Allison Silvaggio | The Great Canadian Travel Co. - Part 3

Author: Allison Silvaggio

STAFF PICKS

My Flight is Cancelled; Now What?
August 21, 2024 | Pearl McCallum

It is August 2024.  Since the return of travel in early 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines have faced staff shortages, strike action (actual and threatened), tightening regulations, and higher operating costs.  These conditions, in addition to the challenges of regular operations, can seriously affect an airline’s level of service.  …

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Let’s Get Real!
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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Indigenous Inventions
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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Saint Patrick’s Ireland
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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Taking Care of You!
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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24-Hours in Halifax

June 05, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

When attending travel seminars, there is never enough time to explore the destination in which you are visiting.  However, I always try and give myself at least one full day to explore the sites, pick up some souvenirs, and try the local cuisine.

This time it was Halifax, Nova Scotia and one day was definitely not enough.  I started my day with a Starbucks coffee, which was hard to find (definitely more pubs in Halifax than coffee shops).  Then boarded my half day tour to Peggy’s Cove. Read More >

Northwest Passage Expedition Cruise

May 01, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

During my time spent in the travel industry, I have been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to visit some amazing and very remote destinations.  One of the best experiences would be travelling aboard the Akademik Ioffe for 16 days, cruising through the famous Northwest Passage.

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Beautiful Buenos Aires

January 29, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

En route to Ushuaia and Antarctica, I was lucky enough to spend a full day in Buenos Aires taking in as many sites as possible in 24 hours. Which was definitely, not long enough!

The capital, and most populous city of Argentina, with a population of about 2,891,000 in 2016, was bigger than I thought.

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Allison’s Top 5 Reasons to Take an Expedition Cruise

January 05, 2018 | Allison Silvaggio

According to the Travel Industry Dictionary, an expedition cruise is defined as a cruise, typically aboard a smaller vessel, with an emphasis on the natural habitat of exotic destinations and responsible tourism. It also implies a cruise with on board experts in the ecology of the destination and a certain level of rigor, such as in Antarctic cruises. Read More >

Glaciers and Ice

December 20, 2017 | Allison Silvaggio

Did you know that about 10% of land area on Earth is covered by glacial ice? Antarctica is the world’s largest ice sheet, and is so large that it even covers mountain ranges and a bunch of volcanoes. Yes, volcanoes… underneath the ice. So as the world’s fifth largest continent, and on average, the highest AND coldest out of the seven, Antarctica and its glaciers are a sight to see. Just don’t forget your long underwear! Read More >

Sailing the Drake

December 15, 2017 | Allison Silvaggio

No, this is not a reference to Drake, the Canadian-born rapper, with song titles that are actually quite fitting for a post about Antarctica. I’m pretty sure this isn’t what he meant, but I’m going to go with it anyway. Read More >

The Wildlife of Antarctica

November 30, 2017 | Allison Silvaggio

Most travellers head to Antarctica to complete their 7th Continent, for the amazing scenery and ice, and for the wildlife. Just having returned 4 days ago, I remember all of the amazing wildlife.

With just under 2 days from Ushuaia to cross the Drake Passage, much of this time was spent on board enjoying the bird life which included; Wandering Albatross (which just happens to have the longest wingspan of any bird on the planet, reaching up to 3.5 metres across!), Southern Giant Petrel and Southern Fulmar. Read More >

Going With the Floe – Edge

July 05, 2017 | Allison Silvaggio

After a few visits to Arctic communities in my past travels, I finally got to experience the floe edge.  And, what an experience it was!

Approximately 25 miles, just under 2 hours riding in a kamotiq pulled behind a snow machine, we arrived at the edge of the ice.  It was almost surreal… the beauty, remoteness and peacefulness. The only sounds were the gulls overhead and the sound of the water.  Where the ice stops and the open water begins. Read More >

Dress for Winter (Think Like an Onion!)

August 19, 2016 | Allison Silvaggio

If you’re thinking of a winter holiday in the Arctic dressing for the winter weather is a must!

My advice to clients is “Think Like an Onion”!  When you peel an onion you can pull it apart layer by layer, so the same goes for dressing for cold weather.

Close up of sliced red onion

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