Travel

• Air Transat x SOS Children’s Villages

  

  It’s incredible what a person can see and do in three short days. Of course, all it takes is a moment to change a person’s life. That’s exactly how I would describe my recent trip to the Dominican Republic with Air Transat and SOS Children’s Villages Canada: life-changing. Moment after moment, I felt something shift inside me as I saw the good both of these organizations were doing. The three days touring Santo Domingo and the villages felt like so many more as we got a crash course in exactly what SOS was and how Air Transat was supporting its mission. Although there are so many facets to explore, here are the not-so-basic basics: Continue reading

• International Volunteerism vs Charitable Tourism

  

  Photo by Carolane Stratis

  At the beginning of 2017, I had set a few big goals to get myself out of the depressing divorce hole I’d dug for myself in 2016. One of the biggest ones I’d set my heart on since my teens was to volunteer abroad. Before I knew it, I became a walking cliche as I started researching organizations in Africa — not to throw shade on anyone who has or is planning to help out any African country in need. Yet in my research I stumbled upon an article that urged potential volunteers to ask themselves four simple questions before making any moves: Continue reading

• Running Routes with Views

  

  For those who tuned in on Saturday morning for my local long run, here’s the map of the route. I’m currently training for my second half marathon and know how many people love to travel to Toronto around this time — perhaps to participate in the Scotiabank Marathon themselves. So in addition to the five scenic routes I already created for Tourism Toronto, I decided to create a longer bonus route for those in training mode. Continue reading

• Test Drive: BMW X5 PHEV

  

  Photos by Eric Black

  We’re in the midst of a second summer and the good weather is giving me all the #FallbackFriday feels for my last cottage getaway in Muskoka. BMW Canada pulled all the stops for our city escape, setting my friends and I up in an incredible townhouse at Muskoka Bay Resort. So maybe it wasn’t a typical cottage experience with its infinity pool, light switch fireplace and insane golf course backdrop, but it definitely was in line with the drive up in the new BMW X5 PHEV. Continue reading

• 5 Must-Visit Destinations in Canada

  

  By now it’s clear that I love to travel. I’ve made a priority of it since my first big trip away to Cyprus and Egypt when I was 20. I’ve gone on tangents explaining why it’s important to expand your four walls beyond the city — the country —  you live in, yet one of the things I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve managed to explore a good chunk of Canada. Once you get a taste for travel, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the exotic. Yet appreciating where you’re from beyond your own immediate surroundings is just as fulfilling. Especially if you call Canada home.

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• MEC Must-Haves for Packing Light

  

  I knew I wanted 2017 to be my big year of travel. Not to say that I don’t make travel a priority every year — because it is; but I wanted to check off some big ticket dream destinations I’ve had on my bucket list for ages. Top of that list: Korea, Africa and New Zealand…in that order. I was leaning heavily towards South Korea since I’ve never been. I visited my dad’s homeland, Sri Lanka, seven years ago and had yet to visit my mom’s. Yet when my good friend, Amelia, told me she was planning a trip to Kenya and Ethiopia, I had to tag along. Continue reading

• Test Drive: BMW i3

  

  I’ve never driven an electric car before and as soon as I opened the door to the latest BMW i3, I knew I was in for a treat. In spite of its compact size, the interior was very roomy with details that were subtly futuristic, which gave the experience a special touch. Complete with two easy-to-use displays, I was excited to head out to my dad’s place for Father’s Day. Continue reading

• Soul Mutts: Summer Camp for Dogs

  

  In my line of work, my hours are sporadic, I can (if I choose to) go to an event morning, noon and night, and travel can be arranged at a moment’s notice. It’s at once exhilarating and exhausting, but add a puppy into the mix and it can quickly become irresponsible depending on the situation. Last week, I picked up Curry from our first boarding experience after being whisked away to Marseille, France, by Air Transat for five days. I’m pretty sure she would’ve stayed another five days if she had it her way, that’s how much she enjoyed it. Continue reading

• Test Drive: BMW 4 Series

  

  I can’t think of a better way to head up north than in a sports coupé. I got to test drive the BMW 4 Series last long weekend and was it ever a ride. This sleek two-door vehicle not only got my besties and I to the cottage in style, but also in record time. Yet for all of its sportiness, there was plenty of room for us girls and all of our bags — because, let’s face it, you know we overpacked for a two-day getaway. Continue reading

• Renew Life: Mexico

  

  Photo by Greg Washington

  On Tuesday, I’ll be travelling to Mexico for the third time. Each time I’ve been there, it’s been for different reasons. This time around, I’m going with Renew Life for a mini wellness retreat. Continue reading