There are so many things that we miss when it comes to travel, such as exploring new places, trying new things and meeting new people. What I miss the most, are those extremely peaceful moments where you can just take it all in. Whether you are enjoying a beautiful hike, or standing on the Antarctic Peninsula surrounded by penguins, those moments that you take to look around and just breath. Examine the flora, count the penguins or search the beauty in each unique iceberg.
Shortly before the pandemic began, I decided to apply for the 200-hour yoga teacher’s training, mainly to deepen my own personal practice. I had been practicing yoga for over 12 years and found it to be a huge part of my life, helping to keep me grounded and, most importantly, positive. Towards the end of 2020, I had completed the 200-hour teacher’s course. This accomplishment helped me immensely, especially on those days when it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. After spending the first year voluntarily teaching online, I am now teaching one class per week and loving it!
My passion for yoga along with over 25 years in travel has led to my interest to ‘Wellness Travel.’ There are several fantastic options, from hiking in the rainforest to be one with nature, joining a yoga and meditation retreat or experiencing a culinary and spa package. Taking care of yourself should be important, as we need to focus on what makes us happy and complete. It’s been an emotional and trying two years, and I now feel that it is time to rebuild ourselves, our lifestyles, our happiness!
Please contact our office for more ideas on wellness travel, and make sure that you take care of you!
Calling all Canadians to take the 2021 travel pledge to travel in Canada. It has been a difficult year +, to say the least, and we cannot wait to get out there and see one another again.
We all remember Stacy London and Clinton Kelly from their 10 seasons of “What Not to Wear”. In travel, we read quite a few blogs on how to dress in certain destinations for certain types of tours. Here is how we can expand on this, advising what we shouldn’t wear.
Sitting here, sun shining through the window, with Westjet and Air Canada planes flying overhead to James Richardson International Airport.
If you are familiar with the world of Expedition Cruises, you have then heard the term ‘Zodiac Cruise’ before. Zodiacs or RIB boats are durable and easy to maneuver, rubber passenger boats which enable travellers to make landings. These boats are used both in the Arctic and the Antarctic for daily excursions. Disembarking procedures begin in the mud room, where you start by putting on your warm weather clothing and rubber boots. When ready, you will head to the gangway where an expedition leader will assist you into the zodiac. Getting in and out of the zodiac is always assisted using the army grip, and then once sitting, sliding your posterior along the side of the boat. Most zodiac’s comfortably fit about 8 – 12 passengers, plus the driver/guide.
For people that know me well, they know that ‘Food’ is one of my very favorite things. And, one of the best parts of travelling, for me, is trying out the local cuisine.
Allison Silvaggio is one of our adventurous Travel Consultants at Great Canadian Travel and, like you, she loves the Polar Bears. She’s been to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears and is an expert in having the best polar bear adventure experience. Allison travelled to Churchill and has some great tips to pass along to anyone planning to travel to see the polar bears. 
It began with a very moving talk from the first Inuk to every play in the National Hockey League; Jordin Tootoo from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. In 2011 Jordin established the Team Tootoo Fund, a non profit organization addressing suicide awareness and prevention. Jordin shared his personal struggles with us, and spoke about the loss of his older brother Terence, who died at the age of 22.
Indigenous Tourism Canada made a very special announcement during the conference. They have signed a contract and will now be using an Indigenous owned travel agency, Indigeno Travel, for all of their leisure and corporate travel arrangements. We are very excited to begin this new venture with them.
nowshoe with the most breathtaking scenery surrounding us. The peacefulness was so serene, that we decided to stop and sit for a bit. To take the time to absorb our surroundings and appreciate the silence. The only sound was the waves against the shore and our penguin friends.
After returning to our expedition vessel, I enjoyed a warm beverage and some wonderful conversation with our fellow travellers. Followed by an amazing dinner, paired with some fantastic wines from Argentina.