Oh Canada! U.S. Dollars Go Far When the Whole Country Is On Sale

Ontario has more than 60 maple syrup-producing farms, and most offer family-friendly experiences.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

International family travel can be a tricky business. On the one hand, there's so much world out there to see. On the other: terror alerts, the expense of trying to feed and entertain the whole family, and long travel times. All of which can make it very easy to talk yourself out of a trip.

If only there was a place with worldly charm that was close enough to get to easily, felt safe, and didn't cost you an arm and a leg. There is. Canada — thanks to a strong U.S. dollar and a falling Canadian loonie — is on sale. One Canadian dollar is about 70 U.S. cents. Book a flight or just hop in the car and head for the border to take in one of these five truly Canadian experiences for less. We guarantee you'll be singing the country's praises all the way to the bank.

Sweet deal in Ontario

Get to: Toronto, Ontario

Why: There's something about that northern air that makes Canadian maple syrup the best there is.

Why now: A warmer winter means that production will be underway sooner than usual, and could result in a record-setting production year. Good-natured Canadians will be more than happy to share the bounty.

The deal: Ontario has more than 60 maple syrup-producing farms, which means you can have your pick of where you go. Most offer family-friendly experiences where you cannot only watch it be made, but also have a treat or two while you do so. Tour prices at most farms come in at about $7.50 USD per person. Time your visit for April 2 or 3 and the price will even better: Free! The second annual Maple Weekend will offer everything from pancake breakfasts and horse-drawn sleigh rides to production tours and demos.

Lazy days in Quebec

Get to: Montebello, Quebec

Why: Montreal and Quebec City tend to steal most of the French province's tourists, but if what you're after is a charming weekend getaway with the kids during which you're hoping your biggest concern will be how many times you'll indulge in the decadent foie gras poutine during your stay, this is your spot. The gorgeous Fairmont Chateau Montebello fills up quickly. For good reason: On any given day, guests in yoga pants, slippers and robes reading books and playing board games make up the majority of loungers around the six-sided, 80-foot-tall fireplace in the hotel's main hall.

Why now: In the winter, outdoor enthusiasts will love the snowshoeing, dogsled rides and curling lesson options, as well as the outdoor skating rink. In the summer, fishing, bear watching, horseback riding and hiking will keep kids excited and engaged.

The deal: The hotel is intimate and popular. Book now to lock in summer dates and you'll be rewarded. The July Family Month promotion offers rooms from $206 USD ($279 CDN) per night including daily buffet breakfast and your choice of a family fun activity. (Choices include a family pass to the phenomenal Parc Omega — a nearby wildlife park where animals roam free and eat right from your car window.)

Drumheller is home to the world's largest dinosaur, an 86-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex whose mouth acts as a lookout point over the town. (Photo: ronniechua, Getty Images)

Prehistoric monsters in Alberta

Get to: Drumheller, Alberta

Why: What Roswell is to aliens, Drumheller is to dinosaurs. Year-round, the town celebrates the prehistoric animals that once roamed these badlands. From the world-famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology (filled with incredible artifacts and interactive models) to the world's largest dinosaur (an 86-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex whose mouth acts as a lookout point over the town), you'll be able to satisfy any dinosaur fan.

Why now: New dinosaur discoveries are being found in the area all the time and your family can participate in archeological digs that vary according to age. Don't feel like getting dirty? "Hellboy" — a Regaliceratops skull found by a member of the public in 2005 — is now on display inside the paleontology museum.

The deal: The town's Ramada Inn offers comfortable rooms, free buttered popcorn, and a giant pool and waterslide. Its Royal Tyrell Museum Package starts at $110 USD ($150 CDN) and includes a skip-the-line museum family admission pass for two adults and up to six kids.

Prince Edward Island, the real island home of the fictional Anne of Green Gables, is a popular spot for fans from around the world. (Photo: Elenathewise, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

All about Anne in PEI

Get to: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Why: The real island home of the fictional redheaded Anne of Green Gables is a popular spot for fans from around the world. There's plenty of Green Gables lore to see here — from namesake chocolates to the house that author Lucy Maud Montgomery based her stories around — but it's not the only reason to come. A wealth of festivals that celebrate music and art, theatrical productions that impress, and seafood suppers that require loose-waisted pants all make Prince Edward Island the perfect Canadian getaway.

Why now: Canadians know to book cottages in PEI early to beat the summer rush. Waiting to reserve accommodations won't net you a better deal, and it might mean you won't find a spot.

The deal: The Island's The Vacation the Kids Took Over packages offer a variety of three-night packages at various cottages and resorts for stays between June 18 and Sept. 1. One example: A three-night stay in a two-bedroom chalet at the four-star Fairways Cottages for $580 USD ($789 CDN), plus taxes. The deal includes a four-day, unlimited entrance pass to the best area family attractions and beaches for a family of four.

Wildlife and road trips in British Columbia

Get to: Blue River, British Columbia

Why: British Columbia is a thing of beauty. From the cosmopolitan charm of Vancouver to the sky-high old-growth forests of Vancouver Island, and beyond to the warm waters of Osoyoos, a road trip offers breathtaking views of mountain, ocean and sky.

Why now: Spring brings new life to the province. When you aren't marveling at the size of trees wider than your car or at the gourmet offerings of chefs who rely on Pacific Ocean bounty, you'll be wondering about the animals that call the West Coast home. Spend time in Clearwater; Alpine Meadow Resort offers incredible views and comfortable log cabin accommodations off the beaten path.

The deal: The River Safari company in nearby Blue River will offer your family the experience of a lifetime. Book the Super Safari package for tours on land and water of Grizzly Bear Valley. Kids will have fun playing lookout as your eagle-eyed guide points out the local bears who call the temperate rainforest home. Packages are $110 USD ($150 CDN) for a 2.5-hour tour. Stay for lunch — the forest-to-table meals in the restaurant are to die for.

Heather Greenwood Davis, SmarterTravel.com

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Oh Canada! U.S. dollars go far when the whole country is on sale

When And How To Catch The Northern Lights This Year

 

 The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a sight to behold. They are a natural phenomenon surrounded by mystery and intrigue that should be at the top of any travel bucket list. With solar activity hitting a peak in 2012, the number of northern lights sightings has increased over recent years with the trend expected to continue through 2017. So, now is the time to take advantage of this window, and the travel experts at Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, are here to help with their informational guide on Nature’s light show: Where, when and how to catch the northern lights this year.

As we all know, Mother Nature is unpredictable and so are her northern lights. Therefore, calculating when and where they will appear is not an exact science. However, with Cheapflights.com’s guide, your odds of a sighting will improve. Below is a sneak peek into the guide, which highlights key tips for seeing the northern lights, along with some of the best places to try and catch them.

These four places in North America offer some of the best chances to see Mother Nature’s light extravaganza:

·         Fairbanks, Alaska - Beginning in early September and peaking in the cold, dark nights of winter, the northern lights are most reliably viewed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Fairbanks is geographically under the “aurora oval,” and tour operators like Northern Alaska Tour Company and Salmon Berry Tours offer northern lights tours. The best times for viewing are between 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. in September and March and between 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. during the winter. Consult the University of Alaska Fairbanks Aurora Forecast to determine the best days and times to view the northern lights.

·         Alberta and Yukon, Canada - There are many places to spot the northern lights in Canada. In the western province of Alberta, the sky becomes ablaze with pulsating color from September to April. Head to Jasper National Park or Wood Buffalo National Park for a chance to see the northern lights, as well as the Milky Way. A spectacular show also takes place in Yukon, Canada’s westernmost territory, each fall. From August to April, it is possible to see the neon green aurora borealis on clear nights.

·         Cook County, Minnesota - On clear nights when there is little or no moonlight, it is possible to see the northern lights in Cook County, Minnesota, four-and-a-half hours north of the Twin Cities. The best time to view the streaky, colorful lights is between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. It’s possible to see the northern lights any time of year on the north shore of Lake Superior, but they are more often seen in winter due to the long nights. Heading outdoors to a location away from the light pollution of the city is all visitors need to see the northern lights, as well as shooting stars and meteor showers, like the Perseid meteor shower from mid-July to mid-August and the Leonid meteor shower in November.

·         Browning, Minnesota - Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana is one of the best spots in the U.S. for viewing the northern lights. After a day of hiking the park’s 700 miles of trails and enjoying views of the Rocky Mountains, head to St. Mary in the summertime to sneak a peek at the phenomenal light show, which tends to appear most often in the early morning hours.

Now that you have an idea of where to go, here are some key tips for improving your chances of seeing the northern lights when you get there:

·         Timing is everything. It’s impossible to know exactly when and where the northern lights will appear. However, they are most visible in autumn, winter and early spring (approximately September to March). Don’t set your heart on seeing them from April through August in most of the places on our list below, as many are lit by the midnight sun at that time.

·         Check the weather and activity. The aurora borealis are best seen on cold, clear nights when there isn’t a full moon. But just standing outside on a cold, clear night in the middle of winter in the middle of nowhere won’t guarantee a sighting. Before heading out, check the auroral forecast. The NOAA Space Prediction Center measures the level of geomagnetic activity as measured by the Estimated Planetary K Index (measured in Kp on a scale of 0 to 9). NOAA’s Space Weather Enthusiasts Dashboard is also a great resource. If the “geophysical activity forecast” is for “storm” levels, then the chances of seeing the northern lights are greater. A more simplified way to determine auroral activity is to check NOAA’s Aurora – 30 Minute Forecast.

·         Stay for a while. For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, it’s best to book a trip that is between three and seven days long in a destination at a high latitude, allowing the best chance for weather conditions and auroral activity to line up with your trip.

Other useful tips included in the guide are: location, location, location; stay up late; patience is key and bring your camera and gear. And, for those planning a more extensive trip to see the aurora borealis, the six overseas destinations to round out Cheapflights’ sighting recommendations are: Lapland, Finland; Outside Reykjavik, Iceland; Lofoten Islands and Trøndelag, Norway; Northern Scotland; Lapland, Sweden; and on a cruise along the Norwegian coast. To access Cheapflights.com’s complete guide on Nature’s light show: Where, when and how to catch the northern lights this year visit www.cheapflights.com/news/natures-light-show-where-when-and-how-to-catch-the-northern-lights-this-year.

2015's Best Places To Visit In Canada Announced

TORONTO, Canada - Vacay.ca's 20 Best Places to Visit in Canada in 2015 were announced today. Toronto tops the list. Toronto welcomes the Pan Am Games and 40th edition of Toronto International Film Festival. Vancouver and Kingston round out top five.

The full list:

1. Toronto, Ontario
2. Revelstoke, British Columbia
3. Auyuittuq National Park, Nunavut
4. Vancouver, British Columbia
5. Kingston, Ontario
6. Jasper, Alberta
7. Torngat Mountains, Newfoundland & Labrador
8. Montreal, Quebec
9. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
10. Calgary, Alberta
11. Wolfville & Grand Pré, Nova Scotia
12. Quebec City, Quebec
13. Cowichan Valley, British Columbia
14. Fogo & Change Islands, Newfoundland & Labrador
15. Winnipeg, Manitoba
16. Charlevoix, Quebec
17. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
18. Dawson City, Yukon
19. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
20. Cowboy Trail, Alberta

10 Of The World's Most Underrated Cities

 Perhaps because of their proximity to better-known locales, travelers too often neglect legitimately interesting cities.

Call us sentimental, but it's an oversight we want to correct.

These places are livable, creative hubs, championed by locals, worth more than a quick stop before you head elsewhere.

Queens, New York 

OK, officially it's a part of NYC, but this borough has a population of 2.3 million and virtually qualifies as a city in itself.

It might lack the glamour of Manhattan, but it's still one of the most diverse places on the globe.

"Queens is definitely overlooked ... I'm glad that it's not nearly as visited (save for it being the location of two major airports) as Manhattan or Brooklyn. I'd like it to stay as is ..." says CNN commenter BuildingMyBento.

More than 170 languages and dialects are spoken in the borough -- residents say it's like going around the world without ever leaving.

First stop? Jackson Heights gives a sub-continental vibe. It's the place for saris and gold jewelry and South Asian restaurants.

Then there's Flushing, home to the U.S. Open Tennis Championships as well as the second largest Chinatown in New York, and Jamaica, with its jazz heritage.

Other "musts" include the Museum of the Moving Image and theBohemian Hall & Beer Garden, a relaxed neighborhood park and watering hole serving Czech beer and food with live music -- perfect in warmer months.

Queens has beaches and forested parks, including Rockaway, a surfing beach, and Flushing Meadows Corona, with a zoo, lake and theater.

Small-town charm in the mountains.

Bergen, Norway 

Surrounded by mountains and the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, this pretty city on Norway's west coast is the ideal destination for cruise fans and nature lovers.

By European standards it's compact, and locals are proud of Bergen's small town charm and laid-back atmosphere.

Attractions include the old quarter ofBryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with picturesque alleyways and harbor buildings.

Music lovers will be drawn to the Edvard Grieg Museum, once home of Norway's most famous composer, while foodies will want to sniff out the Bergen Fish Market.

There's also a funicular to the top of Floien Mountain to catch views of the city and a selection of hikes on well-marked trails.

That said, it's not an idyllic holiday destination, as CNN commenter Mentat57 attests: "Bergen is a nice city all right, but it does have the slight drawback of 275 days of rain per year."

Still, as American writer William Author Ward famously said: "A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition."

The locals have plenty of that, too.

Given Puerto Rico's stunning beaches and coastal highlights, including the Bioluminescent (phosphorescent) Bays and El Yunque Rainforest, people sometimes assume the capital doesn't have much to offer.San Juan, Puerto Rico 

They're wrong.

There's the dramatic El Morro Fortress, high above the sea, and the cobbled streets of Old San Juan, with their 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings.

But the city is also in the throes of a revival.

From chic new hotels to nightspots, boutiques, dance venues (salsa rules here) and art galleries, urban sophisticates will find much to whet their appetites.

For starters, there's the newly revamped Museo de Arte, featuring Puerto Rican artists, a two-hectare garden and theater.

Night owls will love the sleek San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, with its waterfalls, blue-lit rooms, bars, restaurants and minimalist decor, and the Nyuorican Café, which has a live salsa orchestra.

There's good midnight curry at the Latino-Hindu fusion restaurant,Tantra.

"[The] old city is a gem, though a tiny fraction of the city, which is otherwise plain bland," says CNN commenter Oushen.

MORE: 10 most affordable Caribbean hot spots

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Darwin, Australia 

In the shadow of big sibling Sydney, Darwin is a balmy, tropical city, with a relaxed vibe.

It's just four hours by air from Singapore, and two from Bali.

Of course, there's no pleasing some people.

"Darwin??!?! Really??! I grew up there and couldn't wait to leave! I now reside in Melbourne and nothing could drag me back!" spits CNN commenter Prasad Gunatunga.

But for others, the likes of Robbie Mills, a traditional Larrakia guide(his people are the traditional owners of Darwin) who offers cultural walking tours along the city's esplanade, make it a worthwhile stop.

You'll learn about aboriginal history and culture, bush tucker and plants.

Mindil Beach has some great open-air markets, open from April to October, from sunset till late.

Here you'll find a range of food stalls serving global fare and everything from indigenous art to pottery. There's live music, too.

Harbor cruises and, if you're a fan of the late Steve Irwin, the Cage of Death (an underwater crocodile viewing cage) at Crocosaurus Cove, are parts of the experience.

MORE: More camels than koalas -- 20 bizarre Australia discoveries

Iran can be romantic -- try a walk along Zayandeh river to the beautiful Khaju bridge.

Isfahan, Iran 

Isfahan is one of Iran's great treasures, breathtakingly elegant, located at the foot of the Zagros mountains.

Its star attraction is Imam Square.

It's one of the world's largest, dominated by the Imam Mosque complex, which twists toward Mecca, though it's the smaller Sheik Lotfollah mosque with its stunning dome that stuns visitors.

The covered bazaar, just off the square, is great for miniatures and decorative tiles and chaikhanas, or teahouses, offering fresh brews and flavored shisha pipes.

After dark belongs to the courtyard café and tearoom at the Abbasi, a five-star hotel and former caravanserai. It's a magnet for city's professionals, who are eager to practice their English on the all-too-rare tourists in their midst.

Final mention must go to the Zayandeh River and its exquisitely pretty, arched Khaju Bridge (pictured in gallery).

Lisbon, Portugal 

When it comes to European cities, tourists usually look to Paris or Rome.

Or London or Amsterdam or Barcelona or Prague or ... you get the picture.

Lisbon deserves a look-in.

It's full of character and flanked by beautiful, un-crowded beaches, making it a good alternative to the touristy Algarve.

The city is home to the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, one of the world's great (largely unsung) museums, housing a collection of Egyptian, Green, Roman, Islamic, Asian and European art and theBelem Tower, a city landmark.

Portugal is renowned for the sweet, soft eggy confection known as Pasteis de Nata.

The best custard tart in town may be found at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belem.

The recipe is 170 years old and the sweet treats are thought to have originally been sold at the Jeronimos Monastery across the road.

MORE: 7 reasons Lisbon could be Europe's coolest city

Glasgow, Scotland 

Travelers who make the journey north from England most often head to the Scottish capital Edinburgh.

Glasgow, however, arguably has the best music scene in Britain (Londoners will dispute this) with scores of clubs and concert halls, including the much raved-about Barrowland Ballroom, which hosts all sorts of acts -- large, cool and up-and-coming.

There's a lot more to do here.

For families, there's the Science Centre and the collections of curios at the Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum -- it has everything from children's toys to motorbikes.

The city has some of the UK's best shopping outside of London.

For designer goods there's Princes Square, while the Willow Tearooms, designed by influential Scottish architect, designer and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh provides a great cuppa.

The menu features Scots Porridge and Scottish shortbread.

MORE: 6 haunting battlefields of Scotland

The special kind of taxi you can only find in Vietnam.

Hoi An, Vietnam 

It's not technically a city, but this seaside heritage spot on Vietnam's central coast is such an enchanting contrast to hectic Hanoi that it's worth a mention.

It's already a recognized spot in the Vietnamese tourist trail.

"I enjoyed Hoi An, Vietnam. But it's already teaming [sic] with ... numerous cafes and boutiques catering almost exclusively to tourists! Any further uptick in rating will start ruining the place (if the process hasn't begun already)," says one CNN commenter.

The former trading port is known for its historic architecture, a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European styles.

Visitors rave about its fairytale lanterns, Vietnamese silk and custom tailoring -- it's a great place to revamp a wardrobe.

A Japanese-designed bridge, old canals, art galleries and great street food -- local specialties include "white rose" seafood dumplings -- make this town memorable.

You can learn to cook the dumplings at the Secret Garden, a restaurant and live music venue that runs classes.

Where to stay?

The swish Nam Hai Hotel, seven kilometers up the coast on Ha Mai beach, is a favorite choice.

The grounds are immaculately landscaped and the hotel runs a shuttle bus to town.

MORE: Vietnam's most challenging foods

Calgary, Alberta, Canada 

Canada's gateway to the Rockies is often viewed as little more than an airport pick-up point.

But it's special.

It has a cowboy heritage all its own, and it's one of Canada's fastest-growing cities.

In winter, the Calgary Flames NHL hockey team roars into action, while in summer, their place is taken by local football heroes, the Calgary Stampeders.

The Calgary Stampede is one of North America's best-loved and biggest rodeos.

If you're more "do-er" than watcher, Canada Olympic Park offers seasonal skiing, zip lines and mountain biking.

Calgary is also home to the Glenbow Museum, Canada's largest, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts documenting the history and culture of western Canada.

There's a growing foodie scene here.

At the Farmers' Market you can find specialties such as elk and bison or pick up a pie at the Saskatoon Berry Farm stall.

MORE: 10 things Canada does better than anywhere else

Perceived to be unsafe, it's not surprising that the city, on the country's eastern coast, isn't the first port of call for visitors.Durban, South Africa 

But, largely thanks to its role as a host in the 2010 World Cup, tourist numbers are up.

Locals rave about their city's year-round sunshine and vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe.

"Durban is fantastic and the people are great," says CNN commenter Enban. "Miss that place and the wonderful atmosphere. Gounden's make the best bunnies." (See below for explanation.)

Among cities, Durban is home to the highest concentration of Indians outside the subcontinent and has a blend of African and European cultures, too.

Big draws include surf-friendly golden beaches, many temples and mosques (including the beautiful -- and beautifully named -- Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding, theuShaka Marine World theme park and the mammoth art deco-styleSuncoast Casino, which doubles as a shopping mall and has its own private beach.

Local specialty bunny chow -- piping hot curry in a scooped-out bun -- is best had at The House of Curries on Florida Road.

Contributed by Jini Reddy, for CNN

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