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News & Reviews

Skiplagging, the money-saving hack that could cost you more.
What Is Skiplagging and Why Is It a Bad Idea?

What is skiplagging? Skiplagging is a money-saving hack popular with travel aficionados. Skiplagging might promise significant savings, but it comes with a catch – and it’s a big one! By booking flights with layovers and ditching the final leg of the journey, you might think you’re gaming the system, but
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European Travel Visa Waiver Soon Required for Canadians

If you plan to travel to Europe next year, you need to read this important update for all Canadian travellers. There will be a new fee for Canadians visiting Europe starting in 2024. Last year, the EU unveiled the European Travel Information Authorization method (ETIAS), the EU’s new system for granting
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Panorama Mountain Resort Chairlift Photo Credit Melissa Vroon
The Non Skiing Mom’s Guide to a Ski Vacation at Panorama Mountain Resort

Originally Published March 8, 2019 I got to the bottom of the hill after my first run, took off my skis and walked back to the rental shop. Is everything alright, they asked? Yup, I replied, no issues with the gear, I’m just done. For the day? But you’ve only
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Ireland - Sandhouse Hotel offers great beach access - Photo Carol Patterson
Why the Irish Don’t Talk About Leprechauns (and Other Surprising Things to Discover in Northwest Ireland)

Originally Published March 5, 2020 When you dream of Ireland do you think of leprechauns? The Irish secretly hate it when visitors ask about them (it’s akin to asking Canadians how many dogs you have in your dog sled team). Instead, plan a trip that reveals things locals are proud
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Ukraine - Motherland Statue - Photo Sabrina Pirillo
ласкаво просимо! Welcome to a Unique Family Vacation in Ukraine

Originally Published March 25, 2019. We stand with Ukraine I ‘heart’ Ukraine. And yes, it’s Ukraine, not The Ukraine, not since their independence from the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1991. Did you also know the third largest Ukrainian population in the world, is in Canada, mostly living in Alberta
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Algonquin credit: Lia Rinaldo
Wet, Wild (and Spooky) Adventures in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

Originally Published March 27, 2019 An hour’s drive from the city of Saint John, and only a hop away from the American border, the colourful waterfront town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, has long been a summer playground for wealthy Americans. The Algonquin Resort, famous for its ghosts; the
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Bird watching can be done in any destination - Photo Carol Patterson
Bird Watching 101 – In Any City, Town or Country

Originally Published March 27, 2020 Is it time to switch from the news channel to the bird channel? Watching birds can be done anywhere – even in urban environments and has big health benefits. Researchers in England revealed people living in neighbourhoods with more birds and trees experienced less depression,
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Marmot Basin - Top of CRE - Photo Credit Marmot Basin
Do Winter Right in Jasper at Marmot Basin

Originally Published Feb 17, 2021 Gliding through the forest following the ski instructor, as we cross from the mountain shadows into a burst of sunlight and open slopes, brings a vivid spark of joy. This is winter at Marmot Basin ski resort, just outside the town of Jasper in Jasper
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Tips to Enjoy Safe Family Skating on Canada’s Natural Lakes & Ponds

Originally published February 10, 2021 I have early memories of my parents strapping BOB Skates onto my bulky winter boots, and letting me shuffle around with my siblings on a natural lake in Southern Alberta. The sense of wonder and freedom I felt at the wide-open space still remains with
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Swoop Canada Ultra Low Cost Airline
Swoop – Update on Canada’s Ultra-low-cost Airline

Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, released its expanded winter schedule on June 10, including increased non-stop domestic service and the re-introduction of flights to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Following a sustained pattern of new daily bookings on par with pre-pandemic levels, the airline also announced it will
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