From 15 September, Greater Toronto Airways will offer new daily flights from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to the Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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The airline’s website advertises flight time as a 15-minute journey. However, David Nissan, vice-president of operations at Greater Toronto Airways, claims the journey can be completed in 12 minutes.
Currently, those wishing to visit Niagara from Toronto, whether for business or to marvel at the magnificent falls, have two options: an hour-long drive (without traffic) or a 90-minute ViaRail train trip.
“We’re trying to provide a more-convenient service for people,” Nissan tells Canadian news source, The Star. “If you look at the commute versus the flight time, there’s a massive difference.”
Flights taking off this year can already be booked on the Greater Toronto Airways website. A one-way ticket costs CAD85 (USD66), while a round-trip goes for $159. The 8-seater planes will depart twice daily from each airport, Monday to Friday throughout the year. Flights will leave from Toronto at 7 am and 4.30 pm, and from Niagara District at 8.30 am and 6.00 pm.
The best part of it no security lines. Random security checks will be carried out on board to keep travel times short, although the airline suggests that travellers arrive at the terminal 30 minutes prior to take off. Greater Toronto Airways, which specialises in private scenic flights in the Toronto and Niagara Regions, has big plans to expand its reach. According to their website, the airline expects to soon introduce similar flights between Toronto and Montreal, and between Toronto and Collingwood.
(#wanderlusttips #OlympicsRio) Don’t let the Olympics fever burn you away with snarling traffic, packed public transport and suffocating urban vibe. Here are four escapes would be suggested for few hours away from the Olympics city.
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Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgãos
One of Brazil’s best national parks for a bit of walk in the woods, the mountainous peaks that characterise Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgãos are pretty spectacular by Brazilian standards. Pedra do Sino (2263m), Pedra do Açu (2230m) and Agulha do Diablo (2020m) are some of Brazil’s highest, so it’s no surprise that the park attracts a wealth of mountain and rock climbers in addition to hikers. As luck would have it, the best season for the park is May to October, when it’s at its driest. Teresópolis, the gateway to the park, is reached on a two-hour bus ride from Rio de Janeiro.
Petrópolis
The former summer mountain retreat for Portuguese royalty is one of Brazil’s most agreeable towns, a cool and refreshing highland getaway surrounded by Atlantic rainforest and chock-full of colonial splendour. Whether you are sliding around the perfectly-polished floors of the 19th century royal palace turned Museu Imperial in house-issued felt slippers, or kicking back with a Bohemia beer on draft at the brewery of the same name, there is a good time for everyone here.
Petrópolis is also home to the summer house of Brazilian aviation pioneer Santos Dumont, who was posthumously thrust into the world spotlight during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics in Rio, when Brazil controversially made its claims known to the world that Dumont was first-in-flight and/or the inventor of the airplane. Decide for yourself at Casa do Santos Dumont.
Ilha Grande
Brazil’s “Big Island” is large indeed, clocking in at 193-sq-km, most of which is protected as a state park which safeguards one of the country’s most pristinely preserved swaths of Atlantic rainforest. With over 150kms of hiking trails and uncrowded beaches, Ilha Grande is a perfect spot to escape the chaos of the Olympics.
A highlight of any visit here is setting foot on the postcard-perfect, sun-toasted sands of Lopes Mendes, one of Brazil’s storybook beaches. Facing the open Atlantic and only reached via a 6.1km trek through the rainforest from the island’s main settlement, Vila do Abraão, a day-trip here rewards travellers with that ever-elusive sense of discovery that has become all too rare in today’s hyper-connected travel world. Ilha Grande is most easily reached by private transfer from Rio de Janeiro, which takes about four-and-a-half hours to door to sand.
Búzios In just under three hours from Rio, sunseekers can set foot in one of Brazil’s most glorious beach resorts, Búzios, which was little more than a lackadaisical fishing village until Hollywood starlet Brigitte Bardot put it on the world map as the place in Brazil for sand-soaked hedonism. Boasting 17 bafflingly beautiful beaches, each one more so than the last, Búzios is an upscale resort peninsula offering little more than what nearly everyone on holidays seeks: Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, gourmet food and stiff drinks. Better save this one for after the Olympics or you may find those Closing Ceremony tickets just went to waste after you couldn’t tear yourself away from all this fun in the sun.
(#wanderlusttips #britishairways) Instead of getting a sandwich or a similar meal shortly before landing, British Airways customers have been left fuming after the carrier has replaced it on some flights with snacks such as mini chocolate bars.
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Passengers on certain medium- and long-haul routes, including London-New York, no longer get a sandwich or a similar meal shortly before landing – meaning they may be forced to bring their own food on board to stave off hunger later in the flight.
It’s one of a number of noticeable cutbacks implemented by the Heathrow-based airline this summer in attempt to trim costs.
Travellers in all classes will still get a main meal earlier in flights, but the second meal was axed by penny-pinching airline bosses, the Sun reported.
A passenger who paid £500 to travel from Heathrow to New York’s JFK Airport called the cutback an “insult”after paying so much to fly in premium economy (World Traveller Plus) on the seven-hour flight.
The traveller, who was not identified by the newspaper, said: “It was a joke. I paid £500 (nearly USD650) for a World Traveller Plus seat and the breakfast was ok but to then get just a fun-size chocolate bar six hours later is outrageous.
“The cabin attendant who served me was clearly embarrassed and when I asked for another she said she wasn’t supposed to but handed another one over as she could see I was hungry.”
“It’s actually quite embarrassing for us and quite rightly passengers are outraged,” stated a flight attendant.
A British Airways spokesman told MailOnline Travel the changes apply to economy class on flights under eight-and-a-half hours and premium economy on flights under seven hours.
On those flights, flight attendants will pass through with baskets full of snacks, the spokesman said.
He added: “We offer customers on all of our transatlantic flights a three-course meal, bar service and snacks and on our longer transatlantic flights, including to the west coast, customers are offered an extra meal during the flight.
“We regularly review our catering to ensure we are investing where it matters most to our customers.”
The changes were reported by the UK-based travel blog Head for Points in June.
It claimed there would be changes to in-flight meals in every cabin – from first class all the way down to economy.
Amuse bouche was to be removed from the meal service in first class, while business class (Club World) would see a move away from expensive fresh items to even more ambient items, such as chocolate bars, the blog reported.
The blog also said newspapers will no longer be offered to passengers at the airport gate on short-haul flights to London starting from 1 September.
In May, British Airways faced a passenger backlash after it was reported that the airline was considering charging for meals on short-haul flights.
Retro PanAm video shows extravagant airline food of the past.
(#wanderlusttips) Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has launched a “You Will Survive” package designed to aid people through their break-up blues. Aimed at helping the newly jilted heal, the package includes wine, ice cream and new professional photos for your dating profile.
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After VIP check-in for one-night in a guestroom or suite, from which, the guest will be treated in their room to wine and ice cream along with a curated playlist “featuring the most empowering break-up songs throughout history”.
The deal comes with a discount to get a makeover, which is followed by a personal photo shoot so guests can update their dating profiles and “ensure potential suitors swipe right”.
If that’s not enough, the heartbroken guest will be encouraged to get back out there with a bottle of premium liquor and VIP seating at the hotel’s rooftop pool lounge – for a price of USD549. The break-up package is available until Valentine’s Day, 2017 – just in case there’s a need for some last-minute holiday plans.
Lovesick travellers could also try to get over their ex by visiting LA’s new museum of broken relationships, or heading out on a trip around the world.
(#wanderlusttips #novotelnhatrang) Novotel Nha Trang acknowledges its valued guests by a series of promotion packages which have been launched from August.
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“Café meets soufflé” is the package in Le Bar by Novotel Nha Trang offering a classy perfect couple at only VND55,000 while enjoy the Nha Trang beach vibes.
Nha Trang beach is a beautiful place to escape together, with soft, golden sand between your toes beside the warm blue of the Nha Trang waters. It is excited for all couples to know that Novotel offers a Honeymoon package granting guest a romantic escape at one of the best ocean views on Vietnam’s coast. Free room upgrades, round trip airport transfer, dinners and wines at your private ocean view balcony, free body massage (applicable for 3 night package) are just part of the fabulous deals on offer. Free sauna and steam bath at the In Balance Spa are included. The package is valid for stay period from now until 20 December 2016.
Swedish massage at VND510,000nett for 60 minutes of levitation at the sublime In Balance Spa by Novotel Nha Trang is the best way to refresh and unwind from the life stress and hustle.
(#wanderlusttips #MercurebanahillsFrenchvillage) On 5 th August, partnering with the Sealed Air Group, Mercure Bana Hills French Village launched the Soap For Hope program, aiming to reduce waste and improve the lives of impoverished families.
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This event promoted how discarded soap can be recycled and how recycled products can raise money for charity. Soap For Hope at Mercure attracted hundreds of travelers who were visiting Bana Hills, with many of those actively helping in the process to recycle soap.
The Mercure Bana Hills French Village has also inaugurated the country’s first environmentally-friendly café dedicated to Accorhotels’ Planet 21 program. The interior is decorate with recycled objects and scrap that would traditionally be thrown away. As well, the cafe showcases the wonderful eco-fashion clothes designed by the hotel’s housekeeping team. Using out-dated room amenities, such as old sheets, towels and even shampoo bottles, the team produces wearables with the aim to raise environmental awareness. Refreshing and healthy wellness juices made from seasonal organic fruits are on offer and the entire food and beverage menu was designed to deliver one of Planet 21 commitments, that is, of promoting healthy eating and drinking.
As part of the ongoing commitment to health and well-being, the hotel was delighted to sponsor a key sport event in the region – The Danang International Marathon 2016. Held on 6 th August, the hotel took part as a nutrition sponsor and distributed 2,000 organic bananas to the athletes. The hotel also gave away various accommodation prizes for the lucky draw. 15 staff participated in the competition, running in the different heats of 5, 10 and 21 kilometers.
(#wanderlusttips #Mövenpickhanoi) Mövenpick Hanoi has launched special mooncakes of premium quality in artistically painted package to immerse the guest in a feeling of love, happiness and wealth.
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All mooncakes are made using the finest quality ingredients, free from saccharose, preservatives, addtives and and contain less sugar to keep the guest stay on a healthy diet during the festive time.
The mooncake boxes are beautifully packaged in a cover of “Bulbous Blossoms” painting by the Australian contemporary artist Chrissy Foreman Cranitch.
One box of the delicacy encasing a delightful medley of flavours, including four: White Lotus Mooncake with flavor of pandan lotus, mung bean and salted egg yolk,White Lotus Mooncake with sesame powder, mung bean and salted egg yolk, Green Tea Custard Azuki Mooncake, White Lotus Single Yolk Mooncake (low sugar).
Each box is priced at VND688,000++, selling from August 8 to September 15, 2016.
(#wanderlusttips # PalaceHotelTokyo) Revitalizing Tokyo launched by Palace Hotel Tokyo is the latest package which features two nights accommodation including spa treatments with a choice of a guided cycling or walking tour and other amenities to celebrate the hotel’s up-coming fifth anniversary.
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Beside two night stay in Club category room or Executive Suite, guests enjoy a half-day (three-hour) privately guided cycling or walking tour. There’s also the option to do the three-hour, privately guided experience by private car – an excellent alternative for more far-reaching wandering (an additional charge of JPY27,600 would apply or USD270).
After a day of touring, full body relaxation awaits at the Alpine-inspired evian SPA. The new Three Gold Premium Full Treatment incorporates products by high-end Parisian brand CARITA, which debuted at the spa earlier this year. The facial deploys products with 24k gold to help restore elasticity to the face, while a soothing massage uses vitamin oil to leave the skin supple and glowing.
With frontage on a moat bordering Japan’s Imperial Palace Gardens, the hotel enjoys one of the city’s most naturally compelling locations. Fitness buffs can explore the popular 5-kilometer jogging loop that rims the royal grounds either on their own or as part of the privately guided walking or cycling tour.
Many of the capital’s tourist destinations are easily accessible from the hotel on foot or by bicycle, including neighbouring Nihonbashi, home to the Nihonbashi Bridge which has been the zero kilometer marker for Japan since the Edo era, Ginza, which has long been the city’s most refined shopping and dining hub, and Ningyocho, with its more shitamachi (Japanese old town) feel dating back four centuries.
In July, the hotel won a spot on Travel+Leisure USA’s annual ‘World’s Best’ list, and earlier this year became the first Japanese-branded hotel to secure a coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. The new stay package will highlight elements of the property that have burnished its global reputation.
The package is available to book now, for stays from September 1st – November 30th, 2016 and must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Rates start at JPY240,000 (USD2,352) for Club Deluxe rooms, JPY256,000 (USD 2,500) for Club Grand Deluxe rooms and JPY368,000 (USD3,600) for Executive Suites, not inclusive of taxes and service charge.
For every Revitalizing Tokyo package that’s booked for a stay in October, Palace Hotel Tokyo will donate 10% of the proceeds to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Add: 1 Chome-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
(#wanderlusttips #Airbnb) Sharon Marzouk, A San Francisco woman who rented out a bedroom through Airbnb while she was away from home, claims it was used for a porn shoot by a guest who turned out to be a sex worker.
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Marzouk, who owns a children’s tech company, described her hellish ordeal in a Facebook post – complete with shocking before-and-after photos – that has gone viral on the internet.
Sharon Marzouk said the nightmare guest created a mess in the spare room and flooded the house – causing $25,000 in damage – and she no longer feels comfortable in her own home.
When Marzouk returned home due to the flooding emergency she was shocked to find evidence of a porn shoot, including a sex toy on the bed, a bag of condoms, a checklist of sex acts for clients watching her videos online, and used tissues.
She suspected the woman also recorded X-rated videos in her bathroom and was preparing for a shoot when the bathtub overflowed.
Marzouk, from the Bay Area suburb of Menlo Park, kicked the woman out of her home and is now in a fight with Airbnb to have the damages covered, following the policy of Airbnb “USD 1 million host guarantee”.
In her Facebook post, she said she decided to list the furnished room on the website so she could make some extra cash while she was travelling.
She has owned the house for nearly three years and rents out other bedrooms to long-term tenants to offset the high cost of living in California’s Silicon Valley.
After listing the room on Airbnb she was contacted by three people and decided to rent it to the woman, who wanted to stay for two months or more.
One her profile the woman listed her name as Vera and wrote to Marzouk that she was a “quiet and clean” student from San Jose who doesn’t smoke, drink alcohol or do any drugs.
The woman had a recommendation from a previous host who wrote that she was respectful, friendly and neat.
Marzouk, who was renting to a stranger through Airbnb for the first time, invited the woman to her home and gave her a tour. “Seeing that she was a nice smiling female in her mid twenties, insisting that she was clean and easy going and eager to book my room, I thought to myself… what could be the worst case?” Marzouk wrote.
She didn’t do a background check on the woman because she thought the guest’s identity had been verified by Airbnb.
Marzouk returned from her trip abroad and was attending a conference two hours away from home when she received an urgent text from one of her long-term tenants telling her to “come home right away” because the house had flooded.
The Airbnb guest claimed she was drawing a bath but got distracted and left the water running.
“Water poured from the second floor to the first floor from the overflowing tub,” Marzouk wrote. “Water seeped through the floors, ceilings, walls. It was filling light fixtures.”
She hired a water restoration company to rip out the carpets, floors and baseboards, and punch holes in the walls to prevent mould from spreading.
“I was told by one of the water restoration workers that there was a lot of water and I’m lucky that the ceiling didn’t give way from all the weight and moisture,” she wrote.
Damage to the home was initially pegged at USD10,000, but it is now estimated at nearly USD25,000.
Marzouk said she discovered evidence of a porn shoot when she entered the woman’s room to check for water damage.
She called Airbnb to complain and has openly criticized the company over its handling of the situation and its verification process.
“When would any normal person hand someone else a key without knowing anything about that individual?” she wrote. “The only reason why we would do that is if we believe in the system and the system’s protections.”
Marzouk said Airbnb initially told her it would act as her secondary insurance and was resistant to cover her losses from the rental amount.
She was critical of the company’s response times and said it has taken a more active approach following media interest in her claims.
“Negative experiences are extremely rare as more than 100 million guest arrivals have had safe and positive experiences on Airbnb,” a spokesman for the company said. “We have zero tolerance for this kind of behavior and have removed this guest from our platform. We are working to support this host under our USD1 million host guarantee.”
(#wanderlusttips #underseadining) Minus 6 Meters (M6m) restaurant in OZEN by Atmosphere resort which has opened in July on Maadhoo island has added another option to the list of undersea dining place for all tourists, besides the first one Ithaa of Conrad Maldives.
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