Traveling to Canada – All You Need to Know

Most of us would like to travel and see the world at one point in our lives. This is something that’s as instinctual as breathing, and is human nature to want to know more about the world.  The world has become globalized, and these days, there are lots of great cheap airfare deals , so traveling to places such as Canada has become an affordable reality to many of us. In this post, I’ll give you some basic information on how to travel to Canada, a country that was voted as one of the nations with the highest quality of life in the world.

Canada is located in the northern hemisphere, and is one of those countries that is famed for its lakes, gorgeous natural vistas and stunning mountainous forests. You will first need to know if you need a visa to travel to Canada. Please check out this link to find out if citizens from your country can travel to Canada with or without a visa.

You can apply for one of the following types of visas depending on your reason for visiting the country:
- A tourist
- A parent or grandparent
- A businessperson

Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of land mass, and the natives speak English or French. You will need proof of citizenship and identity while entering Canada, so carry documents such as a passport and a government-issued ID.

If you’re visiting Canada as a tourist, you need to have the following checked off:
- Ensure that you’re in good health
- Have a valid passport
- Satisfy immigration that you have solid ties to take you back home when you’re done visiting the country
- Have enough funds to last you the duration of your stay.

In some cases, you may need a letter of invitation from someone living in the country, and a medical exam showing that you aren’t carrying any fatal or communicable diseases.
This concludes the first part of our travel to Canada post; I’ll be back with more posts tomorrow with information on what else you’ll need, as well as the various airfares you can expect to get from popular airlines.

Thanks for visiting the Wish Traveler!

What's Your Favorite Holiday Destination? I Wanna Hear from YOU

Hi guys,

Today, I am taking a break from the usual posting and wanted to know your opinions, thoughts and comments on which destination you'd like me to cover next. Is there some place in this beautiful world you're planning to go to, and would like some information about? I'm here for you guys, and I want you to write me with your ideas so I can come up with destinations YOU wanna read about. Please leave a comment in the comment box, and I'll do my best to rustle up something for you!

Much Love,

The Wish Traveler
xoxo

Amsterdam - Europe Like You've Never Seen it Before

 Amsterdam is a city like no other, steeped in culture and a cultural mix unseen anywhere in Europe. Apparently, Amsterdam has the largest concentration of museums when compared to any other city in the world. With its stunning Canal views, charming and cheap coffee shops, a tongue-in-cheek sex tourism business and European charm, this is one of those destinations that the Wish Traveler recommends that you go to at least once in your lifetime. Let’s examine a couple of things about this multicultural city that makes it a hit as far as European travel holidays are concerned. 

Getting to Amsterdam

You can book direct flights to Amsterdam from the US by using carriers such as Lufthansa and Delta  Airlines. The Amsterdam Airport is known as Schipol International Airport, and it usually takes 7 hours if you catch a flight from New York’s JFK Airport. Expect to pay around $1200 for a round trip ticket. This figure is a rough estimate, so please check with your local tour operator for exact fare prices.

Getting Around

Picture courtesy geotypico.com

The Amsterdam weather is cool enough for you to walk around lightly dressed, but this depends on the time of year. If you’re looking for that great warm weather and longer days, you’d be better off visiting Amsterdam anywhere between April and September. At the same time, if you’re looking for great bargains all round in terms of cheap airfare, hotel and food prices, then pack up your bags and head on down to this fabulous European city between late October and early March. 

Here’s a couple of places that you should check out while here:

The Anne Frank Museum

Picture courtesy thegirlfromtheghetto.wordpress.com

This is a place that tells the story of Ann Frank, a Jewish girl who escaped persecution from the Nazis during World War II. She hid with her family in a cramped house and religiously kept a diary that spoke of her thoughts of what it meant to be a girl blossoming with the passage of time, and what she thought about the invasion and persecution happening around her. She is one brave girl, and I'm hoping that this this museum will leave you with many questions about what you’ve done to give back to the environment you live in. 

Picture courtesy public.fotki.com

The Vincent Van Gogh Museum

The museum is a loving tribute of the 19^th century artist and painter who captured the art world and transcended many boundaries, helping people understand abstract art. Some of the masterpieces you can find here include The Sunflowers, The Bedroom in Arles and the Potato Eaters. If you want to visit this architectural marvel of a museum, early mornings are the best time given the crowds that throng the museum later on in the day.

The Best in Amsterdam Hotels 

Some great choices include Hotel Okura and Hotel Pulitzer . The former is located next to the canals, offering magical views of verdant gardens. Rooms start at 224 Euros, and has a hotel boat that takes visitors down Amsterdam’s canals to savor the beauty of this section of the city.

Picture courtesy intlenglish.info

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Red Light District, where women of different nationalities gesture at you from their lit windows, promising a night of excitement and unbridled passion, courtesy of the booming and legalized sex business. This is an adults-only section of the city, so if you are planning a family vacation, then this probably isn’t the best place to take your kids.

 

However, the many coffee shops situated along the canals are great places to unwind while drinking authentic European beer and taking in the sights, smells and sounds of one of Europe’s old and enchanting cities.

The Wish Traveler hopes you have an amazing time in Amsterdam!

San Marco - Fall in Love With Bella Italia

Italy is famous for many things, some of them being fashion, art and a laid-back ambience. San Marco Italy is a top tourist destination for reasons we are about to see. This is a sesteri centrally located in the neighborhood of Venice, and is considered as the destination for a perfect place to look for hotels in Venice Italy. Let’s take a look at San Marco’s history, features, pivotal attractions and things to do while here.

Photo courtesy citypictures.net

 

San Marco dates back to the 13 the century and is considered as the one place that connected central Europe due to the presence of The Piazza San Marco in Venice, which served as an important trading center where traders would congregate from lands as far as Egypt and India to trade in spices, precious metals and exotic foods.

Flights to Italy are easily available; choices include Emirates Airlines and European airlines such as British Airways, since there aren’t any direct flights to Venice from North America. However, for you to get to San Marco, you’ll have to catch a flight to Marco Polo airport, and then a water taxi to Venice. These are gorgeous boats that get you to your San Marco destination the old-fashioned and Bella Italia way. 

Photo courtesy flickrhivemind.net

 For gorgeous and enchanting hotels in Venice, Italy, check out a few suggestions that will leave you clamoring for luxurious and comfortable Italian suites, situated close to the San Marco Square. A great choice would be the Hotel San Marco , which is a three star hotel offering rooms that are furnished in old-world venetian style offering views over the rooftops of venice. The hotel offers basic amenities such as air conditioning, a flat screen TV, wifi, direct telephone line, mini bar and internet.

The Basilica San Marco is a triumph of modern architecture and is adorned with colorful frescoes, magnificent, life-size sculptures. The mosaics found on the walls of the church depict the story of San Marco, and stories from the Old and New Testament. 

 

If you’re looking to take great photos, head on down to the San Marco square and run across the quad with the pigeons flying around you. If this isn’t a Kodak-worthy image, then I don’t know what is! Also, don’t forget to check out Doge's Palace and Harry’s Bar, which is famous for its extra dry martinis and traditional Italian dishes.

Photo courtesy topworldcities.net

 Have a great time in San Marco!

 xoxo

The Wish Traveler

Thailand - The Ultimate Holiday Destination

Thailand is one of those places that looks like a piece of heaven left over from a time gone by. This beautiful holiday destination, previously known as Siam, is famous for great holiday packages, azure waters, untouched wildlife, a charming, friendly populace and tasty cuisine.

Photo courtesy simviaje.com

 
 So, where is Thailand?

 This Asian country is situated between Cambodia and Burma, and cascades down into the Indian Ocean in its full glory that is inclusive of pristine waters, exotic jungles and vibrant cities. Here is a Thailand map to give you an idea of the various cities and locations of famous tourist spots.

Photo courtesy wwp.greenwichmeantime.com

Thailand as a Holiday Destination


 So, let’s say you want to travel to Thailand on holiday. Which location should you choose as your destination? Of course, there’s the obvious Bangkok, but I would advise you to avoid this overcrowded and overrated city for other gorgeous island destinations such as Krabi, Ko phi phi and Pattaya. Let’s take a look at the named destinations to see what you might get out of them.


 PLACES TO VISIT IN THAILAND – A SHORT GUIDE


 Pattaya

Photo courtesy tourist-destinations.com

Pattaya is found 145 kms to the south of Bangkok, and is a great place for a family holiday. It offers attractions such a sprawling beach with a stunning panorama of the city, golf courses set against a beach backdrop, ancient temples (such as The Sanctuary of Truth ) and theme parks showcasing elephant, alligator and tiger shows.

 Krabi

Photo courtesy filmapia.com

 Krabi is 1000km from the capital Bangkok, and is a mangrove island that features delicious food and sparse tourists. If you want some privacy during your Thailand holiday, this is the place for you. Krabi is known as a spectacular rock climbing and water sports destination.

 Ko phi phi

Photo courtesy phuketeasytour.com

 Ko phi phi is situated 45 kilometers from Phuket, and is considered the ultimate holiday getaway in Thailand. The island features sandy beaches, rock formations that rise up to meet the heavens, and is ideal for individuals who want to carry out some snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving.


 Phuket

Photo courtesy hd-desktop-wallpapers.blogspot.com

 Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and derives its name from the Thai ‘bukit’ which means hilly. From a distance, the island looks like a hill, and is home to Patong beach, which is famed for its 3 km stretch of beach, a center for holiday shopping and incomparable nightlife. While here, check out unique Phang Nga Bay and the Phuket Old Town.


So there you have it; if you plan to travel to Thailand, I hope this list has given you some idea of where to stay, whether you’re planning a family holiday or a dreamy Thailand honeymoon. Take lots of pictures and enjoy the amazing cuisine. The Wish Traveler wishes you a great time!

Santorini – White Greek Island with a Touch of Magic

Greece is one of those places that is a great getaway for people who want to spend summer in style, away from the famous tourist traps in Europe. Mykonos, Rhodes and Athens attract a lot of visitors with each passing year, but there’s a secret that this beautiful Mediterranean country has been keeping for the longest time – its name is Santorini.

Photo courtesy kategal.wordpress.com

Where is Santorini?

Santorini sits in the middle of the Greek islands, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades islands, and is the product of a volcano eruption that occurred in 1650. The eruption was said to be so powerful that it sunk the center of the island, thus forming the base for modern day Santorini and the islands around it.

Here’s a Santorini map to give you a general idea of what the place looks like today.

Photo courtesy greeka.com

Santorini Hotels – World-Class Beauty, All in White

What are some of the best hotels in Santorini? Well, that depends on which part of this Greek island you want to go to. For Oia, Perivolas and Katikies offer the best when it comes to Santorini hotels. Perivolas is perfect if you want tranquility and peace while you bask in the shadow if Oia and Katikies is well-known for its attentive staff, pioneering caldera views and a sense of romance, making it perfect for your perfect Santorini honeymoon.

Getting from one part of Santorini to another can be done by the use of a ferry. The famous and largest island in this group is Naxos, which is a haven for windsurfers and golden sandy beach enthusiasts. If you’re looking to travel from Santorini to Naxos, the Blue Star Ferry Service is what you should look for. It leaves Santorini for Naxos everyday at approximately 7.30 pm, so keep an eye out for that.

Photo courtesy touristmaker.com

Santorini is known around the world for having gorgeous, whitewashed villas and hotels; a true vision of heaven if I saw one. Do yourself a favor and book your Santorini adventure today; it’ll be one you’ll remember for a long time to come.

San Diego - A Holiday Destination to Remember

San Diego, the jewel of the US West Coast, is a popular tourist destination given the fabulous tourist options it offers its visitors. With a diverse population of three million, San Diego is located in a county that encompasses 18 cities and towns. It is fondly known as "America's Finest City", for reasons we are about to see.

Photo courtesy pdphoto.org

                Where in the World is San Diego? 

·         San Diego is situated in South West California.

·          With beaches that stretch up to 70 miles, this destination offers family fun and business options.

·          It is home to world-class restaurants and zoos, and has great weather all-year round, meaning that any time is the best time to visit San Diego.

  A Brief History

·         San Diego was initially discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a European explorer back in 1542.

·         Initially, it was known as San Miguel and was only given its present-day name 6o years after its discovery.

·         Catholic missionaries introduced European settlements, creating California.

·         This region was named part of the United States in 1484, thanks to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which put an end to the US-Mexican War.

Things to Avoid

·         Beaches are considered as no-smoking zones, and violation of this will incur heavy fines.

·         The no-smoking ordinance applies to board walks, piers and sea walls.

·         Many of the San Diego beaches also have an enforced no-alcohol policy.

Hotels in San Diego : World Class Luxury

 

·         Hotel Coronado is a great choice lodging with a historic facade and south-facing beaches. It offers a full service hotel with poolside and beachside dining, catering to an extensive palette that ensures that you will get something on the menu that is sure to delight your senses.

·         For those looking for a touch of five-star class, The US Grant, situated in downtown San Diego. It’s next to the Westfield Horton Plaza entertainment complex.This san diego hotel It has a total of 270 rooms, and prices start from $165 per night.

·          For a four-star option, one could check out the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Avetine. This luxury seaside hotel boasts an impressive 16 floors and 419 rooms. It features two business pods and a sports club and bar, with gourmet dining available. Rooms start from $239.

What to Do on a Day Out

·         For the perfect day out when in San Diego, consider going to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, where many exotic animals such as flamingoes and lions are on display.

·         Other places to see include Sea World San Diego , which has spectacular water shows featuring sea lions, the famed Journey to Atlantis, World of the Sea Aquarium and a dolphin interaction program. Sea World San Diego offers many wonderful options for a family vacation.

·         The San Diego Air and Space Museum is another great option for the kids. The museum, whose motto is Preserve, Inspire, Educate, Celebrate, has a collections of air and space technology artifacts that are child-centered.

The San Diego Convention Center is a great place for conferences, and features thee floors of meeting space. With over 6000 square feet of meeting space, it is the largest convention center in North America. You can find it on 111 West Harbor Drive. 

San Diego Economy

San Diego is home to the world's largest naval fleet. The region’s economy is heavily invested in research, technology and tourism. LG Electronics has its headquarters in San Diego, and is a region that has seen an explosion of companies specializing in biotechnology.

Photo courtesy pdphoto.org

The Heart of San Diego

 

The people of San Diego are known to be easygoing and kind. Many a visitor has been known to remark that there is so much to see and do that they would come back again. It is truly one of those places that you go to and wish you never had to leave.