Gorgeous Springtime Spots You Should Visit For Some Colour

March 19, 2014, 5:35 pm

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After what feels like the longest and most brutal winter of the last decade, it's safe to say we're really ready for spring.

And when it officially shows up (that's March 20, for you folks without a calendar), there are a few destinations that you'll want to add to your bucket list.

Whether it's the ravishing rows of tulips in the Netherlands or the stunning scenery atop the Victoria Falls, there's no shortage of colourful reminders that life looks pretty cheerful when the mercury doesn't dip below zero.

So if months upon months of snow, sleet, and overall winter blues have left your life void of colour, here's a sneak peek of what spring travels have to offer.

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The Best European Cities To Visit When It Is Spring (PHOTOS)

March 20, 2014, 4:06 am

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Canadians' love-hate relationship with winter tends to teeter on the "hate" side once spring has sprung in other parts of the world. While Canucks still soldier on with down-filled coats, Europeans are packing away their winter gear and soaking up the sunshine.

From London to Athens, locals are already out on their patios enjoying a glass of wine, while their neighbours across the pond sit miserably beside their fireplaces with hot cocoa.

It may not be fair – especially after this year's horrendous winter – but if you can’t beat them, you may as well join them! If you're sick of the country's fluctuating temperatures playing tricks on your mind, hop on a flight and head over to sun-filled Europe and get a head-start on spring.

Not sure where to start? Here's a collection of 12 European spring escapes to solve your weather woes. From gorgeous gardens to vast plains (with a handful of beaches thrown in for good measure) these spots encompass everything a European spring has to offer.

So stroll, bike or ride your way through these 12 cities and be sure to leave the boots and coats at home: You won't have space for them with all the light sweaters, sandals and sunglasses you'll be packing.

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These Guys Cheated Time To Break A Guinness World Record For Travel

March 20, 2014, 12:21 pm

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Gunnar Garfors and Adrian Butterworth may have begun their journey in Istanbul, but they ended it inside the Guinness World Record books.

On Tuesday, the two college buddies officially set the record for the most continents visited in one calendar day after visiting five continents in a span of 28 hours and 25 minutes.

Thanks to some nifty manipulation of time zones, the duo started their trip on Friday, June, 8 2012 at 1:10 a.m. in Istanbul and finished in Caracas, Venezuela at 10:05 p.m. the same day, according to the book's site.

Along the way, Butterworth and Garfors cleared customs in Morocco, France, and the Dominican Republic to set foot in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America by only flying commercial flights and with a budget equal to CDN $1,900 of their own pocket money. You can see when and how long the duo spent in each city here.

And while the trip itself was rather short lived, Garfors told the International Business Times that it took two years to plan out.

"I had the idea a few years ago while watching tourists cross from Europe into Asia by crossing a bridge over the Bosphorus River in Turkey, but that's too easy, and easy is boring. If we were going to do something crazy like this, we should at least do it properly," said Garfors.

But it wasn't enough to travel to each continent. They had to make a film about it, which is where Butterworth came into play. The U.K.-based documentary filmmaker and Garfors, a former journalist from Norway, packed two pairs of tripods and cameras to document the entire journey.

Story continues after the video:


But their excursion wasn't without some speed bumps.

"We got to Casablanca at 4:00 a.m. and went to film outside the Hassan II Mosque, which has the world's tallest minaret, and a security guard called the police so we got into the car and ran away. Luckily no-one followed us," said Butterworth.

Upon completing their trip, the two became minor stars in their U.K. and Norwegian hometowns. But as Butterworth told the BBC, this wasn't anything new for Garfors, who he describes as an "extreme traveller."

"He's been to 174 countries," Butterworth said. "He reckons there are 197 countries and he's going to go to every single one by the end of next year."

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Vancouver Bad Driver Video Highlights Major Fails

March 20, 2014, 1:14 pm

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It's a pretty well-known stereotype that Vancouver is full of bad drivers.

And while there are a lot of good drivers in the city and its surrounding areas, it's also true that some drivers just, well, don't quite have a knack for being behind the wheel.

Need proof? Check out the above video, "Greater Vancouver Car Crash Compilation 3," uploaded to YouTube last month by xSupaD.

From poor park jobs to blind back-ups, this video will have you shaking your head in disbelief.

Follow Vancouver Drivers on Twitter for more.

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International Day Of Happiness 2014: Which Country Smiles The Most?

March 20, 2014, 1:53 pm

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If you're happy and you know it, smile and get someone to take your picture — it might just mean you're in one of the happiest countries in the world.

That's the idea behind a new ranking of the world's happiest countries to coincide with the second-annual International Day Of Happiness.

The study, produced by Jetpac, doesn't exactly scream "scientific accuracy" like the reports the The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development which ranks countries on happiness by gauging people's satisfaction with life. Instead, the study combs through 150 million Instagram photos to rank 124 countries based on the number and size of the smiles in the photos. Smiles are scored on a scale of zero to 100 with the bigger the grin, the bigger the ranking.

Canadians finished with the top 50, ranking 45th with a smile score of 26.7, ranking just below Israel and above Myanmar. To see where the "happiest" or (at the very least) smiliest countries are, take a look at the gallery below.

Air Canada Passenger Sues After Seat-Bumping Dispute

March 20, 2014, 3:51 pm

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A Halifax man has taken Air Canada to small claims court after he says the country’s largest passenger airline refused to compensate him when he was bumped from a flight last month.

Dan Lachance sometimes flies to other cities to teach computer classes to corporate clients. In early February, he was bumped from a flight in Vancouver while on the way from Halifax to Whitehorse.

He and another passenger had tickets for the same seat. Lachance was told he had to wait for the next Air Canada flight to Whitehorse, which wasn’t for another eight hours. 

He arrived in Whitehorse just before midnight — a total travel time of 24 hours from Halifax.

"Exhausted, tired," Lachance said. "I had hoped to make contact with who I was doing work with in Whitehorse that afternoon, but that had to wait to early the next morning instead."

According to Air Canada’s tariff, it must pay a passenger $800 if they are bumped for more than six hours. The airline, however, refused to pay.

Lachance decided to take Air Canada to small claims court and served them with papers on Tuesday. The next day, he said he got a call from the airline, which offered to pay him.

"It's not about the money," Lachance said. "It's just really to make the point of having felt deceived where Air Canada in my view didn't do the right thing."

Gabor Lukacs is a passenger rights activist who says the initial refusal to pay is part of a pattern. "I believe that there is a very strong financial incentive for airlines to find various excuses to disobey the rules," he said.

For its part, Air Canada says "the issue at hand is not about denied boarding." The airline said in a statement the problem was caused by “miscommunicated seat assignments due to operational constraints,” flight delays and tight connections.

"These situations are always unfortunate and we always take the time to investigate any complaint thoroughly so that we implement corrective measures if necessary as we strive to always offer the best customer service possible," Air Canada spokeswoman Isabelle Arthur said in an email.

"We will communicate with our customer to resolve the issue and will inform him of the outcome directly."

5 Things You Need To Know About Your Flight Rights

March 21, 2014, 2:00 am

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You've packed your passport and sunscreen, but do you know your air travel rights?

An investigation by CBC Marketplace reveals that Canadians aren't always aware of their consumer rights when it comes to problems with their flight.

"Passengers are really unaware of their rights, unfortunately," consumer advocate Gabor Lukacs tells Marketplace co-host Tom Harrington.

"The reality in Canada is that the passengers themselves are the primary people who are supposed to enforce those rights," Lukacs says.

Last fall, Industry Minister James Moore said the federal government was looking to strengthen consumer protections for air travellers. But Ottawa has still not introduced any new measures, leaving passengers to navigate complaints individually.

As a result, Canadians are still waiting for a comprehensive air passenger bill of rights like the European Union has, which would mean higher standards for all airlines and better enforcement.

But passengers do have some rights when air travel goes wrong. Here's what you need to know before you book your next flight.

1. Problem with your luggage? You can be compensated

Don't lose your mind over lost luggage. If your bag gets lost, damaged or delayed, airlines are required to compensate you for reasonable costs until they can get your bag to you.

So, if you're on your way to a business meeting, and the airline loses your suit, you should be able to buy a new one and have the airline reimburse you.

How much you get can vary: It can be up to about $1,900 for international flights; the amount for domestic flights varies by carrier. Air Canada, for example, offers up to $1,500 for reasonable costs for domestic flights.

2. Sitting on the plane for more than 90 minutes? You can get off

Few things are as frustrating as sitting on the runway or at the gate waiting for a takeoff that keeps getting delayed.

Next time that happens, know this: If you're on the plane, and your flight is delayed more than 90 minutes, you have the right to get off the plane, as long as it's safe to disembark.

3. Bumped due to overbooking? You may be able to get cash back for that

You get to the airport and your flight is overbooked. What do you do? Getting bumped is one of the greatest grievances that air passengers can face.

What some passengers don't realize is that airlines are required to offer you some compensation depending on the length of the delay, and they have to offer you the choice of cash or a travel voucher.

For lengthy delays, airlines are also required to give you food or accommodation vouchers as well.

The specifics of what you can get should be laid out in the airline's tariff, which is its contract with you. For Air Canada, a delay of more than eight hours means you could get compensated for up to $800; with WestJet and Sunwing, that figure jumps to $1,300.

4. Delayed luggage? The airline has to hand deliver it to you

If your luggage ends up taking the scenic route, the airline is responsible for hand delivering it to you. So breathe easy, even if your holiday is disrupted because your bag didn't arrive on time, at least you don't have to go back to the airport to get it.

5. Problem with your flight and the airline won't help? There's another place you can go

In Canada, if you feel an airline has not adequately resolved a complaint, you can take the matter to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

The CTA takes complaints about a number of air travel issues and may help you get compensation from the airline.

Common complaints to the agency include problems with baggage, ticketing and disruptions to service. Customer service problems are a common complaint, although the agency does not have the authority to rule on complaints that relate to service.

The agency received more than 500 consumer complaints about airlines last year, more than 3,000 complaints in the last five years.

 

10 Gorgeous Islands You Need To Visit ASAP Before They Disappear

March 21, 2014, 6:41 am

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(Relaxnews) - They’re jewels of the oceans, small paradisiacal islands and atolls that rise up in the middle of the sea often developed for the pleasure of holidaymakers seeking tropical getaways. But they won’t last long.

Hyperbole? Not for the scientists who’ve been sounding the alarm for years on the dangers of rising sea levels; the locals who’ve already borne weather-related disasters on their islands; or the families who’ve already been uprooted from their homes and been relocated -- the world’s first climate change refugees.

Last year, presidents and leaders of small island nations assembled before the United Nations pleading with the world’s most powerful nations to save their countries from the threat of extinction.

“We are disastrously off course,” said President Anote Tong of Kiribati, a string of 33 islands in the central Pacific Ocean about 4,000 km (2,500 miles) southwest of Hawaii.

Already, families on the Carteret Islands in the South Pacific have had to abandon their homes and be relocated to neighbouring islands due to rising sea levels that have slowly swallowed parts of their island.

With World Water Day set for March 22, here’s a look at some tropical island destinations you may want to visit, before rising sea levels threaten to bury them forever.

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Killer Whales Attack Sea Lions Near Prince Rupert (VIDEO)

March 21, 2014, 8:46 am

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Sea lions swam for their lives as a pod of killer whales chased them on B.C.'s North Coast in a new video uploaded to YouTube.

The footage, posted by Travis Twizell, was shot on Wednesday near Prince Rupert and shows the sea lions trying to use a boat as protection from their mammal hunters. But in the end, it appears the whales succeed in killing at least one of their prey.

CBC News reports that there are at least three different groups of killer whales on the West Coast, according to scientists:

• Resident orcas who eat salmon, live in larger groups, and travel over small distances.


• Biggs orcas, or transients, who hunt marine mammals, live in smaller groups, travel greater distances.


• Offshore orcas, who are thought to eat fish and sharks, and live 15 kilometres or more from shore.

The Prince Rupert video is the latest in a string of dramatic whale encounters in B.C. over the past two weeks.

Earlier this month, a pod of orcas were spotted chasing dolphins in Squamish. Then, pods of Pacific white-sided dolphins surprised people in Vancouver's English Bay.

'Hand In Hand To Myanmar', Samy Ayachi's Video Journey, Will Leave You Inspired

March 21, 2014, 9:45 am

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Remember these photos?







Well, they've now inspired a video that might move you to travel to the land of Myanmar. If this is the first time you've heard of the #followme hashtag, here's what you've missed: Last January, Murad Osmann's Instagram photos exploded in popularity after he captured himself and his girlfriend, Natalia Zakharova, holding hands as she led him to places all around the world.

Fast forward to 2014 and Samy Ayachi has pulled off a similar project: "Hand In Hand To Myanmar", a video that pays homage to Osmann's source material. The two minute-and-forty-second short shows Ayachi and his girlfriend posing in a similar manner, with his leading lady, well, leading the way through Myanmar's markets, rivers and iconic Buddhist temples.

Much like Osmann, Ayachi used only an iPhone to capture the beauty of the country, according to the video's description. But while Osmann chose to obscure both their faces in his photos, adding an air of mystery to the project, Ayachi chose to show viewers what his girlfriend looks like.

But don't just take our word for it, watch everything unfold in the video above.

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Motorcycle Road Trip Ideas: 5 Of The World's Most Iconic Routes

March 21, 2014, 1:16 pm

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(Relaxnews) - For motorcycle fans, there is nothing like the combination of breathtaking landscapes and mile upon mile of open road. Some of the world’s most iconic routes offer just that. Here is a selection of roads that are heaven on earth for bikers.

Route 66

More than a road, this legendary highway is a key part of American identity. At 4,000km long, Route 66 spans nearly the entire length of the US from east to west, from Illinois to California. "The Mother Road," as it is known colloquially, crosses through three time zones and eight states. Packs of Harley Davidsons are frequently seen roaring down this desert highway. Riders can take in countless symbols of Americana, from the stunning desert landscapes of Arizona to the Cadillac Ranch in Texas.

Trans-Himalayan Road

Open only four months out of the year, this route takes riders through mountain-top landscapes in India, Tibet and Nepal. Experienced motorcyclists can even ride up to the highest motor-able road in the world, at 5,600 meters. Glaciers, flowing rivers and Buddhist monasteries are among the sights along the way.

Silk Road

Once the primary link between East and West, the Silk Road is one of the oldest trade routes that still exist today. Though the road originally spanned from China to Turkey, many riders choose to follow adjacent routes further west into France or Italy. Among several other remarkable attractions, riders will come across the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with its Islamic architecture dating from the 15th century. Travelers should be warned, however, that the route crosses through a number of politically unstable regions, including Syria.

Great Ocean Road

Located on Australia's southwest coast, in the state of Victoria, this coastal road of over 240km provides an unparalleled view over the Indian Ocean and its turquoise waters. The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay to the west, near the popular surfing destination Melbourne, and ends in Allansford. Among the nearby attractions are the Kenett River reserve, where koalas can be observed in their natural habitat, and the Port Campbell National Park, famous for its "Twelve Apostles," immense rock formations emerging from the ocean (today there are seven).

Eagle Road

Officially named Norwegian County Road 63, this winding route passes through the village of Geiranger, known for its fjord, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thrill-seeking bikers will enjoy the road's 12 hairpin turns. An observatory located 625 meters above a glacier allows visitors to observe some of the country's most exceptional landscapes. The Seven Sisters Waterfall alone is worth the trip.

Best Food Toronto: Where To Get Authentic Dishes

March 21, 2014, 1:54 pm

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One of the best parts about living in a city as multicultural as Toronto is the endless restaurants that offer traditional, delicious food from around the world.

Whether they’re hole-in-the-wall diners that serve schnitzel or fancy French restaurants, there’s a go-to spot in the city for whatever you’re craving. Sometimes, there are even so many great restaurants to choose from that it’s hard to decide where to eat.

While the New York Times' Francine Prose scratched the surface of the city's global offerings, and we have talked extensively about what makes this such a fabulous food city, it's time to get specific.

To make things easier, we put together a list of some of the most loved restaurants in the city serving up the real deal when it comes to food from around the world. Check them out, and let us know if we missed any of your favourites:



Lee Garden
Cuisine: Chinese
Location: 331 Spadina Ave., Toronto
Street cred: “Have been eating here for 15 years and it is the most consistent restaurant in Toronto.” – Meeta S. on Yelp

Spicy Dragon
Cuisine: Hakka Chinese
Location: 1060 Kennedy Rd., Scarborough
Street Cred: “The food here is always great! I really mean it. The chicken pekora is the best in the city.” – Hoan L. on Yelp

Pamier Kabob
Cuisine: Afghani
Location: 119 Spadina Ave., Toronto
Street cred: “The meat is expertly spiced, perfectly cooked, and just plain delicious.” - Jon O. on Yelp

Hamdi
Cuisine: Somalian
Location: 18 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto
Street cred: “This place is amazing. Food is really tasty and the staff are really sweet.” – Anna on BlogTO

Lahore Tikka House
Cuisine: Pakistani
Location: 1365 Gerrard St. E., Toronto
Street cred: “Hands down the best butter chicken ever.” – FeedMe on UrbanSpoon

Tabule
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: 2009 Yonge St. Toronto
Street cred: “I am picky when it comes to Middle Eastern food and Tabule really cuts it.” – Michael Niren on Google Reviews

Brar's
Cuisine: Indian
Location: 2646 Islington Ave., Toronto
Street cred: “It is sometimes hard to believe that all the food is here is vegetarian. The food is tasty and so fresh.” – Heather M. on Yelp

Madras Dosa Hut
Cuisine: South Indian
Location: 1123 Albion Rd., Toronto, Ont. M9V 4J7
Street cred: “A great place for Dosa Lovers. Great family place , Great Food and good service. A must go for Dosa Lovers.” – Google user on Google Reviews

Le Paradis
Cuisine: French
Location: 166 Bedford Rd. Toronto
Street Cred: “This is my favorite restaurant in the city. It's a taste of Paris in Toronto. Great traditional French food.” – Eric Brown on Google Reviews

Schnitzel Queen
Cuisine: German
Location: 237 Queen St. E. Toronto
Street cred: “Best schnitzel ever. And huge!!!! It's for two, don't try to eat it alone, you'll go into a food coma.” – Sarah P. on Yelp

Pizzeria Libretto
Cuisine: Neapolitan pizza
Location: 221 Ossington Ave. Toronto
Street cred: “…the only better pizza I ever had was in Naples or Rome” – Lushka on Urbanspoon

Ka Chi
Cuisine: Korean
Location: 8 St. Andrews St., Toronto, Ont. M5T 2G4
Street cred: “For about $7, you stuff yourself silly or you can take it home and have another meal later on.” – Neil T. on Yelp

El Trompo Taco Bar
Cuisine: Mexican
Location: 277 Augusta Ave, Toronto, Ont. M5T 2L7
Street cred: “Best authentic Mexican food I've ever had outside of Mexico.” – Ashley Bodiguel on Google Reviews

Nami Japanese Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine: Japanese
Location: 55 Adelaide St. E, Toronto, Ont. M5C 1K6
Street cred: “Easily the best sushi in the city. Very authentic and extremely fresh.” – Faheem Ali on Google Reviews

Inter Steer
Cuisine: Polish
Location: 357 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, Ont.
Street Cred: “This is a really great little bar, quirky, and somehow like a set from a David Lynch movie.” – Cathy from Urbanspoon

Carmen
Cuisine: Spanish
Location: 922 Queen St. W., Toronto
Street cred: “The food was delicious, beautiful and clearly made with passion.” – Tara on Urbanspoon

El Arriero
Cuisine: Colombian
Location: 276 Jane St., Toronto, Ont. M6S 3Z2
Street cred: “The burritos are massive and very tasty. You need a fork and knife to dig into these babies!” – Party of Two on Urbanspoon

Krepesz
Cuisine: Hungarian
Location: 253 Augusta Ave., Toronto, Ont. M5T 2L8
Street cred: “This is a lovely little cafe that serves savoury and sweet crepes. It had the best lattes of anywhere we found in Downtown Toronto.” – Evie K on Tripadvisor.ca

Queen and Beaver Public House
Cuisine: British
Location: 35 Elm St., Toronto
Street cred: “This is one of those Elm St. gems you must experience.” – Enion H. on Yelp

Adega
Cuisine: Portuguese
Location: 33 Elm St., Toronto
Street cred: “We ate at Adega for my husband's birthday, and it was one of the best meals we had ever had-probably the best meal that we have ever paid for!” – Google User on Google Reviews

Khao San Road
Cuisine: Thai
Location: 326 Adelaide St. W., Toronto
Street cred: "The food that is consistently amazing is what keeps bringing me back!" — Shirley C on Yelp

Montreal Showcases Its Best

March 21, 2014, 2:27 pm

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- We all know Montreal as a city of festivals. The best known of those celebrations, however, are focused on a particular type of experience, such as food, art, or music. But for the tourist who wants a taste of it all, Montréal en Lumière is a particularly great treat. "There is always something going on in Montreal," says Alexandre Despatie, a two-time Olympic silver-medallist diver. Despatie, now a television journalist in Quebec, was among the many revellers who took part in the 11-day festival that wrapped up on March 1.

Intrigued by En Lumière and what it might offer, I arrived in Montreal in the early evening by train and after settling into the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (conveniently located above the train station), I hit the streets eager to discover some new highlight or hidden cultural gem by sampling an eclectic mix of events tantalizingly placed before me.

Montréal en Lumiére (MEL), formerly called the Montréal Highlights Festival, celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Featuring music, dining, arts, theatre and even sports, it lures people into the city's winter vibe, which is shockingly alive despite the frigid February temperatures. (It was minus-22 Celsius degrees on the first night I was there.) One of the world's largest winter festivals, En Lumiére welcomed more than 1.3 million this year. The incandescent atmosphere mushroomed into a heat wave during the final weekend as temperatures soared above freezing just in time for the annual all-night modern-art extravaganza, Nuit Blanche.

In a city of 5,500 restaurants, some of Montreal's finest tables participated in MEL. This year's gastronomy theme was Spotlight on Montreal. Whether blending culture or wines, Montreal chefs fused menus based on unique pairing concepts. For the hungry tourist looking to explore this foodie destination, the prices were often as enticing as the meals.

At Vertije, a charming bistro (540 rue Duluth Est), chef Thierry Baron prepared a six-course tapas menu that was "fit for an athlete." Inspired by a pair of celebrity maître d' and Olympians Benoit Huot and Despatie, A Taste of the Olympics was a protein-rich dinner that started with beef carpacaccio and ended with a decadent chocolate fondant. Huot and Despatie regaled the table with details of their competitive accomplishments and the importance a proper diet plays in sports. Not that any at the table seemed too keen on dieting at the moment. In fact, we ate everything on our plates like champions.

A more conventional themed dinner called A Tale of Two Kindred Cities was held at Renoir, an elegant restaurant in the five-star Sofitel Montreal (1155 rue Sherbrooke Quest). The menu combined Quebecois cuisine with Bonterra organic wines produced in Mendocino, California. I arrived expecting to dine alone; however, my evening morphed into a four-hour dinner party as the hotel's general manager, sommelier and chef, Olivier Perret, joined me during the six-course presentation of artfully prepared dishes. Perret, a down-to-earth and passionate chef who hails from the Burgundy region of France, remembers "the aroma of my grandmother's cooking in the morning" and uses this inspiration to create dishes that satisfy the senses. The menu highlight for me was the sweet-chilled lobster carpaccio paired with Bonterra's light and aromatic 2012 North Coast Viognier.

Story by Julia Pelish, Vacay.ca Writer.

To read the rest of the story on Vacay.ca, click here.

Why I Won't Be Travelling To Russia

March 22, 2014, 8:08 am

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I believe that every traveller has a "places to see before I die" list. One of the places on my list for many years has been Volgograd, Russia (formerly Stalingrad). If the name sounds familiar, there's a sad reason why. A terrorist attack at a train station took place in the city just before the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

I've been interested in Russia for many years. It began in public school when my classmates and I were first introduced to Canada's role in the wars of the 20th century. During those lessons, we learned about the contributions of our allies in the western front, and the war on Russian soil in the east. That interest in history turned to fascination about Russia as I read about its role in the the Second World War in high school, in particular the bloody battle at Stalingrad.

The story of this battle, made famous by the movie Enemy at the Gates, is a story of raw courage and human suffering on a scale that defies belief. Thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed in the battle either from direct fighting, bombs, starvation or the brutally frigid weather. According to HistoryofRussia.org, the German military initially committed 270,000 men, 3,000 artillery pieces, 500 tanks and 600 aircraft to the battle. The Soviet defenders had available 187,000 men, 2,200 artillery pieces, 400 tanks and 300 aircraft. It is estimated that the German army lost more than 750,000 men, who were killed, missing or wounded. Archives record that the Soviet army, by comparison, lost 478,741 men (killed or missing) and 650,878 wounded.

It was at the Battle of Stalingrad where the Red Army was able to cut off and strangle the life out of the German 6th Army, dealing Adolf Hitler the first of several defeats leading to the end of the war.

Everyone's "things to do before I die" list is different. We get our inspiration to travel from our own interests, finding knowledge about a place and then imagining ourselves there. I've imagined myself on Mamayev Kurgan and at Pavlov's House, two points of heavy fighting that were saturated in blood by the end of the war. And I've imagined myself inside the touching Volgograd State Panoramic Museum, which features artifacts and art detailing what life was like in the city during the fighting. It's always been a dream of mine to visit Russia because, besides being a history buff, I've always found the story of Russia strange and interesting. Even now as an adult, I never could understand why Canada and Russia were never closer friends politically, given that during one of the worst moments in history we had in fact been on the same side fighting against a common enemy.

But sadly, it is a dream that will remain unfulfilled, at least for the time being. As much as I would love to visit this culturally rich country and learn more about its dynamic people and natural wonders, I just can't. As much as I would like to be Russia's friend, I just can't. Because as responsible tourists, I believe we must always strive to avoid supporting any government that engages in repressive behaviour against its people or its neighbours. Russia's behaviour in 2014 has been deplorable, and the only correct thing to do is reject an immoral government that has chosen to flaunt international law.

Russia Invades Ukraine, Seizes Crimea

On February 27, just a day after Ukraine named ministers for a new government following the removal of president Viktor Yanukovych and just days after the Olympics, Russia put 150,000 troops on high alert. The invasion of Crimea was in full swing by March 2, with Russian forces tightening their grip on the peninsula. Ukraine estimates that Moscow has already deployed up to 30,000 troops in the region. This week, Russia's parliament approved the annexation of Crimea (see a full timeline of events on Reuters.com).

I understand that there is history in the region and there is a vortex of politics at play, but unilaterally invading a country and breaking off a chunk of it is simply unacceptable -- especially after signing an agreement in 1994 saying it wouldn't do so.

Perhaps if this had been a one-time occurrence it would be easier to digest, but the fact is Russian president Vladimir Putin has a shameful record when it comes to just about everything. He has never hesitated to put political rivals behind bars, even going as far as jailing the protest band Pussy Riot. Putin has never won a fair and open election in his life, and don't even get me started with the Olympics. Russia threw gays and lesbians under the bus. And seriously, $9.4 billion for a road to Sochi? That's more than the budget of the entire 2010 Vancouver Games, and I'm sure not one penny of that money went into the hands of ordinary Russians.

The irony, of course, is that if Russia had chosen to engage with Ukraine in a less heavy-handed and manipulative manner in the past, I'm sure the Kremlin wouldn't feel a need to deal with the nation in a heavy-handed way now. Putin can blame the western world all he wants, but the fact is Ukraine isn't the only former Soviet "friend" that wants distance from Russia.

Story by Rod Charles, Vacay.ca Writer.

To read the rest of the story on Vacay.ca, click here.

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Malaysia Airlines Investigation Sees Possible New Lead With Satellite Images

March 23, 2014, 1:13 am

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PERTH, Australia - France on Sunday provided Malaysia with satellite images of objects that could be from a passenger jet that went missing more than two weeks ago, the latest word of such images that officials are hoping will help solve one of the world's great aviation mysteries.

A statement from Malaysia's Ministry of Transport said Malaysia received the images from "French authorities showing potential objects in the vicinity of the southern corridor." That is thought to be close to areas of the Indian Ocean where Australia and China provided satellite images of objects that could be debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which went missing March 8 with 239 people on board.

Air and sea searches since Thursday in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean to determine whether the objects were from the missing jet have been unsuccessful.

The statement said the images had been sent to Australia, which is co-ordinating the search about 2,500 kilometres (1,550 miles) southwest of Perth, but officials there could not immediately confirm they had received them. It gave no other information on the images.

The images could be another clue in the growing mystery over Flight 370, with the search moving from seas off Vietnam when the plane first went missing to areas now not far from the Antarctica, where planes and a ship were scrambling Sunday looking for a pallet and other debris to determine whether the objects were from the missing jet.

The pallet was spotted by a search plane Saturday, but has not been closely examined. Wooden pallets are commonly used in shipping, but can also be used in cargo containers carried on planes.

Mike Barton, chief of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's rescue co-ordinationcentre, told reporters in Canberra, Australia, that the wooden pallet was spotted by a search aircraft on Saturday, and that it was surrounded by several other objects, including what appeared to be strapping belts of different colours.

A New Zealand P3 Orion military plane was then sent to find it but failed, he said.

"So, we've gone back to that area again today to try and re-find it," Barton said. An Australian navy ship was also involved in the search.

AMSA said the aircraft that spotted the pallet was unable to take photos of it.

"We went to some of the expert airlines and the use of wooden pallets is quite common in the industry," Barton said. "They're usually packed into another container, which is loaded in the belly of the aircraft. ... It's a possible lead, but we will need to be very certain that this is a pallet because pallets are used in the shipping industry as well."

Sam Cardwell, a spokesman for AMSA, said the maritime agency had requested a cargo manifest from Malaysia Airlines, but he was unsure whether it had been received as of Sunday night.

Malaysia Airlines asked The Associated Press to submit questions via email for comment on whether Flight 370 had wooden pallets aboard when it disappeared. There was no immediate response.

___

McDonald reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Associated Press writers Todd Pitman and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur and Kristen Gelineau in Sydney contributed to this report.

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11 Volcano Hikes Perfect For The Adventure Traveller In Your Life

March 23, 2014, 7:17 am

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(Relaxnews) - For hikers seeking challenging terrain, breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of adventure, there is nothing like hiking up an active volcano. Below is a selection of destinations around the world where thrill-seekers can climb impressive fire-breathing peaks.

Réunion

Hikers can head to this French-speaking country, part of the Mascarene Islands, to climb the Piton des Neiges, which is considered to be the highest peak in the Indian Ocean (3,070 meters). Those who make it to the top are rewarded by a panoramic view over the entire island. Next stop: Piton de la Fournaise, literally 'Peak of the Furnace,' an active volcano surrounded by a moon-like landscape.

Lanzarote

One of the oldest of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote was created by volcanic activity and is made primarily of solidified lava. The island includes some 140 volcanoes. In Timanfaya National Park, home to an area known as the "Fire Mountains," adventurous hikers will find a rough landscape where access to certain areas is strictly controlled. Several guided hikes are available through the Spanish National Parks service.

Greece

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Santorini Caldera is an attractive destination for hikers of all levels of expertise. Its two main volcanoes, Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, are relatively small (less than 150 meters), which makes them ideal for hiking with kids. Several archeological sites acquaint visitors with the geological history of Santorini, which was formed through the Minoan volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago.

Russia

The colossal Kamchatka Mountains are located in Eastern Siberia, between the Bering and Okhotsk Seas. The active volcanoes in this mountain range spew tons of lava each year and were only opened to the public in 1990, so tourists are still a rare sight. Between 1,500 and 5,000 meters high, the peaks in this region can be climbed only when the snow and ice have melted, which is the case only two months per year during the summer.

Iceland

This nation located near the Arctic Circle is home to over 200 craters, including around 100 currently active volcanoes. Hikers can expect to climb through ochre-colored landscapes in the summer or through snow and ice in the winter. One volcano not to miss is Askja, which has two lakes within its crater, one hot and one cold.

Tanzania

In the heart of Maasai territory stands the Ol Doinyo Lengai, or "Mountain of God" in the tribal language. Hikers will find a surprising monochromatic landscape, as the black lava from the volcano turns white as it hits humid air. The Ngorongoro, another of Africa's most impressive active volcanoes, also offers a thrilling hike.

Hawaii

Created by volcanic activity, the Hawaiian Islands consist of five major fire-breathing mountains. Less experienced hikers will enjoy the relatively easy climb up Hualalai, while those who are more advanced can head to Luamakami and Puhia Pele, some of the deepest craters on the island. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxing after your hike, whether by admiring rivers of glowing lava from afar or by kicking back on the black sands of Hawaiian beaches.

Galapagos Islands

Located around 1,000km from the Ecuadorian coast, this archipelago is home to around 40 volcanic islands. Thrill-seeking hikers can head to Isabela Island, where the volcanic activity is the most intense, to climb the 1,124m Sierra Negra ("Black Mountain"). Less ambitious climbers can opt for a trip to San Cristobal Island, with its 730 meter peak. Throughout the island, visitors can admire the wildlife the Galapagos Islands are known for, including marine iguanas, tortoises and a wide variety of birds.

Costa Rica

The diversity of landscapes in this Central American nation is one of the factors that have made it a tourist hot spot. The volcanic peaks, which offer unparalleled views over the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, are nestled within the nature reserves and national parks that occupy around one third of the country. Poás, Rincón de la Vieja and Turrialba are among the active volcanoes awaiting hikers.

Indonesia

Part of the "Pacific Ring of Fire," Indonesia is home to around 150 volcanoes, including some of the world's most active. In particular, the island of Java is where hikers will find some of the most active fire-breathing mountains, many of which have a reputation for being dangerous. The island of Sulawesi also boasts several impressive volcanoes, including Soputan, Lokon and Mahawu.

Japan

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's islands, is home to several volcanoes, including around 40 which are still active. Particularly eager hikers can also opt to climb the 2,300 meter Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak and among the country's most famous landmarks. In the winter, outdoor sports enthusiasts can even enjoy cross-country skiing on the mountain.

Baby Moose Caught In Gate Is So Totally B.C. (VIDEO)

March 23, 2014, 3:06 pm

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A baby moose got his hooves caught in a residential gate in the most adorable and quintessentially B.C. story we've heard in a while.

In a YouTube video posted by ShadoHHR last month, the poor little moose is shown with his hooves stuck in the gaps between wood panels.

'Somehow the words 'there's a moose stuck in your fence' doesn't register on the brain the way you might think," ShadoHHR wrote in the video's description. "You get around the corner to see two hooves sticking out of the fence ... and on the other side, the longest, distressed little face, with the biggest brown eyes ever seen."

The video shows some locals working together to chip the wood away enough to free the moose — who was apparently trying to jump over the gate.

When the animal finally has the use of his front legs back, he stands there for a while, as if in a daze. Then he gets the heck out of there.

The video was filmed in the northern B.C. city of Quesnel, Global News reports.

Run free, baby moose! And practice jumping.

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What Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Anniversary Has To Do With Canada's Wild Salmon

March 23, 2014, 3:50 pm

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Canada's northwest coast stands alone as one of our planet's last unspoiled coastlines. Its rich assemblage of wildlife, wild rivers, and intricate landscapes makes it qualitatively different from any other place in the world.

British Columbians have increasingly come to cherish this maritime commons of waters, islands, and forests. According to an Angus Reid public opinion poll, wild salmon -- the foundation species on which this coastal bounty is built -- are as important to British Columbians as the French language is to Quebec.

With March 24 marking the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, this disaster provides a lens into considering the Enbridge Northern Gateway project and the risk it poses to wild salmon, one of our country's greatest natural assets.

A recent report by the Raincoast Conservation Foundation concluded that the consequences just to wild Pacific salmon from Enbridge's project are not a risk worth taking. The report, "Embroiled: Salmon, Tankers and the Enbridge Northern Gateway Proposal", explores the connections between the oil industry's anticipated activities on the B.C. coast and how those activities could adversely affect salmon.

The Queen Charlotte Basin, the backdrop for Enbridge's oil tanker routes, is home to more than 5,000 spawning populations of wild salmon. These fish represent 58 per cent of Canada's Pacific salmon and are the foundation of B.C.'s remarkable coastal ecology, the iconic wildlife that rely on them, and the basis for multi-million dollar economies in eco-tourism, salmon-based tourism and the salmon resource sector.

Salmon naturally have poor odds for survival. On average, only one salmon for every thousand eggs that a female lays will return to spawn. These odds have further declined in recent years due to intense human activities in salmon watersheds and in the ocean. Oil tankers and terminals present a new, added threat to salmon survival.

With a fresh oil spill, toxic vapours from the oil threaten living organisms that breathe in air and water. In contrast, other components in oil, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of equal, if not greater, concern. These compounds can persist in the environment for years, if not decades, and can continue to harm organisms long after the oil first spills. Even low levels of exposure to PAHs -- in parts per billion -- can have lethal and sub-lethal consequences for salmon.

The most vulnerable period for salmon to be exposed to oil is during their egg incubation in the spawning gravels. Embryos and larvae are 10 times more sensitive to oil than adult salmon because their high lipid content attracts oil. In the gravels, chum and pink salmon are at the highest risk to marine oil spills because their parents tend to spawn in the lower reaches of streams, where oil residue can reach the gravels.

Early life is the next most vulnerable period from an oil spill. When young salmon first migrate to sea, they rely on estuaries and near-shore waters for food, protection, and safe migration. These areas are usually the most heavily impacted by oil spills.

Importantly, there are threats from industrial oil activities even in the absence of large spills. Oil tankers and terminal activities bring routine small spills, dramatically altered shorelines, river water extraction, increased underwater noise, ship wakes, turbidity, and impacts to salmon food sources.

In Alaska's Port of Valdez in Prince William Sound, the rise and accumulation of PAHs in ocean sediments from small, chronic oil spills (while loading tankers), tracks perfectly the volume of oil shipped. In B.C., stressors from oil industry habitat loss and toxicity would add to cumulative affects that push salmon -- most of which are already at their lowest levels of known abundance -- beyond their ability to survive.

Enbridge has maintained there are no significant risks or consequences to salmon from their proposed Northern Gateway project. This is based on their wholly inadequate assessment of baseline conditions and project impacts, and is exacerbated by their failure to adequately consider cumulative impacts, including climate change. Consequently, the conclusions arrived by Enbridge cannot be scientifically supported in many cases.

In the absence of an adequate assessment of risk by Enbridge, (risk defined as the probability of an oil spill times the consequence of an oil spill), Raincoast performed a limited risk assessment to demonstrate the type of analysis that should have been undertaken. Our assessment found that more than 400 spawning populations of salmon lie adjacent to the confined channels of the tanker routes and that these streams contain some the highest densities of spawning salmon on the B.C. coast. These salmon streams drain into Enbridge's highest risk routes for tanker accidents.

Salmon, and the wildlife and human communities that they support, are the very soul of British Columbia and the lifeblood of our coastal ecosystem. Despite the National Energy Board's blessing that Northern Gateway should go ahead, British Columbians are clearly not willing to surrender these values and way of life to the oil industry.

This article was co-authored by Misty MacDuffee, a biologist and fisheries ecologist with Raincoast Conservation Foundation.

A version of this article previously ran in The Island Tides.

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Going Solo: Advice from the Travel Experts

March 23, 2014, 9:23 pm

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What does the solo traveler look like nowadays? A 20-something guy with a beard and a backpack, or a 30-something professional woman on a career break, volunteering abroad? Believe it or not, it's more likely to be their mom. Yes, their mom.

Women are following their own schedules to explore destinations beyond North America, preferring to relax in luxury at resorts, full service hotels or on board cruise ships.

This new breed of traveller tends to spend less than $5,000 when they go it alone and do have legitimate concerns about their trips. Almost half worry about dangerous encounters without a companion, becoming ill, losing their travel documents and flight delays - which lead the majority to purchase travel insurance before their adventures start. Travel Guard The Source

As a frequent solo traveller myself, I sought out some Toronto experts to find out what they think of this trend and ask for their advice.


San Telmo's Sunday Antique Market, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Janice Waugh is perhaps the best-known solo traveler, and author of the popular blog The Solo Traveler. Janice took her first solo trip in her 20s, but it wasn't until her 50s that she started regular solo trips after her husband died and the kids had grown up. "Travel has been part of my life since my first trip at 15. Giving it up was not an option. My conclusion: if I wanted to travel it would have to be solo," Waugh said.

In 2009, Waugh started the Solo Travel site building up readership using Social Media networks Twitter and Facebook. "My idea was that the blog wouldn't be about me but for all those who travel solo. Hence, the Solo Travel Society on Facebook was created. I may moderate it, but thousands participate. There are two posts every week that come from readers."

Communication is the biggest change in travel since she started the blog. "We hear about troubles abroad very quickly. Media coverage can make destinations quite frightening - sometimes unnecessarily so. However, I believe the reality of the past and present are quite similar. There were and are places that one would be well advised not to visit. It's still up to the traveller to do the research and assess the risks carefully."

"India is the most challenging country I've been to so far," Waugh confided. "I don't say this because of the danger reported for women but because it takes time to figure out how the country works. How the train system and the class system works. It's the logistics that are really challenging. As for safety, caution is warranted everywhere. I dedicate an entire section of The Solo Traveler's Handbook to solo travel safety."

Waugh recommends group tours for those who are going it alone: "Group tours are great if you are new to solo travel or you are going to a country that is particularly challenging. I took a tour to China last year and while I would love to go back and take on the challenge of managing it all myself, the tour was great for getting to know the country without the worry of navigating the transportation and accommodation."

For some, solo travel comes at a time of deep reflection. This was the case for Mariellen Ward, a professional travel writer and cultural explorer based in Toronto and sometimes Delhi. When Ward's mother passed away suddenly she needed to be alone so she rented a car to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. "I was completely grief-stricken by her death, and needed to be alone to cry a river of tears into the vastness of the ocean" she stated. "A few years after that, and after losing my father to cancer, I felt compelled to follow a life-long dream and finally go to India. After losing both of my parents, I was very depressed, but I was also motivated to start living my dreams. First I became a yoga teacher, then I travelled to India, and then I became a writer."

Those trips were the most transformation experiences in Mariellen's life and she has written several published articles and blog posts about her first trip to India. On Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of the Hindu god who represents luck, auspicious beginnings and safe journeys, (August 23, 2009) Breathedreamgo.com was launched as Ward began her journey as a travel writer.

The blog was born from her 2005-2006 trip to India where she had posted a twice-weekly blog sharing her healing journey with followers on her blog. Today Breathedreamgo.com has grown from her personal platform for travel writing to what she hopes is the go-to website for people who are either looking for inspiration to live their travel dreams or who want to travel in India.


Mariellen Ward at the Haridwar aarti, during the Kumbh Mela in 2010, India

Ward loves solo travelling but admits that there have been a few difficult moments: "moments of uncertainty, loneliness and some fear. Mostly fear that I won't be able to handle a situation. I am especially wary of situations that require physical endurance and strength. I do have a very adventurous streak and I'm learning to overcome my fears."

Grandmother of Women's Travel

If Waugh and Ward are seasoned solo travelers, then Evelyn Hannon, known as the 'Grandmother of Women's Travel' is a pioneer in the world of solo travel from a female point-of-view. She has visited over 70 countries and set foot on all seven continents. Her blog, journeywoman.com, online since 1997, is based on those experiences and provides a wealth of information for women who want to explore the world on their own. It's a valuable resource that answers just about any question a female solo traveler may have from having a relationship while on the road to safety tips and dealing with loneliness. The Toronto-based web site has grown to 70,000 newsletter subscribers in close to 200 countries, 32.5 K followers on Twitter and 10,250 on the Journeywoman Facebook Community.

Hannon took her first solo journey after her devastating divorce more than 30 years ago. Though she cried through most of that journey, she began to realize how good solo travel is for the heart and soul. I met Hannon late last year to discuss female solo travel and the rise of the 50+ age group who are now retiring from their 9-5 jobs. With her years of travelling solo and her experience within the travel publishing world, Hannon finds that older adults are now travelling like never before and with a refreshing confidence. Many are free from family obligations and have the disposable income to devote to finally experiencing their travel dreams. These sage women are looking for authentic experiences, not a mad dash around various sites.

Hannon is a strong advocate of group tours for older adults travelling solo. In fact she goes a step further and has devoted a section on Journeywoman.com for classified listings; the go-to place for the latest tours and holidays designed especially for women. She stated "These specialized journeys with their civilized pace erase all that energy sapping baggage shlepping and transportation woes. Yet, they offer company when you want it as well as sophisticated programs designed 'to meet the locals.'"

Hannon's advice to travelers 'do your research (which is half the fun) before you leave. Then once you are there live in the moment. Don't spend all your time looking through a camera lens. Don't worry about seeing everything because that will never happen. Take time to sit in a cafe, enjoy a local delicacy, listen to the sounds around you, do some people watching and pat yourself on the back for getting out and exploring the world,' she added.

For anyone thinking solo travel might be for them, Waugh offers sage advice: "For new solo travellers the best thing is always to take it slow. Start with a short trip in a familiar culture, then branch out. For seasoned solo travellers, I suggest that they stretch themselves. Continuous growth is a good thing."

Resource links:


Telegraph UK - Newspapers solo travel site full of useful information
HERmail.net - Journeywoman.com's sister site to connect women with mentors around the globe.

Adventure Tour Companies (no single supplements and traveller's are matched with same sex share, group size is usually 10-16 people)

Explore
Exodus
Intrepid
G Adventures
Overseas Adventure Travel (+50) Travellers
Trek America - geared towards the younger solo traveller
Peregrine Adventures - upscale solo travel

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(Relaxnews) - Faced with shrinking in-cabin luggage allowances, most airline passengers feel they can do little more than complain. But one fourth of international travellers surveyed by Skyscanner take their discontent one step further, finding ways around restrictions they find too drastic.

Twenty-five percent of those surveyed admit to wearing their most voluminous articles of clothing on the plane to free up room in their carry-on. Even more defiant, 10 percent of travellers confessed to bringing an extra bag with them to the gate in the hopes of sneaking it past the airline personnel.

Currently, each airline is free to set its own regulations regarding in-cabin luggage allowances, so it is no surprise that passengers are often confused about just what they can bring to the gate.

Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said they would like to see industry-wide standards applied to all carriers to reduce this confusion. In the meantime, nearly 60 percent of travellers reported to being caught off guard and forced to pay an extra fee at the gate to bring their bag on board.

Skycanner points out that easyJet is the least generous airline when it comes to the size of carry-on luggage (50x40x20cm, unlimited weight) while Spanish carrier Iberia is the most generous (56x45x25cm, unlimited weight).

To help travellers make sense of each airline's luggage restrictions, Skyscanner has created an online guide: www.skyscanner.net
Carried out during March 2014, the survey questioned 2,500 travellers in the UK, Spain, Germany and Russia.