Based in the south-eastern coast of Canada beside Lake Ontario, Toronto is the largest city in the country.  Its multitude of communities and large array of entertainment venues and attractions reflect its size beautifully.  Toronto can be reached by Lester B.  Pearson International Airport, located west of the city.  Those looking for culture can take a walk around the Art Gallery of Ontario or visit Casa Loma, an intriguing mock Gothic ‘castle’.  A range of interesting art exhibitions can also be found in the Distillery District.  For an alternative experience, Yorkville is a mass of luxury boutiques for those with money to spend, or visitors can lose themselves in the massive Eaton Centre.  For dining options, Greektown contains a number of popular restaurants or, for panoramic views while dining, the 360 Restaurant can be found on top of the CN Tower.  Tourists wanting to travel a little further afield should take a boat trip out to Toronto Islands and hire a bicycle to explore all they have to offer.

Positioned north of the United Stated of America, Canada is an amazing amalgamation of enticing terrains.  This is why many people choose to visit to indulge in a range of outdoor pursuits, including hiking through the Rocky Mountains, using the numerous lakes for a variety of water sports, or trekking through wondrous National Parks.  The country is also filled with a range of exciting cities, from bustling Vancouver on the coast to St. John’s, rich in cultural heritage.

Hostels provide a great way for tourists, especially student travellers, to see exciting new places without having to spend a huge amount of money on accommodation.  Most major cities have hostels, and some can even be found in more out of the way locations so long as they are near major tourist spots.

Most hostels differ from hotels in that bedrooms and bathrooms are all shared between different groups.  Although some more expensive private rooms are often available, most hostels will commonly have around eight to ten people sharing a room and bathroom.  Luggage is normally kept in secure lockers and there are usually none of the amenities that are found in hotels such as a restaurant or concierge.  Some hostels also have well defined times when they are open, meaning that residents have to leave by a certain time in the morning and can only return after a certain time.

Although hardly 5-star accommodation, hostels provide a great way for tourists to inexpensively stay in some great locations and visit attractions they may not have otherwise been able to afford.  They can also be a great way to meet new people, as due to the communal nature of hostels people are forced to interact with each other.  Those travelling without a set itinerary often find people to travel with in hostels.

While hostels are widespread, tourists probably shouldn’t count on turning up in a city and finding one.  Popular hostels can often be found online and most usually take advanced bookings, meaning tourists always have a guaranteed place to sleep.

Due to the enormous popularity of TV cookery programmes, top chefs have become celebrities with long waiting lists for the chance to eat in their restaurants.

Now cruise holiday deals offer the chance to experience celebrity chef menus in their cruise ships’ own on-board restaurants, and it is estimated that 30% of passengers choose a particular cruise ship to sample food designed by such culinary luminaries as Michael Roux, Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Aldo Zilli.

Cruise lines have long realised that the quality of the food served on their cruises is a major player in attracting passengers, and by obtaining the services of top chefs who have already built up a large following, they have seen an increase in passengers who are only too keen to have the chance to dine in a ‘celebrity’ eatery.

The restaurants are overseen by the celebrity chef, and while they are obviously not on every cruise, but they do put in appearances from time to time and often host cookery demonstrations.  These are usually advertised as food ’themed’ cruises, and are advertised on the cruise line’s website.

These on-board celebrity dining experiences are at the luxury end of cruise holidays, but it is still possible to find some good bargains on last minute cruise deals, although there will generally be a supplement to pay for eating in the restaurant.  It is, however, a small price to pay for a gourmet celebrity experience.

There are many reasons for choosing a self-catering holiday.  A few years ago cost was probably the biggest driver, but today’s villa holidays, particularly at the higher end of the market, are little cheaper than hotels.

While many parents enthuse about the freedom of a villa holiday, the prospect of swapping one kitchen for another one, even if it has a better view, may not be an appealing one for many mums.

Most villas, particularly if they are part of a complex, have maid service so bed-making and general cleaning chores are taken care of, and if there is a good selection of restaurants within walking distance, then housework and cooking can be forgotten for a couple of weeks.

The top end of the market can include a housekeeper, which may mean meals are prepared for you by arrangement.  This is the very best of both worlds – the service you’d expect from a hotel with the freedom and flexibility of your own home.

This more-upmarket villa holiday can be pricey, but the accommodation is often vast, with ample room for two or more families, which can work out considerably cheaper than hotel accommodation.

If you choose your holiday companions carefully, and you can visualise a fortnight together without any major rows amongst the kids (or the adults), a serviced villa holiday will beat a hotel package any time.  And children will love the feeling of security achieved by staying in a home rather than a vast resort hotel.

For groups and those travellers longing for self-sufficiency, holiday villas and apartments are the best option.  While there will not be a full staff to answer every need at any hour, the other conveniences may be well worth it.

If a group is travelling wanting to be inclusive – family reunions, bachelor/ette parties, etc. – a rental property is usually the perfect solution.  Many are designed for and cater to groups specifically, offering room for up to twenty people and large common areas.  There is no distraction of other guests infringing on the private party, and no worry about keeping the noise level down.  Groups can bond in their pyjamas in the living room instead of having to fuss over finding a special venue for meeting.

There are also self-catering options available for couples and smaller groups.  This is particularly attractive for those wishing to try their hand at cooking with local ingredients.  Rental apartments or condos let guests come and go as they please while offering a true kitchen for culinary adventures.  Even if a guest never enters the kitchen, there is also the advantage of privacy and freedom.

There will not be daily cleaning services, but most rates include the price of a post-stay cleaning, so there will be no frantic vacuuming at the end of the holiday.  There are usually plenty of fresh linens, so no worries about a fresh towel every day, even if the guest has to go to the closet to fetch it.  This self-sufficiency is part of the charm.

If you are like most travellers you probably haven’t thought too much about airport lounges.  Sure, they are great if you want to grab a quick bite to eat or sit back and relax during a short layover, but have you really taken advantage of these little gems?  Airport lounges are a great way to escape the craziness of a busy airport before a long flight.

Almost every major airport has a lounge or two, so definitely check it out next time.  An airport lounge is much better than waiting at the gate.  You can relax in comfort with your business associates, spouse, or the whole family.  It isn’t like a pub where the kids aren’t allowed.  In fact, many airport lounges offer complimentary drinks and snacks as well as plenty to read.

Did you know that you can actually pre-book an airport lounge?  Doing so will allow the beginning (or end) of your holiday to be as stress-free and relaxing as possible.  Why wouldn’t you want to surround yourself with comfortable surroundings before boarding a flight?  Here are some great reasons as to why you should always pre-book an airport lounge.

•    Airport lounges provide a calm and soothing environment away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
•    Enjoy free snacks and beverages.
•    Take advantage of the Wi-Fi internet access to stay connected during your trip.
•    Many airport lounges offer facilities for business travellers including phones, desks, and computers.

Travelling without travel insurance is an unnecessary risk even for the brave of heart. For skiers, having proper insurance coverage is doubly important, and if skiing in France, consider taking on the country’s Carré Neige holiday insurance or Carte Neige annual insurance policy.

Carré Neige is easily purchased at all ski lift pass offices and at some ski schools. To cover individual holidays, the cost is approximately €3 per person per day, or there is the option of purchasing 10 or 21days for about €30. Or, for preference, there is an annual policy, the Carte Neige, for individuals and families.

Main points of coverage include rescue and transport, legal assistance, refunds for ski passes and lessons, reimbursement for various medical and hospitalisation costs, damaged skis, and repatriation. Should repatriation be required, the Carré Neige is good for residents throughout Europe.

A short list of what the policy does not cover include: complications with pregnancy, accidents during professional sport competitions, accidents caused by motor sports. Claims on the policy need to be filed within eight days of the event.

Be sure to carry the policy at all times in case there is an accident. Showing the Carré Neige or the Carte Neige card will immediately inform medical staff that coverage for treatment should not be a problem.

Some travellers may balk at the idea of paying extra and being over insured. But considering the dangers inherent with winter sports where conditions could require the use of much more rescue personnel, the extra cost seems worth it.

With more airlines imposing charges for carrying ski equipment, winter sports holiday makers are wondering, how is the best way to take their ski equipment to the slopes. The latest airline to deliver a blow to the “do it yourself” skier is British Airways with a charge which is by no means low!  You will be charged £58 if you pay for these when you book your flight online, if you do not, but wait until you get to the airport, this charge becomes a staggering £70!

One way round the ski holiday carriage problem is to use “snow train” which is Eurostar and travels from St Pancras to the French Alps each week on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. You still have to get to your resort, which is usually a short transfer, but you can take as much luggage as you want, including skis, free of charge. If you are going skiing in North America, and more of us are taking this choice with the great snow that they offer, you will have no choice but to pay up, but of course you can hire your skis or snowboard when you get to your holiday destination.

When travelling to a foreign nation it is important to understand just how their society and culture works.  As a tourist your needs will be significantly different from the needs of the average citizen, and as such it may be difficult to locate services specific to your needs.  Amongst other things, it’s important to keep a quick reference guide of information relevant to each and every nation you visit on a holiday.  Even if this is your third, fourth or even tenth trip to the country, it can still have changed, and any traveller should be prepared.

First and foremost, when travelling outside of the UK crime is somewhat of a concern.  While many European nations have a relatively low risk of crime, tourists are often targeted by bag snatchers and pick pockets in crowded areas.  Being aware of your surroundings and any potential threat is important when visiting a foreign place and should be among the key concerns for a traveller.

With so many languages present in Europe, it is a good idea to carry a phrase book with the most important translations.  While this may seem obvious, a seasoned traveller who may need information quickly can still overlook it.

Regardless of location, there is a wealth of information available through the Foreign And Commonwealth office for travellers.  With comprehensive travel information about countries all across the world, it is an excellent source for advice when making travel plans.   

A change is as good as a rest and travel broadens the mind, so why not take advantage of the many cheap flights on offer these days to explore foreign places and lift your spirits in a time of gloomy belt-tightening? In the travel industry, things have been shaking up and booking flights and accommodation is only a few clicks away. A recent trend is to rent holiday villas abroad rather than settle for the traditional hotel package, as it maximises flexibility and can actually work out cheaper.

Kids love their own rooms and can be as excitable as they like without you having to worry about fellow guests; self catering is a great way in to another culture as you shop for your own food and mix with the locals; and not being pinned down to meal times is a fantastic plus when it comes to arranging the day out.

The trend towards renting villas and holiday apartments can be seen in all holiday destinations now, from the old mainstays like Ibiza, Gran Canaria and Cyprus to the new players in Eastern Europe. In Germany, you can rent anything from  a log cabin in the Black Forest to a castle on the Rhine, and it’s the sheer variety of properties on offer that gives you lots of leeway in choosing the best one to suit your holiday needs.

Just hop on the internet to check out some of the vast range of holiday villas to rent in the destination of your choice.