Travel

The suburban setting of Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary is only minutes from restaurants, shopping options, and popular theme parks in Orlando. Its modern accommodations help guests relax through the signature Hilton Garden beds that allow flexibility. Corporate travelers can find plenty of valuable services in the hotel’s business center.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Modern conveniences are in every room, including an ergonomic work desk, coffee maker and microwave
• All rooms are equipped with free high-speed Internet access
• The room’s Garden Sleep System provides a flexible bed that adjusts to the guest’s weight
• Self-laundry facilities are included in the hotel’s amenities
• Select rooms come with jetted tubs for a touch of luxury
• Full-service restaurant with menu options for breakfast and dinner
• Business center with a full host of services

In and Around:

• Lake Mary is 15 miles from downtown Orlando
• Central Florida Zoo is just seven miles from the hotel
• Charge up your day by watching the races at Daytona Speedway
• Within 15 miles from the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center

New Zealand has been described by some as just an extension of Australia. Being neighbours, with similar flags, indigenous culture, and landscapes, the statement is not far from the truth.

There are nearly half a million Kiwis currently living in Australia – that’s more than the total population of Wellington. On average, more than 20,000 Kiwis move to Australia annually. Interestingly, many Australians are now taking the opposite route back to New Zealand.

Let’s take a look at possible reasons why Kiwis are flowing into Australia in their numbers …

The Weather

The weather in Australia is considered very desirable to most Kiwi emigrants. With New Zealand having a nearly round-the-year rainy and cold weather, Australia’s hot climate is a breath of fresh air to some. The weather is just as unpredictable in Australia as it is in New Zealand, but in some places such as Brisbane, you can get up to 283 days of sunshine in a year. Other capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne also record a sunny climate which most Kiwis are delighted to get used to.

The Wildlife

The scariest animal in New Zealand, and about the only animal the country is known for, is the Kiwi bird. This is unlike Australia that has a rich wildlife offering. Impressive creatures such as the kangaroo, koala, and wombats, among others, attract thousands of tourists to the country each year. Australia is also home to more than 20 of the most dangerous creatures on the planet such as the box jellyfish, the eastern brown snake, the red-back spider, the blue-ringed octopus, and bull sharks. While New Zealand is known for its cool mountains, Australia’s parks and nature reserves are quite enticing.

The Wine

Aussies love their wine more than New Zealanders! There are about 60 designated wine regions in Australia producing more than 1.3 trillion bottles of wine yearly – making it the fifth-highest producer of wine in the world. On the other hand, New Zealand is also remarkable in wine production. With prominent labels like the Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail for wine-loving tourists; the country is the fifteenth top producer of wine in the world.

The Beaches

This is probably the loveliest thing about Australia. There are more than 10,000 beaches in Australia. In fact, if you were to visit a new beach every day in Australia, it would take you about 29 years to go round. From Bondi Beach to Whitehaven Island, Cable Beach, and Bells Beach amongst others, you will certainly have a great time touring the beautiful and picturesque beaches the country has to offer. New Zealand has great beaches too – the likes of Cathedral Cove, Ninety Mile Beach, Medlands, Sandfly Bay and more than 400 others.

Better Pay

While the cost of living in Australia is a bit higher than that of New Zealand, especially in big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne; Australia pays higher. There are also better job opportunities in Australia than in New Zealand. When you compare Melbourne and Wellington, you will find that workers comfortably take care of bills in the former rather than in the latter. Given that Australia is already developed, the tax is much reduced too, unlike in New Zealand. Australia also ranks higher on the world Human Development Index.

Better Lifestyle

Being a continent that is about five times the size of New Zealand in population and also better developed, Australia generally has a much better lifestyle. With better music, food, and art offerings, you will easily adapt as a Kiwi. Australia is about the sports capital of the world, with many international sporting activities taking place in the country all year round. In terms of culture, while the Maori are better accepted in New Zealand than the Aboriginals are accepted in Australia, there are more colourful cultural festivals in Australia.

Ease of Movement

It is much easier to move from New Zealand to Australia than it is from the latter to the former. In fact, as a Kiwi, you can visit, work and live in Australia without a tourist or work visa. As a Kiwi migrant to Australia, there are many benefits you stand to enjoy, unlike other migrants. It is also very easy to move property from New Zealand to cities in Australia such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. (Visit https://www.ausmove.co.nz/moving-to-australia)

Better Phone Services

Service providers are more generous in Australia than in New Zealand. Telecom companies in the continent offer great data plans with unlimited texting, calling and other fantastic offers. For the same cost, you will get far less service in New Zealand. So if you are comfortable with the phone service in Auckland or Wellington, you will be mind-blown in Australia. You get free Wi-Fi in nearly every proper establishment in the country unlike in New Zealand.

These are the possible eight reasons why thousands of Kiwis migrate to Australia every year. There could be many other reasons but they will inevitably centre around the better life Australia offers. With the recent positive developments in New Zealand, however, statistics show a significant drop in the number of emigrants and an actual increase in the number of people coming into the country. Reports also indicate that more Aussies are coming to New Zealand to live. Hopefully, in a few years to come, more Kiwis will return home.

 

San Diego is a famous city for tourism, especially with its beautiful landscapes, warm weather, attractive beaches, many attractions, and excellent restaurants.

The city is known for its sunshine and warm weather year-round to visitors, but locals would warn to avoid May and June because it is not as sunny and warm during those months when the marine layer stretches a cloud of gray over the skies most of the day.

Getting around San Diego is quite comfortable with the many transportation options such as the coaster, the trolley, taxis, buses, or driving yourself.

So, if your thinking of visiting San Diego for a day and want to pack in as much as you can, here is a guide of five locations you need to visit while here.

1. Coronado

 

A famous landmark for San Diego is the Coronado Bay Bridge. Over the bridge is the city of Coronado where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches. A notable place to visit is the Hotel Del Coronado, which was known to cater to Hollywood royalty over the years, and even is the star is some ghost stories. Visitors are welcome in the grand lobby, bars, and restaurants in the hotel. You can sit on a patio and enjoy the view of the white sand beaches.

Tip: Start your day in Coronado early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views of the magnificent beaches and the hotel public areas. Grab yourself a coffee or mimosa, and enjoy the views in the morning. In order to get in all your locations, allot for only 90 minutes in Coronado.

2. Old Town

After your early morning at the beach, enjoy the history of San Diego in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find many Mexican restaurants and souvenir shops, but further in, there are many tourist-oriented shops, fascinating artifacts and historical buildings to tour, such as Casa de Estudillo, Mason Street School, McCoy House, Old Adobe Chapel, Whaley House, and Heritage Park. Most can be visited for free.

Grab lunch in a San Diego restaurant in Old Town. In Old Town, you will find some of the best Mexican food, enjoy lunch as Café Coyote or Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant.

3. Mission Beach/Belmont Park

Belmont Park and Mission Beach are fun for the whole family. Belmont is an amusement park, with an old-school wooden roller coaster and many other rides and games. Head to the Wave House, a restaurant and bar that features sand floors and wave simulators where you can watch novice and expert surfboarders do tricks. Or rent a surfboard and try catching waves on the Pacific Ocean directly behind Belmont Park.

Tip: Since your trying to pack a lot into one day, only spend a maximum of two hours at the beach.

4. La Jolla Cove

In the northern neighborhood of San Diego along the coast, you will find La Jolla Cove, one of the most exquisite pieces of coastline in all Southern California, and it curves around a bay which is home to leopard sharks, seals, spiny lobsters and a variety of species of fish. If you were hoping to snorkel or scuba dive during your visit to San Diego, this is the spot to do it.

5. San Diego Breweries

San Diego is a popular spot for premier microbreweries, and consistently winning awards for its diverse and tasty craft beer. After a day of sun, adventures, and beach, unwind from your busy day or enjoy a brewery tour at one of these top breweries, Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, AleSmith Brewing Company, Green Flash, Pizza Port, or Stone Brewing Company.

Packing Tips

Here are a few items you should make sure to pack for your one day in San Diego. You probably already have a swimsuit, sunscreen, and good walking shoes, but here are other items to consider:

• Sweater -nights can be cold, and the coastal breezes could catch you off guard when the temperature drops suddenly after the sun goes down. Keep warm with a sweater.
• Flip flops – you’ll want to walk the beaches in flip flops
• Wetsuit – if it is not July or August, the ocean can be cold, so if you’re swimming for an extended period, a wetsuit will help keep you warm.
• Umbrella – there’s not much shade on the beaches of San Diego, so bring an umbrella to shade yourself.

A family vacation to a lake can be the perfect getaway for a number of reasons. Lakes are inherently tranquil and peaceful, they afford you with the opportunity to really bond with your family, and there is a lot of flexibility in what you do during a lake vacation.

For example, you might spend your time on the water, hiking nearby trails, or simply admiring the views.

Lake vacations can be less expensive than other destinations as well, so if you’re thinking about a family lake getaway, the following are some options you might consider.

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is located near Branson, Missouri, and you can enjoy all the entertainment and excitement of Branson itself, but also the calm, relaxation of the lake. Table Rock Lake features almost 800 miles of Shoreline, and many of the best Branson hotels and resorts are located along these shores.

There are, in fact, more than 100 resorts adjacent to Table Rock Lake, as well as campsites.

Table Rock Lake is beautiful with clear water, and hidden beaches tucked away, as well as deeply forested areas surrounding the shores.

Moonshine Beach is a popular area of the beach, and it’s adjacent to the Dewey Short Visitor Center Recreation Area. There are wide, sandy beaches, and you can dive, picnic or hike.

A less crowded part of the lake is the Beaver area, which is on the southwest corner of the lake.

Cape Fair is off Highway 75, and it’s known for swimming options.

The State Park Marina offers boat and wave runner rentals, and you can rent a pontoon at Indian Point Marina.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is located in south-central Oregon, and it’s the primary feature of Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is known for the deep, blue color and how clear the water is.

The lake was formed more than 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama collapsed, and it’s the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake is also the ninth deepest in the world.

There are two islands, which are Wizard Island and Phantom Ship Island.

The lake is fed only by rain or snow because there are no rivers in or out of it, and surrounding the lake are old-growth forests.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is found in California and Nevada, and millions of people visit the area every year. The lake is surrounded by mountains and cliffs, and during the winter it’s a ski area. During the warm-weather months, people flock to the lake for swimming and water sports.

Lake Tahoe features hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and you can take scenic cruises.

If you go to the north shore of the lake, it’s more like San Francisco with high-end shopping and dining. If you go to the south shore, there are casinos and more options in-line with nearby Reno.

Lake Coeur d’Alene

Lake Coeur d’ Alene is located in Idaho, and what was once an under-the-radar destination is now a star-studded place for travel, but it still maintains its sense of solitude and natural beauty.

Lake Coeur d’ Alene is the second-largest in Idaho, and it’s over 26 miles long, boasting around 135 miles of shoreline.

There are many boat ramps around the lake, and there are sandy beaches.

There’s the North Idaho Centennial Trail, which runs along the waterfront, and there are parks outside of the city, including Mineral Ridge and Heyburn State Park.

Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes is a region of central New York. There are several state parks in the Finger Lakes region, including Taughannock Falls and Watkins Glen.

The Finger Lakes region includes 11 glacier lakes where you can boat and fish, and if you like wine this is a great destination for you as well. There are many wineries and wine trails in the Finger Lakes region.

Lake Winnebago

Lake Winnebago is the largest lake in Wisconsin, and one of the things it’s best known for is its windsurfing and kite surfing. There are shallow areas of the lake, so the water temperatures can get very warm in the summer months, and the lake hosts the annual Wind Power Championships in September.

Lake Winnebago is pretty massive, spanning 138,000 acres, and the average depth is only 15.5 feet.

This is a fisherman’s paradise a well. It’s one of the top places to catch walleye in the entire nation, and you might also catch bluegill, largemouth bass, perch, white bass, and catfish in the lake.

Indonesia is a haven for travelers of all kinds mainly because it is bursting with permanently inhabited islands. Unfortunately, a vast majority only travel to one, Bali. Flores Island is gem and happens to be one of the best diving sites in the Archipelago. This is mainly because of the Manta Rays of Komodo National Park, the swift currents and crazy critters found in Maumere Bay.

How do you get there?

Thanks to progressive infrastructure, flying between the islands in Indonesia has been made quite easy. From major cities you can fly to two key destination in Flores, that is Labuan Bajo and Ende. The flight offers majestic views of both Labuan Bajo and the island network as you descend. However, this view is best enjoyed if you are sitting on the right side of the plane.

Despite looking unfinished, the airport at Labuan Bajo is quite modern and suits the city well. From there you can take a taxi, train or bus into town if your Flores dive resort hasn’t arranged transportation for you. The town center is only accessible through a single one-way road that goes around it, offering stunning panoramic views of the port with a backdrop that is full of endless islands.

Where to stay

The options for accommodation in Flores are scarce when compared to Bali. However, there is a wide range of choices depending on your budget. The AYANA Komodo Resort located on the exquisite Waecicu Beach in Labuan Bajo is the first and only 5 star resort making it a great choice for luxurious accommodation. Featuring 192 guest rooms and 13 suites, the resort is inspired by open living, comfort and light.

Where to eat

If you are a fan of trying out local cuisine, there are a number of vendors on the streets selling traditional dishes such as Beef Rendang, Nasi Goreng or Soto Ayam. You can also head to the local fish market if you want to sample the daily catch. Have a beer or cocktail while enjoying some of the most alluring sunsets you will ever see.

Diving at Flores

Diving is the primary reason why travelers visit Labuan Bajo. It doesn’t matter whether you are a first timer or a seasoned diver, you should try out the liveaboard tours as there are plenty of companies to choose from. Most tours offer land-based activities in various islands including a visit to the Komodo National Park to see the dragons either in Rinca or Komodo Islands.

If you are new to diving, with the help of an instructor you will descend to 12 meters and then take a series of breathing exercises. Depending on the time of the year, you are most likely to witness a group of massive manta rays.

Komodo dragons

You can’t dock at Rinca, Komodo or Padar islands and not explore the Komodo National Park which is home to about 5,700 Komodo dragons. Additionally, this is the only place that you will see the massive monitor lizard in live action, an animal that is aptly named for its reptilian appearance and aggressive nature. Ensure that you get a guided tour when going on a Komodo dragon tour.

What to see

The manta rays are the biggest attraction to the Indonesian underwater world especially around the Komodo National Park. However, while these creatures frequent the park, spending much time with them might not be that easy because you are more likely to get caught in a quick draft. With that in mind, some sites around the Komodo National Park will allow you to enjoy the display of trevally, whitetip sharks, barracuda, tuna and rainbow runner swimming around looking for something to eat.

You are also most likely to see Eagle rays. Similarly, you may see interesting critters such as nudibranch and frogfish amongst the corals while butterflyfish, lyretail anthias and angelfish can be found around healthy sloping reefs.

 

The year 2019 is coming to an end and many have already started browsing the early bird offers for next Summer holiday. With thousands of offers on the table and big discounts available, it can be hard to choose the right hotel for your needs. Here are five tips that will help you make a decision!

1. Know what is important to you.

The starting point when choosing a hotel is knowing what is most important to you. Are you looking for a romantic atmosphere or party vibe? Do you want a room with a view? How about free breakfast? Create a list of deal breakers, and it will naturally narrow down the available options. Then, continue with the following five tips to pick the perfect hotel for your next holiday.

2. Location, Location, Location

It’s safe to say that the hotel’s location is one of the most important factors. Whether it’s the beach, attractions or places to dine, you ideally want to be able to walk to most places and not spend hours in public transport or taxis each day. We recommend checking the location yourself and not to trust what the hotel says on their website. They might say that the beach is only “10 minutes away” but forget to mention that this is by car and not by foot.

3. Hotel Amenities

Oh, I didn’t know I had to pay for parking my car! Hotel amenities vary, and you should always check that the hotel covers your basic requirements to avoid turning your stay into a nightmare. Here are some tips on what to look out for.

If you are travelling to a hot country during the Summer, make sure that rooms come with air-conditioning. There is nothing worse than spending your holiday sleepless because of the heat. Equally important is free Wi-Fi. You might want to stream a movie at night or play games at casino sister sites, and the worst that could happen is the hotel charging you extra for using the Internet. Also, have a look at the times for check-in and check-out. You might arrive at your destination early in the morning and don’t want to wait until 3 p.m. to check into your room. Perhaps ask the hotel ahead of your booking, whether early check-in or late check-out is available. Last but not least – breakfast! Have a look to see if the room price includes breakfast and, if not, adjust your budget accordingly account for the extra cost.

4. Be Careful with Reviews

Reviews are a great way to get a first impression of a hotel. However, be aware that not everyone is like you and what others praise or criticise might not matter that much to you. Are guests complaining about loud music coming from the pool bar? Well, if you go on holiday to party, this might be the perfect hotel then! Does one review mention “disgusting bathrooms” while all others praise the cleanliness of the place? It might just be a one-off bad experience and shouldn’t affect your choice. We recommend to look out for patterns. If every second review mentions a poor Wi-Fi connection and the Internet is crucial for you, then the hotel is probably not the right pick!

5. Who’s the Hotel’s Typical Visitor

When researching hotels, try and understand who’s the hotel’s main clientele. Do a lot of the reviews come from families but you’re going on holiday with a group of friends? There might be a mismatch here! Does the hotel focuses on bachelor parties, but you’re travelling with your partner and kids? You might find the hotel is lacking essential amenities such as a kids-friendly pool or a babysitter service.

If you are clear about your requirements and follow the five points above, there is no reason that you won’t find the perfect hotel for your next holiday. And now get cracking, because big savings are waiting for you when you book early!

Today, for pretty reasons, Krakow has become the new cool hot spot for travelers to explore Central Europe.  While Krakow is a big city, unlike Warsaw, being there will make you feel like you’re in a nice, near-knitted neighborhood. You can never get bored while visiting Krakow. Filled with history and culture, not to forget the abundance of cheap food and drink – it’s easy to see why in recent years Krakow has become such a famous European city break and why so many people are visiting Krakow old town. Let’s check a list of things you can visit in Krakow old town:

Main Market Square:

Krakow’s city center is something you certainly can’t afford to miss! It is built by a network of beautiful roads, rich design, and significant monuments of Polish history and filled cafes that will take your heart completely! The Main Market Square is also a spot where various festivals, concerts, exhibits and seminars take place. Some people do not know how to get from Krakow Airport to City Center, don’t worry we have find solution for that. You can easily go by train, bus or simply book a cab to get to city center. All of these are equally good options. By any of these travel modes, you will reach the city center in a maximum of half an hour.

Explore Kazimierz:

Perhaps one of the favorite places in Krakow is Kazimierz (the Jewish Quarter). It’s like a little Berlin where anyone can find something they love with its cool feel, laid-back atmosphere and community liveliness. You can spend a whole day exploring Kazimierz, so try your best and have a day to enjoy this beautiful neighborhood.

Climb the Kościuszko Mound:

In Krakow there are many ancient fossilized mounds believed to be either monumental graves or forts or pagan temples. Today, the mounds are a great place to climb to get a beautiful view of the city. Krakus Mound is yet another good one with a better view of the old town than Kościuszko Mound, and if you don’t have a lot of time, either you can climb Krakus Mound.

Wander Around The Wieliczka Salt Mine:

One of the large rooms housed St Kinga’s Chapel, which was made entirely of salt. In the Erazm Barącz Chamber there is also a salt lake that tends to be even denser than the Dead Sea. The tunnel labyrinth goes as deep as more than 300 m underground, and inside you will find multiple chambers, chapels, and even a salt lake. It is one of the most beautiful sightseeing site for tourists.

Vodka Tasting:

Poland believes to be one of the world’s finest vodka producers, so putting this theory to the test while you’re visiting Krakow is only polite, right? Located on one of the old square’s back streets, Wodka is a cozy little vodka bar home to dozens of flavored vodkas ranging from salted to caramel to horseradish. It’s a good way to try different flavors and if you’re traveling during the winter, it will definitely heat you up.

Wawel Royal Castle:

The entire region of Wawel is amazingly beautiful, with the major turning points being the cathedral and castle. Royal Road is the lovely Wawel Castle. Without a doubt, the castle is over 900 year’s old one of the city’s must-see sights. People enjoy exploring the beautiful premises of the castle and marveling at the amazing architecture.

 

 

Thailand has no shortage of beautiful locations, from towering mountains to vast expanses of sparkling blue sea. One such destination that has become more and more popular over the years is Krabi. Located in the southwest region of Thailand, Krabi is famous for its limestone cliffs, cave networks, waterfalls, lush jungles, and, of course, its long stretches of white sand beaches. In short, a Krabi tour package is the perfect choice for all travellers who are interested in nature and adventure experiences.

To help you make the most of your vacation, here are a few suggestions on how to get the best Krabi experience.

Rock Climbing in Railay

If you’re looking for a bit of an adventure, rock climbing is one of the best activities to do in Krabi. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for rock climbing in Thailand. Head on over to Railay, with its majestic karst formations that rise up from the beaches and even from the middle of the ocean. More experienced climbers will love Railay West, while newbies can go to Railay East for more manageable routes. Don’t worry because there are licensed instructors ready to give you lessons, not to mention gear shops that rent out equipment. For free climbers, cliff jumping from one of the towering rocks that jut out from the ocean floor should be a thrilling conclusion to a satisfying climb.

Bathing in the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool

The Emerald Pool is so-named because of its bright emerald colour. It’s a mineral pool located inside the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, a popular ecotourism destination due to its incredible flora and fauna. On your way to the pool, you can encounter unique plants, centuries-old trees, and rare animals. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Pitta Gurney bird, a species that was once thought extinct. Once you reach the Emerald Pool, take some time to swim in its wonderfully warm waters.

There’s also another brightly hued pool inside Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, which is aptly named Blue Pool. It’s actually the source of Emerald Pool, although you can’t take a bath here since the bottom is made of drift sand. Moreover, Blue Pool’s water comes from a boiling hot underground spring. Still, the view is stunning and you can always take postcard-like photos as your souvenirs.

Snorkeling at Phi Phi Islands

For a taste of tropical paradise, visit the Phi Phi Islands. The most-visited out of the six islands in the cluster are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The former is the larger of the two, famous for its beautiful blue waters, top-notch dining scene, and a pumping party atmosphere. Phi Phi Leh has its own share of gorgeous beaches, the most popular of which is Maya Bay where the movie The Beach was shot. Maya Bay is still closed to tourists as of this writing, but it’s rumoured to open soon. You don’t have to visit Maya Bay to appreciate the beauty of the Phi Phi Islands, though. There’s a wide range of activities you can do here, including snorkeling and scuba diving to see the beauty of the islands both above and below.

Climbing Wat Tham Sua

Wat Tham Sua or “Tiger Cave” is one of the most prominent landmarks in Krabi. It’s part of a larger temple complex composed of limestone caves, which themselves are worth a visit. However, the main purpose of those who go to Wat Tham Sua is a climb of more than 1,200 steps to reach the so-called “footprint of Buddha.” When you finally reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the limestone cliffs below, as well as the surrounding forests and the Andaman Sea. Most people prefer visiting toward the late afternoon to catch the sunset and to avoid the heat of the sun while climbing the steps.

Relaxing at Koh Lanta

For those who are visiting Krabi specifically to escape the craziness of the city and the tourists crowds, it’s best to go to Koh Lanta. It’s less developed and therefore less busy than other locations in Krabi; in fact, the western end of the island has plenty of practically empty beaches for you to enjoy the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Still, Koh Lanta has enough tourist amenities for your comfort and enjoyment. In particular, there are quite a few certified diving schools so you can learn to scuba dive and see the incredible biodiversity of Krabi. Be warned, though. Once you experience the paradise-like life in Koh Lanta, you might not want to leave anymore!

Krabi is one of those places that has a bit (or a lot!) of everything, which is why tourists love visiting over and over again. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here before or not. You will always want to come back!

 

Montreal is popular for its European flair and mix of French and Anglo culture. Montreal is a great city to visit if you want to feel like you’re on a completely different continent, while still feeling like home. However, Montreal is a very unique city, and one you’ll have to be prepared for if you want to have a good time. You also have to be prepared for some culture shock as well if you aren’t familiar with city. Here are a few things you should know before you come to Montreal.

There are Tons of Cheap Flights to the City

If you’re coming from the East Coast or the North-Midwest, know that there are tons of cheap flights to Montreal coming into the city. You could book flights to Montreal with a regional airline like Porter and get a great deal on your next trip. You’ll get the chance to get better seats than you usually get through a national airline, and their flights are much less crowded as well.

Montreal is Actually French

While it’s true that you won’t have trouble finding someone who speaks English in the city and that a large portion of the population is bilingual, don’t be fooled. Montreal is a French city first. While you will notice a lot of bilingual signs, there’s nothing that obligates businesses to offer service in English or signage. So, don’t be surprised if you can’t get service in English either, especially in the east end of the city.

However, there is also a clear demarcation between the unofficial French and English side of the city. The city is pretty much split in half by St-Laurent street, and the more you go west, the more English the city gets. So, you won’t have issues getting service on the west end, though it would be wise to learn some basic French words for signage if you want to get around the city.

The City Has a Great Public Transit System

If you’re staying on the island, you’ll have no problem getting around the city. Montreal has an extensive subway system, or the Metro as it is called, that covers most of the city. It’s also very safe and reliable and will get you pretty much anywhere in the city in minutes.

In addition, you have tons of self-service options as well. The city offers easily accessible bikes for rental all over the city and they’re pretty affordable. You can also rent electric bikes and scooters in most areas of the city.

Forget Turning on Reds

While in most of the country, you can turn right on red lights, Montreal is one of the only major cities where you can’t. So, don’t make the mistake of turning on a red light or you might get a ticket, or a warning depending on the agent. Note, however, that you can turn right in most municipalities outside of Montreal proper.

Speaking of red lights, don’t be surprised if you see people walking straight through them. People will usually cross on red lights if there are no cars, so this could be a shock for some. Also, pedestrians and cyclists are kings in Montreal and have priority rights when crossing the street, and they fully take advantage of it. People are also more likely to jaywalk, so be prepared for that as well.

The Festivals

If you’re thinking of coming in the summer, make sure that you visit at the beginning of the summer season. Montreal lives through its festivals, and they’re one of the major attractions to the city.

The season starts with the Francofolies that take part at the beginning of June. This festival is focused on French culture and features mainly francophone artists. This is a great opportunity to learn a bit about French culture and have fun with the whole family. This is followed by the Montreal Jazz Festival, which is one of the biggest of its genre in the world. Tons of artists from around the world come to perform on one of the many stages right in the “Quartier des Spectacle” which is an area of the city dedicated solely to outside shows and festivals.

Though it’s called the Jazz festival however, there are artists across all genres there, so you’ll be able to find something that is more your speed there no matter your preferred style of music.

The Jazz festival is followed by the Just for Laughs Festival, which is the single biggest comedy festival in the world and attracts the world’s biggest comics. Every year, top performers come to perform free and paid shows at some of the city’s top venues. Some of the most popular comics had their first big break there, such as Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chapelle. The streets are also animated with street performers and dancers. This is the most family friendly of all the festivals and also takes place in the Quartier des Spectacles.

Winters are Something Else

Winters can be bitterly cold in Montreal, so unless you’re used to it, you’ll be in for a shock. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to dip under the -40 degrees mark, so be prepared for that. On the flipside, summers are notoriously hot in Montreal, and tend to be more humid, so you should be prepared for this as well.

Montreal however is a great place if you’re into winter sports, and you’re only a few minutes away from some of the best slopes you’ll find on the East Coast. There’s also the Igloofest, which is a mega electronic festival that takes place dead in the middle of winter.

Montreal’s Past as Canada’s Sin City

Montrealers and Quebecers in general have a different attitude towards sex than in most other places in Canada and North America, so this could come as a shock for some people. Some parts of the city can be a bit seedy at night, so make sure that you know which areas to avoid. Strip clubs are also front and centre on important strips, so that’s something you’ll have to be prepared for as well.

With that being said however, Montreal remains one of the safest cities in North America, so you’ll feel safe in most parts of the city, even after dark.

Legal Drinking Age

You should also know that the drinking age is 18 in Montreal and in Quebec, so be prepared to see a lot of college kids strolling down St-Laurent street. Also, know that beer in Quebec tends to be a bit stronger than in the rest of Canada or in the States, so try to look for light beers if you’re looking for something that is closer to what you’d get back home. Also, know that the city has a strong micro brewery scene and history as a brewing city, so make sure that you visit at least one on your next visit and sample some of the best beers the city has to offer.

Montreal is a wonderful city, and one that begs to be discovered. Make sure that you keep these tips in mind on your next visit if you want to make the most of it.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.