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Passenger Refused Flight Over Missing Letter On Airline Ticket

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A single letter "n" that was missing from a passenger’s first name on her ticket was enough for an airline to keep her off a flight leaving Edmonton — a move one airline critic says defies common sense.


Valiantsina Murashka and her husband, Mikalai — nervous first-time travellers — had flown from Belarus to visit their daughter Olga's family in Edmonton.


The couple’s trip included connecting flights from Minsk via Warsaw and Toronto using three different airlines: Belavia, LOT Polish Airlines and Air Canada.


​No one noticed her name on the e-ticket was incorrectly spelled “Valiatsina” until five months later, when she arrived at Edmonton International Airport for her flight home.


Her son-in-law, AlehKadychenka, scanned her passport at the check-in kiosk, but it kept being rejected.


“It was denied first time, refused second time and then I noticed something [was] wrong,” Kadychenka said.


An Air Canada agent said the system would not allow Murashka to fly because the spelling of her first name on the ticket didn’t match what was on her passport.


Although Air Canada was willing to let Murashka her to fly the first leg to Toronto, it said LOT Airlines would not guarantee she could board the next flight to Warsaw.


Kadychenka said he called LOT’s office in Warsaw but to no avail.


“He said, 'If you would have four, maybe five weeks at least, we can do some investigation,” Kadychenka said.


“I couldn’t believe it,” said Olga Kadychenka, Murashka’s daughter.


25 minutes to solve problem


“It was like [a] dream. We had 25 minutes to solve this problem,” she said.


“My mum was just asking me, ‘What? What they said?’ I didn’t know what to say, because I didn’t know what happened,” Kadychenka said.


​Kadychenka said she couldn’t imagine letting her parents board the flight to Toronto and hoping for the best when they tried to make their connection.


Kadychenka’s parents had never flown before this trip and could not speak English.


​She said her mother was starting to panic, believing she could be arrested in Toronto for not having the correct documents.


Aleh Kadychenka said he couldn’t take the risk of something going wrong for his nervous in-laws in a strange country, with only 90 minutes to change terminals and make their connecting flight.


“I was really in shock,” he said.


They decided their only option was to buy a new ticket for Murashka — for $1,500 — with her name spelled correctly.


However, the flights were showing full, even though Murashka would not be flying on her original ticket.


The next one-way flight to Minsk was two days later.


“I just came to my dad and said, ‘Dad, you have to fly by yourself because you know mum cannot fly.' So he said, 'OK.' But, you know, he was shaking,” Olga Kadychenka said.


“My mum, she was like in shock. She was crying and crying. We just bought a new ticket and went home together.”


Airline defends decision


LOT Polish Airlines declined repeated interview requests.


However, its passenger service agents did provide some emailed answers to questions by CBC's Go Public.


KrzysztofPasterz wrote that the spelling error originated with a family member who purchased the ticket on the Belarusian version of LOT’s website.


Had the purchaser noticed the error within 24 hours, Pasterz said, LOT would have issued a replacement ticket without charge.


He said the misspelling may not have been considered a serious problem on the outbound journey.


“The person in charge of passport control was probably Belarusian and therefore, knew the correct spelling of most first names,” Pasterz wrote.


“He/she might have regarded that as a common typo.”


LOT agent KatarzynaKoba suggested Air Canada’s decision to allow Murashka to fly the first leg to Toronto was because “domestic flights, as from Edmonton to Toronto, are less rigorous than international flights.”


“That is the reason passenger could fly on domestic flight with incorrect name,” Koba wrote.


Air Canada often corrects minor spelling errors on tickets and could have done so in this case had it been an Air Canada-issued ticket, according to spokeswoman Angela Mah.


The Canadian government said LOT had the right to refuse to carry Murashka.


Transport Canada said airlines are required to verify the passenger’s name on the boarding pass are an exact match with the name on the passport.


The Canadian Transportation Agency, whose job it is to resolve disputes between airlines and their passengers, said airlines can be fined for carrying passengers who aren’t properly documented and said “the onus is on passengers to ensure the accuracy of their tickets.”


LOT Airlines’ decision ‘dubious’, advocate says


LOT may have been correct under the letter of the law, but “common sense” means it should have followed Air Canada’s example and allowed ValiantsinaMurashka to fly, according to passenger-rights advocate GaborLukacs.


“Given they allowed them to fly on the first segment of the ticket, including an international segment, it is really dubious,” Lukacs said.


“The airline had every reason to believe these were legitimate passengers.


“They are the same people who flew in. They have the stamps on their passports to say they flew in. Let them leave,” Lukacs said.


“They don’t look like people who pose a security threat.”


Lukacs said that given such a minor spelling mistake, and the differences between the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, it was an oversight even an experienced traveller could make.


“I could see this happening to me,” he said.


Lukacs said a case could be made that LOT should pay compensation because the airline allowed the couple to complete half their journey.


AlehKadychenka said he has been offered only 170 euros (about $238 Cdn) from LOT. The airline denies making any offer.


“Just one innocent letter missing. It’s not like [a] last name, it’s not passport information,” he said.


After this ordeal, Olga Kadychenka said she doubts her mother will ever come to visit again.


“My mother really liked Canada, but after this she says, ‘I don’t know if I will fly here one more time.'”


Stargazing With Chris Hadfield In Jasper

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JASPER, ALBERTA -- When Chris Hadfield first visited Jasper, there was a twinkle in his eye but it had nothing to do with the stars. Hadfield was focused on raising a family -- thoughts of heaven secondary to his terrestrial responsibilities. "My wife and I first came to Jasper 29 years ago," recalls Hadfield, Canada's most famous astronaut. "We were here when our son was one-year-old and she was pregnant with our second child."

In October, he returned to the national park in Alberta to lead astronomy aficionados on a celebration of celestial viewing of our galaxy. Hadfield, of course, is a star himself, making this year's Dark Sky Festival a newsworthy event across the country. Since his first visit three decades ago, he has orbited the earth almost 2,600 times, travelled to more than 60 countries and that second child, Evan, is now a tech-savvy adult who has helped tweet his dad to social-media fame. Although Hadfield is one of eight Canadian astronauts who has flown into space, he is the first from this country to command the International Space Station.

Jasper too has gained lofty recognition. It was designated in 2011 as the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Formal guidelines must be satisfied in order for a property to achieve this status, including: restricted light pollution, programs developed to promote astronomy, and accessible areas made available for public stargazing. Thus, travellers can be assured when visiting parks bearing this classification that dark sky viewing will be optimal. The Dark Sky Festival is a key reason why Jasper was this week listed among Vacay.ca's 20 Best Places to Visit in Canada for 2015.

As one of the largest parks within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park recognized it was sitting under an astral diamond mine: more than 11,000 square kilometres of vast unspoiled night sky wilderness. City dwellers who seldom see a clear night sky and the stars that appear on its canvas may be surprised that "astro tourism" has found a niche market and is being promoted worldwide from New Zealand to Namimbia.

Chuckling, Hadfield points out, "Everybody who writes about overcrowding lives in a city. It is a little bit comical actually, most of the world is empty and so much of the world is dark. There are clusters where we all choose to live. But truly if you want to see the sky you have to get out to where the sky is visible and to have places in the world that are accessible, are inherently beautiful but also give access to the dark skies."

Jasper fits that description perfectly and its Dark Sky Festival held annually in October connects people to the magic of the night. The 2014 festival was the fourth edition and it doubled attendance from 2013. Having Hadfield on board made it a sold-out event. It wasn't just a photo-op and book-signing appearance, however. Hadfield connected with old and young alike, infusing visitors with the awe he still feels for space exploration. For instance, during the free Telus World of Science Edmonton Family Event at Centennial Field, where over 650 people showed up, Hadfield enthusiastically joined in counting down with rocket junkies to launch a model rocket over the heads of the delighted crowd. In the evening he entertained an audience of 892 people with inspirational "thinking like an astronaut" stories and song. Passionately, he described how his career experiences have impacted him.

"Your perspective changes and you get a real understanding of the entire nature of the whole planet, you go around it in 92 minutes. And then you go around it again," he says, discussing the similarities he sees from societies on the planet. "I remember we came across the prairies, I used to live in Moose Jaw. So you look at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, pretty standard town. ... then you wait 20 minutes and you are over Africa and look down into a city in Africa and go, 'Hey, look there's the river, there's the railroad, it is exactly the same.' That sense of our shared nature of existence, that seeps into you. ... I think the global perspective of our shared commonality of being human seeps into you more powerfully than you can even imagine."

Story by Julia Pelish, Vacay.caVisuals Editor. To read the full story on Vacay.ca, click here.

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First Time Flier? Facts You Need To Know

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As a travel writer, I've flown many, many miles, and scuttled through many, many airports and the following simple tips and tricks have made all of my flights just a little bit more enjoyable. If you're new to flying, I hope these help.

1) Check in on-line before you fly. You will have a reservation code on your ticket, which you will need when you go to the airline's website. You will most likely be able to check in 24 hours in advance of the flight; experienced fliers count down the minutes to that 24 hours to ensure they can nab a good seat. Good seats include exit aisles and front rows. Many airlines now charge an extra fee for these seats, but the fees are generally quite low, and well worth the extra legroom. Something to note -- children cannot fly in an exit row (have to technically be big enough to open the door in case of an emergency), and there are no seat belt extenders allowed in these rows either.

2) Check the terminal that your flight is leaving from...and returning to. If you've booked outbound and inbound with two different airlines, you might want to check where you should park your car, and what the shuttle service between terminals is like.

3) Check a bag if you want to, but most airlines will charge (around $25.00 per bag). Benefits of checking are being able to take larger liquid containers (shampoo, etc.) and not having to lug the suitcase around, as well as fight for overhead space on the plane to store it. Downside is obviously the cost, and the slight chance that your bags will be lost or damaged. (At time of writing, after hundreds of flights, I' have never had a bag lost or damaged.)

4) Make sure you get your bag tag sticker attached to your boarding pass or other paper; double check to make sure they have checked it through to the correct destination, particularly if you have a connection. Don't throw away the bag tag until you have your suitcase in your hand, as it is really the only way the airline has of tracing your bag.

5) Plan to arrive at the airport at the airline's recommended time prior to departure...and then add at least half an hour. Traffic, long lines, confusion can all eat quickly away at your estimated time to process. If you're through quickly, find a coffee and enjoy some free Wi-Fi (many airports have this) or read a book. Relax, don't stress.

6) Go to your gate and make sure your flight is a) still flying out of that gate and b) is on time. I've known quite a few folks to be sitting at the wrong gate (and they do frequently change), having to sprint down the length of the airport to make their flight.

7) Unless your meals are prepaid on your flight (business class, special deal), you'll probably want to eat at the airport or bring your food on board. Airline food tends to be more expensive and less tasty than what you can find at the airport. Another reason to arrive early!

8) Find the closest washroom to your gate and go there a few minutes before departure, even if you don't "need it". Empty the tank and avoid having to squish yourself inside a tiny airplane washroom...after waiting in line for it. On the flipside, Every time you're offered water on the flight, or it is an option, take it. Flights are extremely dehydrating and the water you take on will help you to avoid headaches and dry throat.

9) Board the plane according to row number, but unless you're rushing to store an overhead bag, don't hasten to get to the front of the line. Your seat is assigned. If you have children, don't pre-board as they suggest, wait to board last; they're better running around the airport than they are confined to a seat.

10) Don't put anything in the seat pocket in front of you. Many, many tablets, books, phones, and precious stuffed animals (there is a bunny flying around the friendly skies with my daughter's name on it) have been lost there. Keep items in your bag, on your lap, or on the seat beside you.

Enjoy your flight.

No Pants Skytrain Ride 2015 Sees Record Turnout

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#nopantsride #nopantsridevancouver #skytrain #translink #vancouver #npsr #npsrvancouver More on the blog

A photo posted by STREETS OF VANCOUVER (@streets_of_vancouver) on





No pants, no problem.

Hundreds of people turned out once again for the now-annual No Pants SkyTrain Ride on a relatively balmy 7 C Sunday afternoon.

New York's Improv Anywhere started the No Pants Subway Ride in 2002 and silly event has since expanded to cities including Shanghai, Istanbul and Adelaide, Australia.








#NPSR

A photo posted by Gabrielle Reed (@potexaco) on





Each year, participants gather at a certain time, get on the SkyTrain, then keep a straight face as they remove their pants (or skirts, or shorts etc.), and act as if it's completely normal to be riding transit in their underwear.

“It’s a celebration of silliness,” organizer Larry Piche with Vancouver's Improv Anywhere told Global News.

Piche said this year's record turnout of 250 pantsless riders doubled last year's total of 120, according to The Vancouver Sun.

However, hundreds more spectators crowded the Commercial-Broadway station. TransLink staff had to help regular SkyTrain users on the trains and at the station navigate the logjam of No Pants people.

Piche said there may need to be more than one starting point in the future, reported the Sun.




#NoPantsSkytrainRide #Vancouver 생각보다 볼 게 별로 없었다. 눈 버리고 온듯한...

A photo posted by Sooho X'Bruce Kang (@iamxbruce) on









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Squamish Makes New York Times List Of 52 Places To Go In 2015

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The main fuel stop on the Sea to Sky Highway between Whistler, B.C., and Vancouver is getting international attention as a place to do more than get gas and grab a coffee for the road.


For years, Squamish has proclaimed itself "the outdoor recreation capital of Canada," and now the New York Times newspaper appears to agree.


The newspaper's travel section has put the once sleepy port at the head of Howe Sound on its list of 52 places to go in 2015. The paper cites the opening of the Sea to Sky Gondola last year as a reason to visit Squamish, and experience "an unusual combination of West Coast wilderness and accessibility."


The recent upgrades to the Sea to Sky Highway have also made the town a popular weekend destination for more and more Metro Vancouver residents.


With world-class rock climbing on the Stawamus Chief, hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park, windsurfing and kite boarding at the Spit, mountain biking trails in the nearby woods, and eagle watching along the river, the town has plenty of reasons to brag.


But now it is no longer just a local destination, it would appear.

Travelzoo Taps Jordan Axani's 'Elizabeth Gallagher' Idea For Travel Contest

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Travel deals website Travelzoo is tapping into a Toronto man's idea and offering a free trip to anybody with one of five "lucky names."

Last year, Jordan Axani put out a call to anyone with the name "Elizabeth Gallagher" to join him for a trip around the world after he and his girlfriend of the same name broke up.

He invited anyone with the exact name to travel in his girlfriend's place from New York to Milan, Prague, Paris, Bangkok and New Delhi, with a promise to "pay it forward" somehow.

Axani eventually found another woman named Elizabeth "Quinn" Gallagher, from Cole Harbour, N.S.

Both came back to Canada on Sunday, after having to change their final destination from New Delhi to Hong Kong, reported The Toronto Star.

With their trip over, Travelzoo has borrowed the idea for a contest that could send two people to Cuba.

Anyone with the names Victoria Brown, Jennifer Clark, Jonathan Li, Elizabeth Martin or Michael Smith are invited to enter the company's contest. They have to write a small description saying "why they deserve a vacation in 2015" and winners will be announced next month.

"Even if you don't have a lucky name, chances are, you know someone who does," Travelzoo Canada vice president and general manager Jason Sarracini said in a statement.

As for Axani, he has started "A Ticket Forward," a charity that seeks to help people travel the world if they don't have the means to do so.

The charity's website has profiles of people who are dreaming of travel, and prospective donors can give money directly to aspiring globetrotters.

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Frozen Memories: Life-Affirming Trips That Don't Need To Happen In The Summer

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Where do you imagine you’ll take your next vacation? If you’re in love with the idea of the Great Canadian Winter, you can have fantastic experiences that will last a lifetime among the natural beauty of the province. From adventure-seekers to novices, from the history aficionados to the artists, there’s always something for everyone in the snowy, beautiful landscape of Alberta in the wintertime.



Get in touch with your Canadian history: Head-smashed-in-Buffalo jump

History buffs will love this living slice of Canada’s past. Head-smashed-in-Buffalo jump is located at the foot of the Rockies, its sprawling lands once used by the Canadian aboriginal peoples for sustenance and massive buffalo herding and hunting. Christened as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-smashed-in-Buffalo jump is one of the most enduring and recognizable historical sites in the country, especially because of its huge legacy as an Aboriginal spiritual location. The Buffalo Jump was used by Canadian Aboriginals since antiquity (seriously; the site predates the pyramids) as key location in the bison hunt. Few moments will help you put things in perspective like standing in the middle of a millennia-old hunting ground and knowing that serious history occurred under your very feet.

Wistfully on the Albertan express: Half-day train tour

Want the full winter scenery experience without having to leave your comfy chair? Yeah, we get you; sometimes you just want to enjoy a beautiful snowfall from inside a heated room. Then, imagine this: You hopping on a train, sitting in a compartment with your hands wrapped around a hot chocolate while the great wilderness of the Canadian prairies passes you by. Shining lakes, snow-tipped mountains, miles of evergreen forests surrounding your view — and you won’t need to set a single foot outdoors! Travel by train allows you to relax and take ownership of your trip in ways that driving or flying can’t match. Trains truly are the scenic option of travel, and there’s no better backdrop for enjoying the majesty of nature than the Albertan wilderness. It’s literally the best of both worlds, and who doesn’t love a good train ride?

Reconnect with your artistic side: Ice on Whyte

This award-winning festival was simply started by local sculptors who carved icy works of art that drew a crowd, and voila; Ice on Whyte was born! Since its humble start in 2003, the festival has expanded to have children’s areas and local artisan goods as well as sculpture gardens, and grew big enough to host an international ice sculpting contest in 2009. The festival has grown to become a wintertime hit across all ages (with many family-friendly activities on hand), making it one of the few events that locals will brave the winter weather to attend en masse. This is a perfect event to attend with your family, as it will give you all a host of life-changing memories and good times to reflect on going forward. Just be sure to make this festival a priority: It only runs from January 23rd to February 1st in 2015, so get planning!

For those longing for a simpler time: Snowshoeing

Canada’s aboriginal peoples had the right idea when it came to this distinctive footwear. Walk a mile in their snowshoes while exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of snowy Alberta. You get yourself a guided tour, an up-close and personal view of the finely preserved national parks, and a hearty winter workout; who needs the elliptical when you can hit the hills? There is no better way to lose yourself in the majesty of nature, and doing it on your own two feet adds an element of DIY simplicity to the whole occasion. How often can you say that you’ve been somewhere that has gone untouched by human hands for years? If you want to add another level of intense beauty to the event, sign up for the guided dusk snowshoe tour in Elk Island Park, and prepare yourself for the beauty of a snow-covered landscape painted by a setting sun.

A view that will change your life: Northern lights

Athabasca is home to an observatory that studies the aurora borealis (better known to laymen as the Northern Lights), so you know that even scientists consider this location (along with the fantastic views to be found at Fort MacMurray) a prime spot to observe and track these beauties that brighten up the winter skies at night. Our fascination with the Northern Lights goes back millennia and crosses cultures; Canadian Aboriginal spiritual beliefs state that the lights have healing properties, and Inuit leaders would embark on spirit walks towards the lights to gain wisdom and rescue troubled souls from death.
If you’re ready to seek out the lights yourself, you might need to keep in mind that the intensity of the northern lights can vary on a day-to-day basis. While the lights might not be on the most defined schedule, there’s nothing you can’t do with a snowmobile and a little bit of research.

Little house on the prairie: Cabin camping

There’s something to be said for stepping out of a cozy cabin and walking into a snowy, scenic view. If you’ve always wanted to try winter camping but were never sure how to actually do it, there are plenty of campsites that will offer you several choices to get you started. And once you have a safe ‘home base’ at a campsite, the rest of the time is yours! Get out there and seek fun winter activities on or off camp. At the end of the day, you can still come back to a warm, heated cabin to cozy up (a snow-covered tent isn’t for everyone, we know). The main draw of a cabin is just how away-from-it-all it can be; many cabins can only be accessed by cross-country skiing, so won’t have to worry about noisy neighbours or nearby traffic. If you’ve had a serious lack of Me Time lately, there’s no better venue for serious reflection and relaxation than a snowy cabin.

If you're ready to have the winter trip of a lifetime, then it's time to visit Travel Alberta and start planning today!

9 Hotels Gyms to Satisfy Your New Year's Resolutions

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Courtesy: Hotel Burj al Arab

If those extra holiday pounds are hanging a little heavy, one of your New Year's Eve resolutions probably includes some serious time spent at the gym. But all workout and no play is no way to spend the next year, and getting and staying fit is not fun when it puts a crimp in your travel plans.

To let you check-in to a hotel that offers something more extensive than a treadmill and weights, while still letting you indulge in a serious case of wanderlust, hotel search trivago.ca has found you the best hotel fitness centers for your next healthy vacation.

Taj Campton Place -- San Francisco, CA
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Courtesy: Taj Campton Place

The view of San Francisco's Union Square is best enjoyed on a treadmill high on the 9th floor of the Taj Campton Place. The hotel's open-air fitness center has world-class iPod connected TechnoGym exercise equipment, and is the perfect place to sweat while enjoying the city bustling below.

Vivanta by Taj Bentota -- Bentota, Sri Lanka
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Courtesy: Hotel Vivanta by Taj Bentota

Travel off the beaten path to Vivanta by Taj Bentota and you'll be rewarded with an infinity pool, private balconies with views of the Indian Ocean, and a 24-hr gym. Soak your well-worked muscles in the hotel's Jacuzzi and sauna, and treat yourself to an al fresco seafood dinner beachside with a view of Sri Lanka's south-west coast.

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao -- Shanghai, China
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Courtesy: Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao

If one of your New Year's Eve resolutions is to be more adventurous, take the plunge at the Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Kangqiao and swim 300 feet in the air with nothing to separate you from wilds of Shanghai but a glass floor.

Mandarin Oriental New York -- New York, NY
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Courtesy: Mandarin Oriental New York

Located at the top of the Time Warner Center, with a view of the stunning Big Apple Skyline and Central Park, is the luxurious Mandarin Oriental New York Hotel's fitness center. If you're looking to ease into your NYE resolution, the hotel offers private yoga classes for some one-on-one attention.

Burj Al Arab -- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Courtesy: Burj Al Arab

A workout junkie's dream, the Burj Al Arab hotel is the sail-shaped landmark of modern Dubai, with 4 swimming pools, separate male and female gyms, sauna, steam room, cardio and weight equipment, and fitness classes.

Marina Bay Sands -- Singapore
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Courtesy: Marina Bay Sands

Stretching 150 meters across and 57 stories above Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands' Skypark Infinity Pool is one of the world's most amazing rooftop hotel pools. Swimming alongside this stunning panoramic view of the Singapore skyline will let you start 2015 the right way.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower -- London, UK
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Courtesy: Jumeirah Carlton Tower

London's Hyde Park and exclusive Sloane Street shopping area are just a small part of the view from the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel's 9th floor Peak Health Club & Spa. The hotel's state-of-the-art gym, sauna, aerobics studio, golf simulator, and pool will make sweating off those festive pounds fun.

Vivanta By Taj Yeshwantpur -- Bengalore, India
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Courtesy: Vivanta By Taj Yeshwantpur

Large floor to ceiling windows offer the perfect backdrop to an intensive session in the Vivanta by Taj Yeshwantpur's fitness center. The hotel offers complimentary personalized fitness training for any guest looking to optimize their post-New Year's workout, and the outdoor pool and day spa will help you let go of any lingering stress.

The Viceroy Bali -- Bali, Indonesia
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Courtesy: The Viceroy Bali

Visit the Patanu River Valley's incredible Viceroy Bali hotel and enjoy the combination of cardio and resistance training equipment in the fully-equipped fitness center. The real jewel is their large infinity edge pool overlooking the Balinese jungle - take a break from swimming laps for a creative cocktail at the swim-up bar and enjoy the spectacular view.

For more travel inspiration, check out our blog trivago checkin!

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Why Artists (and You) Are Better Off Living in Windsor Than Toronto

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If you were take my house that I bought in Windsor for 150,000 and put it in Toronto it would cost you 500,000 to buy it.

I bought my house in August of 2012, two-bed two-bath finished basement, in the quiet neighbourhood of Riverside, perfect starter home with granite counters hardwood floors and it came fully furnished. Windsor is Detroit's best suburb, according to the Desjardins Affordability Index, 3rd quarter, 2014 Windsor comes in with the best cost of living in all of Canada. Our unemployment rate is our biggest downfall, at or around 9 per cent consistently it is among the highest in Canada. We do however have many appealing assets including "bargain basement real estate, low property taxes, a long growing season, bodies of water on three sides, and proximity to the United States."

There is however something new, an emerging scene. New restaurants, artists, and music is taking Windsor/Detroit by storm. Our Walkerville area has completely been reborn. The birth place of Canadian Club, Hiram Walker established his famous rye whiskey plants on the Detroit River. Walkerville Brewery has reopened and restaurants around the area are creating quite a buzz. Taking a tour at Hiram Walkers to see the largest collection in one place of the Group of Seven, then see the bullet holes in the basement from a meeting that went wrong with notorious gangster Al Capone. Stop in for a pint at the Walkerville Brewery and then grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants within walking distance, end it off with a night cap at an Irish Pub converted from a house called the Kildare house a for an acoustic set and pint of Guinness.

Due to the cheap cost of living an artist's dollar goes a lot further in Windsor than it does in Toronto.

The geographical location is optimal as well. Windsor is no more than a day's drive from Toronto, Ottawa, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, and New York. I can get to Detroit from my house in 10 minutes. Going to Joe Louis Arena to see a Redwings game costs half of what it would cost to see the Maple Leafs in Toronto. Going to Michigan to Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Tigers Games and Frankenmuth to me is what separates Windsor from London. Every major musical act stops in Detroit, and every major sport has a team in Detroit. There is a renaissance emerging and I am glad I get to experience it firsthand.
Not to mention we are the Florida of Canada. As I write this there is three inches of snow on the ground we do not have six foot pickets to find our sidewalks. I have never run out of places to shovel the snow, or ever seen -40 in Windsor. Believe me when I say the Windsor winters pale in comparison to the rest of Canada. I have seen winters with no snow accumulation.

A group called the "100 Mile Peninsula" has begun a campaign to try to get seniors to retire to Windsor. The fact is your fixed budget will go a lot further in Windsor than say Vancouver. If you sell your house in Toronto you will likely be able to get the same house in Windsor at a third of the price. Or upgrade to a much nicer house with the same amount of money. The housing market in Windsor is in the buyers favour, now is the time to capitalize on the momentum. You can retire earlier with cash to spare in our countries most southern city.

Essex County has much to offer. From the picturesque charm of historic Amherstburg, or the numerous wineries, and the cottages along Lake Erie and St. Clair. Colchester is the gem that no one knows about. Fishing in the waters off its coast is bound to provide a boatful of perch, pickerel, and bass. Our parks are like none other Peele Island, Windsor's River front stroll along the Detroit river for 2.5 kms overlooking the Detroit skyline, the Ganatchio trail, Reaume park with the peace fountain and the first memorial to Afghan veterans in Canada, Willistead park and Point Peele. Our Casino and downtown core, makes for a fun dinner and entertainment. Going to the Cook Shop then walking on a warm summer night to the Casino to sit in the lounge and watch a band play makes for an enjoyable evening. Every year there is the largest fireworks display in North America, the Auto Show, and the Shores of Erie Wine Festival or the Tecumseh Corn Festival.

Windsor has potential, if you want to open a restaurant you don't need much start-up capital to do it. Opening a business is easy to do, our city has so much untapped potential. Driving along Riverside drive from the Dominion House (the oldest building in Windsor) to Slinkys Ice Cream Parlour is one of my favourite things to do. Going through so many historic sections of Windsor from Sandwich Town, the Downtown sector, Walkerville on to Riverside. Stephan Colbert famously called Windsor the worst place on earth but I could not disagree more. Many don't understand why we Windsorites and for that matter us Essex County folk love this area so much. I only ask, "How could you not?"

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Omar Borkan Al Gala, 'Deported' For Being Too Handsome, Reveals Truth

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A Vancouver-based model has finally revealed the truth behind the headlines that he was deported from Saudi Arabia for essentially being ridiculously good-looking.

Omar Borkan Al Gala and two friends were apparently kicked out of the country for being "too handsome" and officials at a cultural festival "feared female visitors could fall for them," reported Emirates 24/7 in April 2013.

Within 48 hours of the story going viral, Al Gala gained 800,000 likes on his Facebook page. For almost two years, he declined to confirm or deny the story. His shrewd decision to stay quiet netted him some marriage proposals, a gift of a Mercedes G55 — plus an agent and a manager.

In an exclusive interview with Metro this week, Al Gala revealed that he and his friends were at the festival in Riyadh when some girls recognized him from some modelling he had done. As they gathered for autographs and photos, the crowd grew, said the newspaper.

"The religion police didn’t like it,” Al Gala, 24, told Metro. “They came and they asked me politely to leave the festival."

Saudi Arabia's Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vices enforces strict rules limiting interaction between men and women who aren't related.

So Al Gala was never asked to leave the country — only the festival.

Not that it matters anymore. The aspiring actor is a product ambassador for Samsung and has modelling contracts around the world. His social media accounts show photos of him pushing through a crowd of fans in Japan as well as posing in various ad campaigns.

Al Gala, who is originally from Dubai, moved to Vancouver with his parents and three brothers, reported In Touch Weekly.

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Why B.C.'s Cowichan Valley Is a New Tourism Hot Spot

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A good argument could be made that Victor Vesely is living life the way it's supposed to be lived. He has set about pursuing his passion while marrying that passion with his wife's own pursuits and inviting anyone who would like to share and learn more to drop in for a cup of tea. Tea served in a small shop in the middle of the forest off of a backroad in the far west coast of Canada, a setting that will send your mind hurtling away from wherever it was when you entered. Here, you will dwell on tranquil thoughts for however long you care to stay.

Vesely's charming Teafarm is not a spa, but it is relaxing thanks to his graciousness and the gentility of the surroundings. The Teafarm serves 100 varieties of tea and soon will begin selling its own product that is made from some of the 600 tea plants on the property just north of Duncan, which is the smallest city by geographic area in Canada.

Travellers have been known to seek out a great restaurant or to search for fabulous desserts. Will anyone really go out of their way for tea?

I think they should because -- like so many other businesses in Vancouver Island's delightful Cowichan Valley -- what you'll find at the Teafarm is an experience. Vesely and his wife, artist Margit Nellemann, have created an impressive little enterprise that cannot be replicated anywhere else because it comes entirely from their heart.

Vesely, who is from Montreal, studied religion in Virginia and travelled extensively in Asia, pursuing knowledge of tea and the cultures that revere it. Nellemann creates exquisite clay teapots that sell for $250 and up. The tea is served in her pots and customers can order small sandwich plates or delicious handmade chocolates to go with it. A tea service is in the works. In warmer weather, Vesely and Nellemann host parties, including an annual Mad Hatter bash that sees patrons arriving dressed as characters from "Alice in Wonderland."

Visitors can also purchase tins of the teas they like or select the one that coincides with their Chinese calendar birth year. Vesely provides a list of each year -- and the animal it represents -- as well as the tea that is most suited to anyone born within the period.

"Invigorating Cowichan with tea culture has really been my goal," Vesely says after serving me masala chai in one of Nellemann's pots. "I think it's something that is working because of the food producers and artists here. A large part of tea culture is the beauty of service. In Asia, along with tea, there is the ceramic that the tea is served in, so we are trying to be true to that part of the experience too."

The Teafarm embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cowichan Valley. It has charm, personality, quality, just the right amount of eccentricity. Those are the hallmarks of a one-of-a-kind enterprise. The kind of place that makes you want to return for a visit and tell your friends to come too. In the Cowichan Valley, there are many places like this one waiting for you to arrive. The region ranks on the Vacay.ca 20 Best Places to Visit in Canada for 2015 because the culinary tourism offerings you will find here are true gems. Many of them are hidden away in secluded areas of this expansive area that is about a 45-minute drive north of Victoria.

You'll find numerous boutique wineries, including Venturi-Schulze, which, remarkably, hand picks its grapes. It employs 21 workers to harvest the vineyards on its 21-acre property that is off of the Trans-Canada Highway in the town of Cobble Hill.

The family-owned winery makes only 1,500 bottles of wine a year, as well as 3,000 bottles of fine balsamic vinegar, including one variety that retails for $100 a bottle. Among its products are a wonderful sparkling wine made with Pinot Auxerrois and Pinot Gris grapes ($32.10) and a reserve Pinot Noir ($60.10) that demonstrates why winemakers in the area think Vancouver Island is the best place in Canada for growing that variety.

According to Tourism Vancouver Island, Cowichan Valley is home to "Canada's only maritime Mediterranean climatic zone" and boasts the nation's "warmest mean year-round temperatures," with summer averages of 23 Celsius degrees and winter averages of 6 Celsius degrees. The temperature and climate allows the valley to have Canada's longest growing season.

That explains why the quality of the products can be so good. But why entrepreneurs can set up shop and make things work so well that it compels people to visit is less easy to explain.

Michelle Schulze, the vineyard manager at Venturi-Schulze, says the valley has benefitted from the experience of its community and from a cooperative spirit.

"Everyone here has come from something else. They've pursued second careers that matched their passions and interests. And they've come here because they appreciate it. It's romantic, it's bucolic and beautiful. It's rural but it's also not that far away," she says.

Vesely believes that proximity to Victoria and its international airport is a reason why Cowichan Valley has begun to flourish.

"There is a level of affluence that can allow this to happen," he says of the successful artistic-driven boutique businesses. "There are people here who live in New York and San Francisco and other places, and they still return to those spots, but they choose to support here. They can have art from the region and wines from up the road and a unique experience like the tea here and then a fine-dining experience at Hudson's that is as good as anywhere."

Vesely isn't being hyperbolic. Hudson's on First is a brilliant restaurant in a heritage building. It is owned and operated by Daniel Hudson, a British immigrant and former "Top Chef Canada" contestant. His dishes are beautifully created and the service is outstanding, with staff who have worked at Rouge in Calgary (also in a heritage building) and the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, about three hours away on the Pacific coast of Vancouver Island. Located in a heritage building in downtown Duncan, Hudson's is regarded as the best restaurant in the region.

While the restaurant's menu includes local products and wine, another establishment focuses on cider. Merridale Cidery has been operating for a quarter century and is an expansive property with more than 13 acres of apples in its orchard in Cobble Hill. The cidery -- yet another family-owned and -operated business -- creates a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders using imported apples from Europe that are ideal for the beverage. Creating an atmosphere with kids in mind, the cidery has a fun trail to explore and features a popular Sunday pizza night in its comfortable bistro.

You also have bakeries and meaderies and breweries, along with cute cafes and farms that offer field-to-table dining. Seaside towns like Cowichan Bay have the feel of the Maritimes, except with more upscale accommodations and houses. Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay is a pleasant surprise, featuring immaculate rooms with kitchens, luxury fittings and views overlooking the water.

When I arrived in Cowichan Valley, my expectations were high. In 2009, the region became the first Cittaslow community in North America. Originating in Italy, Cittaslow recognizes places whose citizens "take time to build community relationships, celebrate the community's unique history and traditions, promote craftsmanship and environmental stewardship, maintain the community's distinct character, and engage residents and visitors by sharing in high-quality living."

Several people had also recommended visiting, including Andrew Shepherd, owner of the Vancouver Island Salt Co. and winner of the 2014 Globe & Mail Small Business Challenge. While speaking to him in Victoria, he described the valley as a place "with crazy artisans everywhere. There's been a real meeting of the minds. A lot of really talented people have gotten together close to the city and are making a pretty amazing scene up there."

I came prepared to be impressed. I left convinced Cowichan Valley is one of the most interesting places to visit in Canada, a spot to which I am eager to return -- for a pot of tea and a lot of exploring.

Click Here to See Videos of All 20 of the 2015 Vacay.ca Best Places to Visit

WestJet Flies To Gander Airport Once Again

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WestJet is returning to Gander, N.L.'s retro airport after an absence of 10 years.

The airline announced Gander and Houston, Texas as new destinations, as it rolled out its 2015 summer schedule in a Monday news release.

"Gander is a small but mighty town, now the third WestJet destination in the province, set to benefit from the growth of Newfoundland's offshore oil boom and the established business-traveller market between Alberta and 'The Rock,'" the release said.

The airline will operate two once-a-day flights through Gander: one from Toronto from May 3 to Oct. 24, and one from Halifax from July 15 to Oct. 24.

WestJet started flying to Gander in 2003 but later cut its service there in 2005, citing "market conditions," CBC News reported at the time.

If anything, the newly-revived service could breathe new life into a spectacular airport facility whose departures lounge looks like it's straight out of the 1960s.

The lounge has been named among the "Top Ten Endangered Places" by Heritage Canada The National Trust, but Gander's airport authority has challenged the facts surrounding its inclusion.

The airport authority is, however, undergoing consultations about building a new terminal building.

Check out photos of Gander's retro airport right here:



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Only In Alberta: Planning The Perfect Winter Wonderland Trip

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Alberta is a prime example of northern beauty, from the stunning Rocky Mountains to the mysterious Badlands. And within its borders, adventures await representing the true spirit of Canada. And only in Alberta can you experience every classic winter activity, all in one place — and with the proper amount of planning (and a willingness to not try to rush an entire province into a single weekend), you can see a lot of what it has to offer. But what would that itinerary look like? How do you choose how to spend the perfect vacation in Alberta?

Well if you’re a sports fan, you’ll want to jump in on a game of hockey. And not just any game of hockey; the world’s largest game of pond hockey, played each February in the northwest of Alberta, near the banks of Peace River Valley. Up to 40 teams comprised of four players take to the ice in an epic battle of the blades for 30 minutes. Whether you participate or just watch, there’s nothing that says “wintertime fun” more than hockey played outdoors.

If hockey isn’t your ice sport of choice, why not try your hand at ice fishing? The abundance of frozen lakes in Alberta has made it a prime ice fishing spot. It’s a sport that marries cold-weather challenges with delicious results: whitefish from Gull Lake, walleye from Calling Lake, and even 20-pound pikes out of Sylvan Lake. It’s also about enjoying the natural surroundings and bonding with like-minded adventurers. There’s a touch of competition to see who snags the biggest catch, but if you’re not feeling up to a sporting challenge, you can forego the fishing and take a guided tour of the area instead.

If you’d rather exercise your mind, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy a vibrant part of Canadian history (and Aboriginal spirituality) at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump. In 1981, it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Five hundred years before the Great Pyramids in Egypt were built, this site was used to hunt bison by driving them over the edge of a cliff. Today, a visitor centre helps guests learn more about the ecology of the prehistoric plains, the hut’s spiritual significance, and the history of Blackfoot people. It’s a fascinating journey to the past.

If you’ve tired of typical vacation hotel accommodations, why not spend the night in the middle of the Great Outdoors? Even in the winter, Alberta has a bustling camping industry, and there’s nothing quite like pitching a tent in the middle of a snowy field. (Or you can check out the hybrid tent-cabin oTENTiks and enjoy the best of both worlds!) There are 20 parks to set up camp, from Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, outside of Lethbridge in the south to Vermilion Provincial Park, near the Saskatchewan border. Imagine the stillness of night sky where you can hear the wind rustle through the pine trees. There’s magic in the air, making you feel like you’re a part of the nature surrounding you. Listen to the campfire crackle as you breathe in the clean, crisp air. But don’t tuck in for bed just yet. It’s time to star gaze!

If you want to see the brightest stars in Canada, come to Jasper National Park. In 2011, it became the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve, covering 11,228 square kilometres. In the absence of light pollution, the skies come alive with constellations, shooting stars, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the colourful wonder of the northern lights. It’s a perfect setting for taking a stroll or spotting wildlife in the quiet of the night. The best places to see the stars are Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, and Athabasca Glacier. Bring a tripod and a digital SLR camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the beauty.

Alberta is a province that is chock full of ways to spend a vacation, whether you’re travelling solo or have the whole family in tow. But what we’ve sketched out here is just a suggestion; your perfect vacation could take a different shape. Don’t take our word for it — check out what Alberta has to offer, and start planning your very own Perfect Trip.

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BC Ferries Meltdown Video Shows Passenger's Angst

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From lineups to cancelled sailings, travelling with BC Ferries can sometimes be frustrating. But we doubt many passengers have reacted with a meltdown of this proportion.

A video posted on the Spotted In Victoria Facebook group shows a woman at a terminal finding out she's too late to board the ferry.

She starts screeching as she walks away from the counter agent, exclaiming, "I'm so mad!" The woman stomps her foot and shouts, "You have no idea what it means to people," before leaving the terminal with her suitcase.





"There are a number of reasons why she may have been so upset. It was New Year's Eve. Maybe she was visiting family, or perhaps she missed a party," said Pavitar Sidhu, who runs the Facebook page with Austin Singhera.

The woman missed her ferry by three minutes, BC Ferries told CTV News.

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Where to Dine and Detour in Rome

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The first thing I am going to suggest, and stay with me here because this might be a good tip for any city you are going to visit, is that you get an Instagram account. Once that is set up, start following people who travel ...I mean, LOVE to travel... and have an aesthetic that you like.

Then, a couple of weeks before departure, find a beautiful photo of the destination (or regram one) and announce that you can't wait to get there. Without a doubt, within a few hours, someone will have a recommendation for something that will be worth all the effort. This is what I did and, truly, I don't know if my five-day Roman experience would have been quite the same (Thank You @carmania33!).

Another trip prep tip is to invest 30 minutes a day and practice using Pimsleur language course. My ear vastly improved from previous Italian sojourns and you'll have the basics down by the time you arrive. Word is that this is the method the US Marine Corps and the CIA use to learn languages... So there's that.

DETOUR
Let's start at the beginning and with a five-hour tour of the Vatican. Sounds like a drag at first, but we were infinitely grateful to kick off our week in Rome with Laura -- one of the guides at Through Eternity. Unless you are some kind of expert on ancient history, an educated escort is an indispensable resource for not only providing essential information, but to help navigate the crowds. And it does get oppressive in there. Fortunately, TET offers the early access that ensured we did not waste a minute time waiting in (an incredibly long) line and we could see the Sistine Chapel virtually empty. Bellissima!

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Between the dramatic Altare della Patria and the (let's face it, everything in Rome is dramatic) Colosseum lie the Fiori Imperiali. Walk through ruins and to the upper gardens for spectacular city views.

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After walking the Spanish Steps, window shop (or shop if you've got the dosh) along Via dei Condotti, eventually making your way to the Museo dell' Ara Pacis on Via di Ripetta. Dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace, the must-see monument dates to 9 BC and its graceful exterior walls are extraordinary.

DINE
At this point you're ready to mangia cucina Romana, right? Well, lean in because it is very important that you not get caught in any tourist traps that will sour your jam. In terms of euros, we found we consistently paid 30 each for a memorable meal (lunch or dinner) at mid-range restaurants. Glass of vino included.

In Trastevere:
Ai Spaghettari (Piazza di San Cosimato, 58) -- We ended up here after the aforementioned tour because it was close to our rented apartment. Having been up since 6 a.m., we just wanted to eat and sleep. Thankfully we ate well. I'd never been so happy to have a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese in front of me. My Italian raved about his Carbonara.

Cacio e Pepe (Via Giuseppe Avezzana, 11) -- Reservations required. You will wait regardless, but they'll give you unending flutes of prosecco. Order the signature dish. That is all.

Meccanismo (Piazza Trilussa) -- Killer cocktails. The perfect spot for a liquid aperativo.

Fior di Luna (Via della Lungaretta, 96) -- These guys know their chocolate. Try the dreamy dairy-free gelato.

Baylon Café (Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 151) -- A cozy spot that you might want to eat every meal in. Start with breakfast and see where that takes you.

Giselda (Viale Di Trastevere, 52) -- A comfortable and sophisticated atmosphere for morning lattes or a quick lunch.

In Testaccio:
Pizza Remo (Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44) -- A destination for pizza aficionados. Be prepared to wait in a line because they don't take reservations. Dinner only.

Near the Vatican:
Pizzarium (Via della Meloria, 43) -- There's nowhere to sit, but you won't care. This by-the-slice, hole-in-the-wall serves up tasty trays that might just flip your pizza paradigm on its head. We did not get here until our last day and, by that time, I was more than ready to try their vegan option.

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Near the Pantheon:
Grano (Piazza Rondanini, 53) -- Slightly more upscale that my other suggestions so, if you are on a budget, go for a beautiful long lunch. Hopefully they will have the spaghetti with calamari on the menu when you go. Reservations recommended.

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Near the Colosseum:
Al Cardello (Via del Cardello, 1) -- It was a near miss, but we happily tripped on this gem for a lunch. So authentic you'll feel like you stepped back in time. Order the fish, if available.

Near Trevi:
Don Nino (Viale Eritrea, 107) -- My guy has a serious thing for Sicilian cannoli and he got his fix here. Good thing too because seeing a dried up fountain is kind of a buzz kill. Fontana di Trevi restoration is scheduled to be complete in the Fall of this year.

Short-Stay Solution
While one is certainly not starved for choice on Airbnb or Dwellable, we used the former and booked Aldo's modern flat in trendy Trastevere. And we'd do it again. Clean, quiet and ideally located, we were able to walk everywhere. I even got up for a morning run along the river on a few occasions.
On the pricier side, there's this one.

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Have a recommendation for the Eternal City? Please comment below!

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Air Canada Sex Act Case Being Heard In Dartmouth Court

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One of two people accused of committing a sex act on an Air Canada plane last year that landed at the Halifax airport has pleaded guilty to committing an indecent act, the trial for the other began with some graphic testimony.

Court records say Jason George Chase, 39, and Alicia Elizabeth Lander, 25, are alleged to have participated in an indecent act in a public place on Jan. 24, 2014.

Last year, both pleaded not guilty.

However, on Wednesday, Chase changed his plea to guilty. He's scheduled to appear back in court on March 27 for sentencing, and is asking for a conditional discharge.

The trial for Lander went ahead.

The first witness was an Air Canada employee who identified Lander and testified she was belligerent the night of the incident as police tried to question her at Halifax Stanfield International Airport once the flight from Toronto arrived.

The employee said Lander's cursing was vulgar and made people in the arrival area uncomfortable.

RCMP Const. James Curran testified he was one of the responding Mounties on Jan. 24 and could smell liquor on Lander's breath.

He said he warned Lander to keep her voice down or she would be charged with creating a disturbance.

Kicked holes in wall

Curran said that as Mounties were escorting her through the airport, Lander kicked a sliding glass door and knocked it off its track. The kicking continued, according to Curran. He said Lander started mule kicking and hit an officer.

After being dragged into an interview room at the airport, Curran said Lander kicked holes in the wall.

Also testifying was Air Canada flight service director John Dunn, who said the woman asked if she could sit next to her friend at the start of the flight.

Dunn said another passenger warned flight attendants to watch them because they wanted to become members of the "mile high club."

Dunn said he went to the seat and found the woman with her pants pulled down and the man's hand in her lap. He said the man was penetrating her. Dunn said he told the woman it was inappropriate and ordered her to get dressed.

He said he could see her thong and told the woman to put her breasts back in her bra.

It was at that time Dunn said he separated the pair and the woman slept the rest of the flight.

The incident was reported to the captain, who arranged to have police meet the plane.

Dunn said his concern was for some children who were a few rows back from where Lander was sitting. His testimony ended by saying it appeared Lander was fondling Chase under a coat on his lap, but he couldn't be sure.

After a short recess, Lander's lawyer said her client wanted to testify, but there was no time on Wednesday.

The case will conclude March 3.

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Fiona Forbes Reveals Her Best Of B.C.

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If you’ve watched TV in Metro Vancouver, you’ll recognize Fiona Forbes, a veteran broadcaster who just launched a new talk show.

Forbes, best known for her years on Shaw TV’s The Rush, can now be seen in a 30-minute gabfest appropriately titled “Fiona Forbes.”

“I feel so lucky to do what I do for a living,” she says. “I get to meet so many interesting people every day and hear their stories. I’ve lost count, but I think I’ve interviewed over 25,000 people over the last 18 years.”

You can often find Forbes at social events supporting, among others, the CKNW Orphan’s Fund, Pink Shirt Day and Variety Club. We asked this lady about town to take our "My B.C." questionnaire, and here's what she had to say:

Favourite restaurant in B.C.?

chambar mussels

Oh so many! We are so spoiled here in the Lower Mainland! My go-to spots are Chambar (the moules frites are a must!), Blue Water for fabulous seafood, and Vij’s for the best Indian food you will have in your life! I could go on and on — there are seriously so many fantastic restaurants in our city! If you’re a sushi fan, Vancouver is heaven!

Favourite independent business in B.C.?

I’m going to go with SPUD. They’re a grocery delivery service that I just started using. They focus on local, sustainable produce and you can’t beat the convenience. Using produce that's local and in season has made me have to expand my horizons in the cooking department, which is a good thing! It’s encouraging me to learn some new, healthy recipes and I can feel good about the food in my fridge.

Favourite outdoor activity in B.C. and where?

vancouver seawall(Photo by InSapphoWeTrust/Flickr)

I love to run on our seawall and anywhere by the water here in Vancouver. Also, I don’t know if it’s a favourite because it’s so tough, but the Grouse Grind is an amazing challenge. There’s nothing like the feeling when you climb to the top of that mountain and get to enjoy the incredible view!

For pleasure without the workout, just getting out on the water here is unbeatable — sailing and stand-up paddle boarding are my top two faves!

What’s your coffee order?

Currently I’m a sucker for the new Flat White from Starbucks. There is also a fab local coffee joint in my neighbourhood called Higher Grounds that makes a mean Americano.

Favourite B.C. band?

I’m going to have to go with Michael Bublé. He’s an old pal who first appeared on my old TV show over 15 years ago. His success and fame have not changed him a bit — he’s a good ‘ol Burnaby boy!



Where do you take people from out of town?

Always to the beach and the mountains. We are truly blessed to have the diversity and the beauty here in our province. It’s an incredible and magical place.

Favourite place in B.C. to be alone?

A good long walk on Kits Beach is where I get my zen time.

How would you describe B.C. to an alien?

I would try to explain all the yogis wandering around stretching and contorting and the constant cloud of smoke in the air around 4:20.

Okanagan wine or Vancouver craft beer?

Oh definitely wine! I’m not a beer drinker but appreciate our huge craft culture!

What’s your B.C. spirit animal?

My tiny dog Chewbacca… Does that count?

fiona forbes dog

"Fiona Forbes" airs on Shaw TV Thursdays 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Repeats on Friday 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

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Americans Are Coming -- Thanks To The Dollar

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You don't need to be an economist to understand what's going on with Canada's currency. Our dollar is under pressure and this isn't great news -- unless you're exporting goods from Canada. It just so happens that tourism is an export business.

International visitors are one group that will benefit from the currency exchange. At present, one US dollar is worth $1.21 Canadian. With the dollar being lower than it has been in years, many travellers from abroad will no doubt view Canada as a place where they can stretch their money further and get more out of their vacation than they might in other destinations.

While a low loonie should entice more people to visit our country, Canadians thinking of travelling outside of our borders may rethink that trip in 2015 and keep their dollars at home. That's bad news if your kids are eager to get to Disneyland this year. But it's welcome news for tourism boards across the country, which can expect more domestic travellers and a long-needed increase in American visitors, who will take advantage of both the deflated loonie and exceptionally low gas prices.

Americans Bring the Most Tourist Dollars to Canada

Canada's greatest tourism partner -- without question -- is the United States. According to the Canadian Tourism Commission, Canada welcomes approximately 10 million overnight visitors from the United States each year. In recent times, no other country has contributed more than 1 million travellers. Tourism is an $82-billion industry in Canada that directly employs 603,400 workers and supports another 1 million jobs, according to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada. That's 9.2 per cent of all jobs in the country. Anything that can boost the industry is viewed as a pleasant change after a flurry of events since the start of the century caused headwinds.

Gabor Forgacs, associate professor at the Ted Rogers School of Tourism and Hospitality, explained that Canada lost half of US visitors because of a much higher dollar and new passport requirements that were introduced in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Canada also had to withstand the negative news around the SARS crisis in 2003-04 and, like just about every other country, was adversely impacted by the global economic recession from 2008-12.

Story by Rod Charles, Vacay.ca Deputy Editor. To read the full story on Vacay.ca, click here.

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Camping At B.C. Provincial Parks To Cost More Starting March 2015

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VICTORIA - Camping fees at provincial parks in B.C. are going up, and the government says the extra money will help maintain the sites.

Most campsites will cost $2 more a night but the charge will jump by $5 at others starting March 15.

Fees at Cultus Lake Provincial Park in the Fraser Valley will be $35 a night for up to four adults, for example.

The province says the cost to stay at a campground in B.C. is competitive with other jurisdictions and generally lower than at private facilities.

The fee increase is expected to generate $1.3 million this year.

The last hike was in 2010, and parking is still free at all provincial parks.

Want to Get Away in 2015? Give Up Your Vices and Save

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Thinking of throwing in the towel on your New Year's resolution? Perhaps Cheapflights.ca can help strengthen your resolve. We've calculated the financial upside for giving up each top vice and converted it to something ever so nice: travel!

Our survey of 1,007 Canadians found that the items topping the "give-up list" in 2015 are smoking, drinking soda/soft drinks and eating takeout for dinner. Cutting any of these habits is a great, health-conscious goal and, if you can do all three for January, you will certainly feel cleansed and perhaps even virtuous. Our math shows that you will also have an extra C$533* in hand, a nice start to your 2015 travel budget. It's a perfect amount for two nights at a four-star hotel in Miami Beach.

"The difference between travel aspirations and travel experiences is quite often a matter of budget," said Brittany Dietz, editor at Cheapflights.ca. "The New Year is a time for making commitments to ourselves to achieve what we want out of life. Over time, the little changes we make can add up to have a big impact, and perhaps be the difference between dreaming and doing when it comes to vacations."

Cheapflights.ca's research found that 61 per cent of Canadians are resolution makers. And 88 per cent of those who make resolutions stick with it for at least a week. More impressively, though, 63 per cent keep going through the end of January with 39 per cent sticking it out for months and months.

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So, with that testament to the strength of Canadian willpower, we've dug deeper and calculated the rewards in both dollars and destinations for the top five items our resolution makers most wanted to give up:

  1. Smoking (20 per cent) - Put down the daily pack for January and, based on average pricing, pick up $341. You can celebrate your smoke-free month with a weekend road trip in a BMW or other speciality rental car. Make it for six months and put $2,046 in your pocket instead and get ready for seven days and nights at Turks and Caicos resort, with flights included. Last all year and reap a $4,092 reward. Put in travel terms, that's a 12-night Fiji and Australia getaway, with flights and hotels.


  2. Drinking soda/soft drinks (16 per cent) - Cut the cola out of your life and, assuming a half-litre-a-day habit, you can instead consume $88 in cash after a month. Then replace the sugar rush with a day of white water rafting or kayaking on the Ottawa River. Up the ante to six months and you will have $527 in hand, enough for a three night stay in a four-star Las Vegas hotel, flights included. You could have a cool $1,055 by the end of the year if you stay on track. With that kind of budget, you can score a round-trip ticket to Hawaii.


  3. Eating takeout for dinner (15 per cent) - Keep your takeout menu in the drawer until February 1 and you can instead savour, on average, $104 in savings and class up your next trip with pair of airline lounge day passes. A six-month diet from takeout nets most people $624 in savings or enough for five nights of Orlando sun and fun, with hotel and flights. A full year without takeout can generate a $1,248 windfall and send you to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya for five nights, airfare included.


  4. Watching bad TV (8 per cent) - Swap 200 channels for 20 by getting a more basic cable package and suddenly you are looking at an extra $35 a month, which adds up faster than you might think. After one month, you and a friend can catch your own live nature show with two tickets to the Maid on the Mist, a boat tour of Niagara Falls. By July 1, you can have an extra $210 in your travel piggy bank, enough for a cinematic ride from Vancouver up to Whistler in one of the classic rail cars of the Rocky Mountaineer. With the $420 you'd pocket by year's end, you could take off for an entertainment capital of the U.S. with a round-trip flight to either Los Angeles (leaving from the west coast) or New York (departing from the east).


  5. Eating lunch out (6 per cent) - Trade a brown bag for a lunch run each workday and, four weeks later, you will have $160 extra to call your own. Then you can have fun on the weekend with a Saturday night stay at a three-star resort in Banff, in high ski season. Make brown bagging a habit and, in six months, you will have $960 in hand and can enjoy all the dining options (and an ocean-view room) aboard a seven-day Caribbean cruise. In 12 months, you will be $1,920 ahead and can take off to sample the culinary fare in Thailand with a round-trip ticket to Bangkok or even Phuket.



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Of course, the truly resolved traveller can go all out and give up really big to get away. A 12 month purge of all these vices would, after all, free up $8,735. That adds up to an around-the-world ticket, maybe even First Class.

*Pricing analysis based on figures from Numbeo.com unless otherwise stated.
Travel costs are per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated.
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