Allison Silvaggio | The Great Canadian Travel Co. - Part 2

STAFF PICKS

March 14, 2023 | Pearl McCallum

We want to paint a picture for you.   Imagine you’re at a gathering with friends and acquaintances. It’s a fairly large group, let’s say around 15-20 people. Just as you begin to get hungry, someone brings out a large, layered cake. It’s smothered in rich, chocolate buttercream frosting – …

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June 29, 2022 | Lois Farley

Way back in 2017 I wrote a blog in recognition of Canada Day; 50 Great Things Canada Contributed to the World. Since I wrote that blog I’ve been studying about the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land we now call Canada for millennia – the First Nations and …

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March 17, 2022 | Lois Farley

Saint Patrick’s Day brings Ireland and all things Irish to a lot of people’s minds. And, those of us lucky enough to be Irish or are of Irish descent, particularly so! My ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to Canada from Ireland back in the mid to late …

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March 1, 2022 | Allison Silvaggio

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, …

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Yoga from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica

September 19, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

The serenity of standing on the bow of the small expedition ship, watching the Southern fulmars fly back and forth over the wake of the vessel. Enjoying a morning yoga class where the gentle rocking of the ship puts you deeper into the stretch, followed by the silence of meditation. Snowshoeing among hundreds of wandering penguins, as they examine us with curiosity. Standing on the sea ice at the Floe Edge and staring out at the open ocean, hoping for a glimpse of marine life. Just a few of my ‘best vacation days ever experiences.’

Twenty-two years in travel has given me the opportunity to meet some fantastic people, and travel to some exciting and remote destinations. For fifteen years I have been specializing in polar destinations such as Arctic Canada and Antarctica, Iceland and Greenland.

    

From my first visit, my passion exploded and it’s exciting to plan a complicated itinerary for clients who are more invested in the culture and activities than how strong the WiFi signal will be.

I have been practicing Yoga for over thirteen years, which has tied in quite nicely with travel. From some of my early travels, I would return home with thousands of images, however, lacking the connection with the destination. I now return home with fewer photos but more satisfied with the experiences. Yoga has taught me to slow down, take a breath and absorb our surroundings.

I believe that the combination of travel and yoga have made me into the person I am today. Our world is extremely hectic and bombarded with technology. I find myself more at peace when I am traveling and try to bring this tranquility into everyday life.

Take a look at the piece I wrote for Wander Magazine about how I feel that yoga has enhanced my travel experiences from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic!

It’s the People You Meet!

September 19, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

Every time I am wandering through the airport, the world seems massive!  So many people; where are they going, and where have they been?

One of the highlights when travelling, is the people that you meet.

    

Whether it’s the person you chat with while waiting to board the plane, the couple you enjoy a cup of coffee with after your horse back riding tour or the person sitting next to you on a zodiac excursion; these are the relationships that are built while exploring and then sharing the memories afterwards.

I still keep in touch with people who I met in Australia 22 years ago, in the Arctic 7 years ago and in Antarctica 2 years ago.  This is definitely a positive when travelling alone.

One of my fellow travellers during an Antarctic expedition will be travelling from Australia to Canada next month. I’m very excited to spend a few days with her before she heads north to Churchill for a Polar Bear excursion.   And, you never know who you may meet again one day during your travels!

Transformative Travel

July 25, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

Arctic Canada Inuit Elders

One of the best parts of my day is learning where clients want to travel, and what piqued their interest in a certain destination. It is becoming more popular for clients to choose a destination or experience that will inspire them in some way.

Experiential travel is where people focus on experiencing a country by actively engaging with its history, people, culture, and environment. Sailing the North West Passage and learning the history of the Franklin Expedition, or engaging in a culinary experience in Italy.

 

 

 

Transformative travel is when you travel with intention, openness and mindfulness.  Engaging in a challenging physical or cultural experience. Finding tranquility at a yoga retreat in India, or visiting with the Elders in Arctic Canada to learn their history.

   

Whatever piques your interest, contact The Great Canadian Travel Group and let us plan “your best days ever!”

Attending the Spirit of the Arctic Tourism Summit

May 06, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

Attending the Spirit of the Arctic Tourism Summit in Nunavut’s capital of Iqaluit helped expand my knowledge on travelling to the North.

I have been lucky enough to visit 3 of the Arctic communities, including Pond Inlet, Cambridge Bay and Naujaat (which is located on the Arctic Circle). Read More >

The Famous Sourtoe Cocktail

April 16, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

Welcome to Dawson City!  Home to the ‘Sourtoe Cocktail!’ Since 1973, the Sourdough Saloon in Dawson City has been accepting members.  All you have to do is visit the Saloon and ask for Captain River Rat. Purchase a shot (I chose Yukon Jack), and pledge the oath;  ‘You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips have gotta touch the toe’. Watch as the (genuine) dehydrated toe is dropped in your drink, and enjoy your shot.

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Wellness Travel

January 21, 2019 | Allison Silvaggio

Wellness Travel is becoming more and more popular.  Travellers want to enjoy activities, and have nutritious options while visiting a destination.

Everything from hiking & cycling holidays, to yoga retreats are offered in many destinations.  Snow shoeing and cross country skiing are also becoming more popular in the Northern destinations. Read More >

Which Yule Lad Are You?

December 12, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

Iceland has a fantastic tradition of the 13 Yule Lads which lead up to Christmas Day.  The Yule Lad will come down from the mountains to bring children gifts and candy, and sometimes play pranks.  Take the quiz on the below link to find out which Yule Lad you are? Read More >

How Much Can You See & Do in 24 Hours?

November 22, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

Normally when we travel for work, it can make for some long days in order to see and do as much as possible.  However, last month I experience one of the longest, busiest days yet!

It started with a departure from Winnipeg, and connection in Toronto.  I departed Toronto at 9pm, which would have been 1am in Iceland.  During my international flight, I watched a movie and napped for a few hours. Read More >

Travel to the Music City

August 31, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

If you are a music lover, you should definitely visit Nashville, TN.  Especially now with our Winnipeg Jets playing there at least twice per season. 

It was my third time visiting a few weeks ago, and cannot wait to go back.  Read More >

Hiking in Sedona

July 24, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

After visiting Sedona, AZ three times, I now confirm that this is one of my favorite places.  With everything from a wide range of accommodation, to amazing restaurants and fun souvenir shopping.

However, my favourite thing to do in Sedona is to hike and enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around.  Read More >

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