit Iceland. I will also list the things to do and places to visit in Iceland, which will help you create an itinerary with a budget. Iceland has its fair share of folktales and historical sagas, making it an adventurous and unique experience for a person to have. There are places that you can visit which will give you some of the most unique and imaginative adventures of your life. With a collection of 200 volcanoes, Iceland boasts remarkable features worth visiting. Visitors' unworldly experiences should be preserved, as industrialization can easily misuse natural resources. This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Sustainable development is one of the significant parts of the Tourism Policy Framework 2020-30 that the Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs has developed. Quality of life of the natives, positive visitor experiences, conservation of the environment, decreasing carbon footprint, innovation, and creation are the highlights. Things to do and places to visit in Iceland reflect these highlights. If you have an active imagination, Iceland is the place to go! The land of fire and ice gives you the feel of returning to the New Stone Ages, where horse riding is regular. Want to know the best time to go to Iceland? Read along to know the best time to visit Iceland. Iceland Tourism is one of the major sectors from which the country gains economic stability; however, it was severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the tourism economy accounted for 73% of the total tourism expenditure. However, tourism in Iceland saw a gradual fall as there was a 78% decline in the rate of tourists visiting in 2020. Even though the tourism visitation rate has recovered in 2021, it remains below the actual rate in 2019. The country needs to have a considerable rise in the number of tourists visiting the country so that it can contribute to the GDP. So, visiting Iceland will contribute to the growth and development of the economy! What Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland? You can visit Iceland based on your planned itinerary, even though it is generally said that summer is the best time to visit! If you plan to check out the northern lights the best time of year to visit Iceland is to book your tickets between September and March. If you have other plans related to summer activities, you should visit Iceland in the summer between June and August. However, if you are tight on the budget, you should visit Iceland between January to May. Flights, accommodations, and car rentals will be quite cheap. The country as a travel destination is moderately expensive with its natural wonders and captivating landscapes. The tickets from the USA to Iceland range between $700 and $1100. You can easily save money and travel with a fixed budget! What Are The Things That You Can Do In Iceland? "How much would we accept for a mountain? Two billion? Twenty billion?" is a line that will resonate with you from the documentary Dreamland released in 2009 internationally. The film shows some beautiful and untouched nature being exploited by industrialists and business people. I also learned from the documentary that exploiting something that does not need improvisation can nullify all attempts to grow, develop and succeed! The country experienced a crash in the economy in its effort to make it the largest aluminum producer in the world. It wastes the unlimited wealth of opportunities Iceland has from its natural resources and features. Based on this realization, I have composed a list of places that shows how nature can be a perfect strategy to bring in money! know more about the best time to visit Iceland! 1. Don't Miss The Northern Lights The Northern Lights is one of Iceland's main attractions, also known as aurora borealis! They are known to be elusive as there must be perfect conditions to see them, such as less or almost no clouds, no light pollution, and flaring activity in the magnetosphere. It is a natural display of light that can only be seen between the months of winter, from September to March. The attraction is only visible in the northernmost parts of the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the green, gold, and purple waves dancing in ribbon-like formation. There is no telling when they will appear, or for long they will appear in the sky; however, there are probabilities to ensure you see them. Guides in those areas do have an understanding of the appropriate vantage points. 2. Give Horseback Riding A Shot Icelandic horses are different from normal horses worldwide with their muscular build and short legs! They are quite popular for their reliability. They are sturdy and smaller in their size and are often confused with ponies instead of horses. Going horse riding across the ice is a perfect way to experience the country and the riding. The breed is actually from Scandinavia and has evolved differently across the ages. 3. Visit The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a lake filled with glaciers; this should be on your bucket list if you visit Iceland. Some icebergs make a sound as they crunch and impact each other. You can take a zodiac boat ride or stay on the shoreline, where you can watch the seals dip into the lake. You can walk down to Diamond Beach from the Lagoon with jet-black sand and glistening icebergs creating a stunning visual of the natural landscapes. 4. Go Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates One of the best snorkeling spots in Iceland visits Silfra Fissure, where you will experience a dramatic visual representation of a glacier melt-water-filled rift. The tectonic plates between Eurasia and North America are drifting apart. You will find yourself a dry suit, a guide, and snorkeling equipment with an entrance fee to Silfra starting from $119. You also get cookies and hot chocolate once you have completed the activity. 5. Tour The Golden Circle The most sightseeing route, you must take a tour of the Golden Circle as it consists of the 3 major attractions, namely Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. These locations are accessible from Reykjavik, the capital city. Thingvellir National Park is a natural beauty and is quite important as the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America are drifting apart in this very area. The location has waterfalls, deep gorges, and lava fields. The Gullfoss waterfall is 105 feet tall and cascades down two rocky tiers getting the name "Golden Falls." Visitors often find a rainbow over the waterfall, making it a beautiful visual. 6. Voyage Into Ice Caving And Glacier Hiking Frozen landscapes are scattered across Iceland with floating icebergs, ravishing blue ice caves, and extensive glaciers. It is the winter months when you can see Iceland in all its glory when the environment reflects sparkling snow and obscure darkness. The glaciers are the perfect frozen attractions you can access if you love hiking. It is something that can be performed throughout the year. You must wear crampons to walk the ice so that you encounter the indomitable giants up close! Do not miss the ice caves just below the Katla volcano, with a variant of color in blue and white, creating a more gorgeous experience than you can ever have. However, ice caves are safer in winter as there is less risk of collapsing or falling rocks causing serious injuries. To experience the ice caves, the best time to visit Iceland is in the winter months! 7. Hop Into Natural Hot Pool Strokkur is the perfect place to start if you want to hop into a natural hot pool! The hot springs go up to 65 feet every 5 minutes, along with mud pools and steaming fumaroles surrounding it! The abundance of volcanoes has created geological activities such as mud pools, hot springs, and volcanic vents; as the land of Iceland is only a few million years hence, it is still alive. The erupting hot springs and mud pools are a perfect escape for tourists, and it helps them relax. The natural hot pools will ensure that relaxation is part of your itinerary after trying trekking or snorkeling. 8. Enjoy The Westfjords View Are you a nature person? Most people travel to North and South Iceland, which is common for most. Don't you want to experience something off-road and unique? Let me highlight some attractions that fulfill your craving for mysticism, magic, and folklore. A cultural hub, Westfjords is engrossed in natural beauty, such as Hornstrandir with bird cliffs, Dynjandi waterfalls, Arnarfjordur Bay, Flatey Island, and Bolafjall mountain. The staggering beauty of the locales is fascinating and boasts of cultural history. 9. Swing Into The Blue Lagoon Spa A geothermal spa in Iceland has become popular as The Blue Lagoon, which has one of the most beautiful surroundings and an atmosphere that relaxes your senses. It is closer to the airport, so with a busy itinerary, you can easily visit the place. Blue Lagoon tours and the Shuttle bus to the Lagoon make it an easier place to visit. It is, however, an expensive experience. Hence, you can choose other areas, such as the Myvatn Nature Baths and Secret Lagoon. 10. Ramble On To Lake Myvatn In North Iceland The area of Lake Myvatn is geo-thermally active. Therefore, hot pools and nature baths are spread across one of the largest bodies of water in Iceland. After a long day of exploring the beauty of Iceland and performing activities, enjoying the geothermal lake is the perfect way to end your day! It is also a cool place for bird spotting, as there are 58 species. One of the biggest collections of flora and fauna, the lake is a beautiful place to visit where you can see Dimmuborgir. These volcanic rock formations are haunting and alluring while the name is equally exquisite, "Dark Fortress." 11. Take A Food Tour Walk In Reykjavik You have to enjoy the crowd in Reykjavik with its delicious food and the exciting nightlife. The nightlife continues till 4 AM as in the summer. You can enjoy yourself to your heart's content as you can see that it's bright as daylight outside, even during the middle of the night. The city has authentic places to visit eateries, ensuring a beautiful personal experience. You should try the modern and traditional classic items popular in Iceland, skyr and Icelandic lamb soup. The soup represents what Iceland truly means! You can walk down Laugavegur Street, where you can find perfect places for food and drinks. Take advantage of the Icelandic Lamb hot dog you can try in one of the original food stalls from 1937. You can visit Cafe Loki, situated across from Hallgrimskirkja church, where you can try various Icelandic delicacies. You can't miss Rye Bread Ice Cream! I would also recommend Black Death or the special beer drinks that are well-known across Iceland. 12. Go Whale Watching On A Cruise Whale watching is one of the best experiences when you visit Iceland, especially because there are various species of dolphins, porpoises, and whales. There are tours from Husavik, Akureyri, and Reykjavik; hence, you can visit one of these places to access the abundant animal traffic. There is a probability of watching killer and fin whales; however, there is a higher chance of humpback and minke whales. 13. Get A View Of The Fagradalsfjall Volcano Eruption From A Helicopter One of the hottest fissure openings in Iceland is Fagradalsfjall Volcano which you can visit by flying around in a helicopter. The tour is 20 minutes, and a guide will tell you all about the active volcano. On tour from the helicopter, you can see the aquamarine waters, which are based on Faxafloi Bay, and pass over Reykjavik city, getting a bird's eye view. 14. Try Snowmobiling From Reykjavik It is in the Gullfoss waterfall to try a snowmobile tour based on the second-largest glacier, Langjokull. The glacier is snowy, and snowmobiling is a perfect way to feel the glide across the landscape. Conclusion So, what do you think? Ready for a trip to Iceland? The places I have listed will satisfy you if you are a travel bug. Experiencing amazing Iceland will ensure you see all the places that tickle your fantasy and experience nature at its best. Iceland has a mysticism to it, so visiting quaint little towns, remote lighthouses, mountains, thermal pools, and eateries across town are different ways to explore the city's culture and ethnicity. Comment down below about the place out of this list that you find the most interesting or is already on your bucket list to visit.