Category: General

Sports has been heavily disrupted this year, with events in Canada being no exception. The sporting world is starting to get slowly back to business as life gets back to normal. If you are travelling around Canada there are some events you can still look forward too. Maybe you can’t witness them in the stands, due to the coronavirus restrictions, but you can still enjoy the atmosphere in a pub, with other fans.  

So, which major sporting events can you hope to attend during the rest of the year?  

The Stanley Cup Play-Offs and Finals 

The 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs were meant to start in April, but the coronavirus pandemic caused them to be suspended. At the time of writing, it is expected that the qualifiers begin on August 1, after a couple of days of exhibition games.   

The 24-team playoff setup will see all of the games played in Canada for the first time in almost a century. The Eastern Conference teams start off in the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and the Western Conference outfits will be playing at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The Finals will also take place in Edmonton. 

Strict security measures will be put in place to protect the players during these games. Spectators won’t be allowed into the arenas, but an outdoor FanFest area will be set up to provide drive-in screenings of the games and it will include a beer garden.  

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon 

The Covid-19 crisis also saw some of the biggest marathons in Canada cancelled in 2020. These included the Toronto Marathon and the version held in Calgary. This leaves the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which is an elite-level event that regularly attracts over 25,000 runners to it. 

The 2020 event was due to take place on October 18 but the organisers announced in July that it would be cancelled this year. Thankfully, they came up with an alternative plan that means that it won’t be completely missing from the Canadian sporting calendar this year. 

This is because the Toronto Waterfront Marathon will be held on a virtual basis, with races taking place throughout October. Runners can choose the date and time that suit them. It is then a question of running or walking the distance when it suits and uploading the finishing time to the website.   

The Around the Bay Road Race 

This 30 kilometer race in Hamilton, Ontario is the most historic long distance road running event in North America, dating back to the end of the 19^th century. The 2020 event was postponed from the original date in spring.  

 Anyone who already registered for either the 5k race or the full 30k event has two options. They can choose to move their registration to the new date on November 22, or else defer it to next year. The 2021 event is planned for March. 

The Canadian Premier League Finals 

The highlight of the Canadian soccer season sees the country’s top teams battle it out over 2 legs for the right to represent Canada in the following season’s CONCACAF League. This event started up in 2019, with Forge FC beating Cavalry FC by an aggregate score of 2-0. 

The season was due to begin in April, but was postponed due to the pandemic breaking out before then. There is still no news on when the games are likely to be held, although the idea of a shortened season at a single location seems to be the most plausible solution right now.  

As we have seen, 2020 has turned into an unusual year with sports in Canada affected as much as any other aspect of life. The good news is that the authorities appear to be looking for new and interesting ways to ensure that we can still enjoy some of the best action, even if it is just on the TV screen.  

Here you have the top events to watch out for during the remain of 2020 in Canada. Don’t forget that the NBA is also returning and so you can also look forward to seeing the Raptors back in action. Check out the latest NBA Odds here: https://extra.betamerica.com/nba/odds/ 

The alluring adventure in the rugged trails and the view of the mountain slopes serve as the ultimate adventurist’s dream. For bikepacking enthusiasts, it is all worth it. Beyond just your backpack and few valuables, there is more to the adventure. If perhaps you are a beginner and wish to go on a backpacking holiday in the woods, here is important stuff you’ll need to know.

Let us start with understanding what backpacking is to beginners. Bikepacking can be a lot of things to a different set of people. While some will stash a bedroll somewhere under their handlebars, others will pack panniers in their bikes and hit the road. Ideally, bikepacking can be classified as minimalist holiday camping on a bicycle.

Best Bikepacking Holiday Destinations

There are several breathtaking bikepacking destinations around the world, and here are a few selections for you.

Great Divide Mountain Biking Route – The Great Divide Route is a 2,100-mile pavement route stretching from Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, all the way to Antelope Wells, NM, USA. It is the world’s longest off-pavement route.

The North Sea Cycle Route – Running through Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Britain, and Scotland, the North Sea Cycle trail covers close to 3,750 miles. It is a favorite European bikepacking route that is liked mostly for what it offers beyond cruising along the coast of Norway and riding across the Shetland Islands in Scotland. 

Dolomiti Trail – For hill climbers, the Dolomite Mountains of Italy offer the perfect route for bikepacking. You’ll need to cover approximately 160 miles, and 31,000 feet of climbing. It offers a combination of paved and non-paved segments that take you past the craggy landscape of this stunning Italian mountain. 

Adriatic Crest Trail – Bring yourself to the spectacular Croatian coast through the dense forests and hills, cycling via a 380-mile trail. You will pedal in adventure-filled unpaved single and double tracks before meeting the ultimate hill challenge. If you can do with some climbing, there is a 35,000-feet to take you to new sights in this beautiful side of Croatia.

Eje Cafetero – Step outside Europe and enjoy the beauty of Bogota, Colombia, through exclusive bikepacking trails through Colombia’s coffee hub of Eje Cafetero. Pass the magical mountains like the Alto de Letras, one of the world’s longest climbs, and Alto de la Linea.

Tips and tricks for Bikepacking

• Ensure you can dismantle your bike and reassemble it with ease, which makes you understand your machine better for emergencies.
• Carry with you the necessary tools for fixing minor emergencies along the way, and make sure you know how to use every tool appropriately.
• Pack enough water to last you through the entire trail. Strap it tightly to your frame, but keep it light enough to facilitate natural balancing as you ride. 
• Carry packed food, preferably light snacks or foods that are easy to prepare. Pack everything in a compact bag to be carried comfortably behind your back or fixed at the rear of the bike alongside other essentials.

As an exhilarating form of travel, bikepacking is meant to be enjoyed through every step. By putting into consideration the essential tips and making early preparations, your holiday should be as enjoyable as possible.

These days, online casinos and online sportsbooks are becoming more popular than land-based gambling establishments. However, the glamour and glitz of brick-and-mortar casinos added to the serene atmosphere offers you an experience that 10 deposit casinos will definitely match. Here are the top 10 gambling destination you’d want to try and enjoy the ultimate betting experience.

1. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City remains the best choice whether you live around here or you are visiting, and you find Las Vegas unreachable. The city boasts sandy beaches, and casinos while still monopolizing board games. The city offers about eight casinos. The likes of Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, Caesars Atlantic City, among others, make the city worth visiting despite the fading of its glamour.

2. Reno, Nevada

Reno seats near Lake Tahoe. Just like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Reno has casinos as well as resorts. Casinos, like Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Eldorado Casino Resort, Peppermill, Silver Legacy, Harrah’s Reno, and Grand Sierra, are the biggest here.

3. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monaco boasts of some of the most successful gaming destinations in the world. Ask any gambler in Europe or anyone who has visited Monte Carlo. The resort faces the Mediterranean, so you can fraction your time between gaming in the casino and enjoying the scenery.

4. Macau, China

Macau is an administrative region found in China. It is famously known as “Monte Carlo of the Orient.” About half of its economy is controlled by the 33 casinos in it. A large number of these casinos are located in its Peninsula while the rest sits on Taipa Island. They are among the 20 largest casinos globally.

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

15 of the 25 largest hotels in the world are located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It houses around 75 casinos. Located almost in the middle of a desert, this oasis of gaming is a ground for real gamblers. The Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and the Venetian are some of the most iconic in this region. 

6. London, United Kingdom

The city boasts over 20 casinos for both the dwellers and visitors. The casinos contribute a large portion of the economy here as well as giving gamers a gambling experience like no other. Some of the most famous in this town are Aspers Casino, The Ritz Club, and the Hippodrome Casino, among others.

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan has several casinos that always leave visitors with a casino experience like no other. Some of the casinos here operate on a 24-hour basis. Therefore, every minute of your vacation or gaming will never go to waste. Some of the popular resorts here are San Juan Casino and Spa, Stellaris Casino, San Juan Marriot Resort, and many more.

8. Aruba, Caribbean

Imagine sandy beaches alongside casinos. What else do you need on your holiday? Some of the casinos at Aruba are open 24 hours. Glitz Casino, Copacabana Casino, Casablanca Casino, and Crystal Casino are just but a few.

9. Singapore

Singapore is an Island country that hosts worldclass casinos and gaming establishments.  Even better, it boasts of botanical gardens, zoo, magnificent skyline, and urban parks that serve as a chaser for your gambling experience. You can start with two major casinos, Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa.

10. San Jose, Costa Rica 

The city has more than 30 casinos. Its exchange rate for both dollars and Euros is very generous. It makes gambling in San Jose even more attractive. The tropical paradise in Costa Rica is not something to leave the earth without tasting.

Aeroplan launched a new promotion today that will help members reach Altitude status without leaving the ground. 

• Between today (Apr 20) and May 31^st, when a member earns 50,000 Aeroplan Miles through everyday Travel at home activities (including miles earned via an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card), the member will receive Altitude Prestige 25K status valid through 2021. Members will need to register for this promotion.
• Altitude members can earn towards their next status level – Between April 20 and May 31st, members earn more when they earn Aeroplan Miles, including Bonus Altitude Qualifying Miles (AQM) and the potential for a one-time Altitude status tier upgrade up to a maximum award of Elite 75K.

How can members achieve this?

• As announced earlier, members can earn miles for every five Aeroplan Miles they donate to a charity fighting the COVID-19 crisis, they’ll receive one Altitude Qualifying Mile (AQM).
• Convert points from hotels and credit cards – an easy way to earn towards an Altitude status would be to convert points like your Marriott Bonvoy or AMEX Membership Rewards.  
• Use an Aeroplan affiliated credit card or apply for one and the initial welcome bonus will count!
• Shop online via the 170+ brands on the Aeroplan eStore. There will be weekly bonuses released, specifically for everyday purchases from favourite brands like Gap, Sephora, Well.ca, Indigo and more.

Each week, they’ll have new offers for members to be able to earn at home.  Visit: www.aeroplan.com/travelathome to learn more about this promotion.

With airline costs increasing steadily and gas becoming more and more expensive, travel isn’t as easy as it used to be. Travellers nowadays are looking for everything on a budget, whether it is a place to stay or food to eat. While spending less is a great way to save some money, it is equally essential to make the most of our time while travelling to earn money as well.

Going on a vacation is undoubtedly about taking time off from work and not having to worry about it. That is why it is vital to come up with options that allow you to mix pleasure with the opportunity to make money on the go. Entertaining, fun, exciting, and without a doubt mobile, here are a few extraordinary ways that can help you earn while you head out on your next holiday.

Photography

Whether it is using a professional camera or your phone, everyone these days takes hundreds of photographs while travelling. As luck would have it, photos are always in demand, used by individuals, magazines, websites, or as art. To make the most of the photographs you take on vacation, there is a possibility to upload them on stock websites that pay you every time your photo is downloaded. Similarly, apps such as Foap lets you make a profile and upload photos which, when sold, earn you a little income. However, in case you are feeling generous, you can also post your photos for free use on apps such as Unsplash.

Gaming

One easy and enjoyable way to earn money for a Canadian traveller is playing on an online casino. We are lucky to be in one of the more forward-thinking countries that allow gambling, and it’s a mistake not to make the most of it. For those just starting, it is pertinent to know that online casinos such as LeoVegas, Jackpot City, Mr Green, and many more, give out a ton of bonuses to new and regular players all the time, Free spins offers for Canadian players are a great way to get extra opportunities while indulging in online slot games. Moreover, not only can you play from anywhere in the world, but also have the option to earn through a variety of games such as poker, blackjack, bingo, and lotteries whenever you want. 

Surveys

If you enjoyed taking multiple-answer exams in school, this is ideal for you. Surveys are an essential aspect of information for growing businesses, and in order to reach a wider audience, they are more than happy to pay for them. In our attempt to look for travel deals to save money, we often overlook some of the more subtle and easier ways to earn a passive income. iPoll and the more popular Google Opinion Rewards are apps that pay you for every survey that you take. Once logged in, you can take surveys on various genres from wherever you like. Unlike playing on an online casino, the returns aren’t that great, but it’s pocket-change that can help you buy a coffee while waiting to catch a train in a foreign land. 

Health

Here’s a little trick that can earn you some side-money. You are likely to find many apps that reward you with badges and whatnots for exercising more. However, when it comes to actual money, there aren’t that many in the market. Sweatcoin is one such app that pays you in cryptocurrency for moving around. Now, most Canadian travellers love to walk, and one does walk quite a bit when travelling. Have the app running in the back of your phone while you explore and discover a new city and see how quickly those steps accumulate into real money.

n Canada, travel hacking appears to be a real big challenge due to the fact that there are much fewer options when it comes to credit cards. That is in total contrast to what happens in neighboring countries where there is a bigger variety of card options, airline taxes and surcharges are much lower. The good news is that there are working strategies that can be used to get these rates down. These are money-saving tips that you’ll need to consider before booking your next casino cruise holiday.

#1. Have you set up price alerts?

Top travel companies offer price alerts on their websites to enable you to keep track on the flights that appeal to you. You will receive email notifications whenever prices go down. Google and Skyscanner are currently the most popular platforms to keep an eye on, and with thousands of partners under their wing, that could be just enough to track the cheapest airfare. Given, these prices tend to fluctuate under given circumstances; it is advisable to book yours immediately you receive something that interests you.

#2. Be flexible and get the best deals

Perhaps you’ve come across travel agencies and websites offering crazy fares, and you’re wondering if they are real. Chances are, they are using a unique KAYAK explore tool where you’re required to select departing airport, set a flexible date and duration, and a budget you’re comfortable with. KAYAK then displays all the available prices within your budget for you to pick. If you can get this tool, you are sure to get the best travel deals with minimal effort.

#3. Work with rewarding travel cards

A dime saved on your trip can go a long way to balance your books. Why would you pay for a hotel or flight where you are getting nothing in return, whereas there are cards that generate redeemable points? Get reviews of different travel cards available in Canada and choose one that guarantees you the best rewarding system. You might get fantastic travel perks or even win yourself free travel.

#4. Consolidate earned points with transfers

If you understand how much value your points are, travel hacking becomes a walk in the park. Different service providers allocate a variety of transferring options from where you can redeem your points. American Express Membership Rewards are believed to be the most valuable in the market and can be redeemed for free travel. Find out some ways you can transfer the same points to other platforms such as Marriott.

#5. Have you signed up for a mailing list?

If you have not signed up for every travel mailing list for fear of your inbox getting spammed by dubious emails, you don’t know how much you are missing. It is one of the fastest ways of securing a travel deal, and would cost you nothing to subscribe to a list. Top travel websites are always punctual in alerting customers in their funnel about upcoming hot deals. Who knows, you might get yourself an irresistible offer for your next vacation.

The only thing worse than not giving yourself enough time at the airport and having to leg it to the gate is having too much time to spend. Being stuck in the terminal during a long layover or delayed flight is every traveller’s worst nightmare – but it doesn’t have to be. By following some of the tips below, you can turn your layover into the perfect opportunity to get a ton of stuff done and even enjoy yourself in the process. After all, there actually is a lot more to do in an airport than simply spending money shopping in duty free and getting lost (and anti-social) in social media.  

Plan your itinerary

If your layover or delayed flight happens during your outbound journey, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to plan out the itinerary of your dreams for when you reach your destination. Unless you’re super organised, you probably won’t have done much planning beyond where you’re going to stay and the big attractions or events that you want to check out during your trip. Well, with many empty hours ahead of you there really isn’t a better opportunity to get cracking! You could even do a similar thing during your return journey; there’s nothing like returning from a vacation feeling prepared to tackle the week ahead.   

Broaden your (mental) horizons

A chunk of 4, 5 or more spare hours is the perfect time to delve into a new topic by reading an interesting book (or two). Get inspired for success by reading a nonfiction book about people who are the best in their field – Lance Bradley’s The Pursuit of Poker Success is a great one since it contains short interviews with top pros that you can dip in and out of. You could sort your life out with a psychology paperback – Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life is perfect – or finally read a classic novel that you’ve never had the time to before – War and Peace, anyone?

Get productive

If you’re lucky enough to access a free WiFi connection during your lengthy layover then you can really be productive and get stuff done. This is the time to read and reply to those emails that have been stacking up, set up meetings for the weeks ahead or just take care of some housekeeping like clearing out your inbox, rewriting or removing your out-of-office reply and generally getting your brain back into work mode. Think of it as a way to soften the blow of being back at your desk on Monday morning! 

OK, OK, work or anything to do with real life is probably the last thing you want to think about on the way home from a super trip abroad. You can still be productive with your time and live out your holiday for a couple of hours longer by organising your holiday snaps. Edit out the bad ones, move the good ones to a new folder and select a few envy-inducing ones that you can instantly upload to social media. If you’ve got a lot of time to spare, you could even upload your favourite ones as a full album to Facebook. And don’t forget to back them up by saving copies to DropBox, MEGA or any other cloud storage platform. 

Explore your surroundings

If your layover stretches into 10 hours or more, it’s the perfect opportunity to leave the airport and explore the city that you happen to be in. Think of it as a bonus day during your vacation! Whilst we wouldn’t recommend doing this if you only have a couple of hours to spare, if you have enough time to travel to and from the city and you can find something interesting to do there then do it.

If you’re feeling tired from your flight then walking around and seeing some new sights can be both refreshing and energising. You could even just head into the city to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the airport. You don’t even need to do anything when you get there, just find a spot to relax and unwind in order to prepare you for the next part of your journey. Just make sure that you arrive back at the airport with plenty of time before your flight is due to leave – set an alarm on your phone to remind you to be back within a couple of hours of your departure time.

In keeping with our tradition to visit a different city in Canada every summer, we have decided to visit beautiful Quebec, Canada’s largest province. To keep our travel simple and manageable within a big city, we generally situate ourselves in a popular and central location and do day trips to must see attractions and locations vs touring in long car drives with the back seat full of screaming kids.

This always includes two outings per day and one evening adventure “if” the kids comply and get in a nap before dinner. 

Here is our list of must see attractions for families traveling to beautiful Quebec with kids in a short 3 days. 

1. Choose a family friendly hotel in the city with great amenities. We’re a big fan of the Residence Inn by Marriott. With free breakfast, spacious rooms and great facilities you can’t go wrong spending a few nights at one of their centrally located hotels. Getting this part right is like buying yourself a guaranteed successful family vacation.
   
   
2. Surround yourself in culture and stroll Canada’s oldest cobblestone Streets in Old Town Quebec amongst the city’s beautiful European architecture. It will feel like you are on a European vacation without the high cost of the Euro! Visit the UNESCO World Heritage treasure in Old Quebec and stroll the quarters.  The must see historical sites include the Parliament Buildings, the Old Port, the world famous Chateau Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, Dufferin Terrace and the Petit-Champlain District.
   
   
3. Connect with nature and check out the waterfall that towers Niagara Falls. Whether you are getting your adrenaline fix by climbing the scenic stairway or crossing the suspension bridge Montmorency Falls has something for all nature enthusiastic for the young and old.
   
   
4. Keep it fun for the kids during the hot summer months and visit Eastern Canada’s largest theme park, Village Vacances Valcartier only 20 minutes away from Quebec City. The waterpark is open all year round that boosts over 35 waterslides, 2 themed rivers and a huge wave pool. During the winter months, Inner Tube Slides, skating and snow rafting is offered at the winter playground.
   
   
5. Simplify dining options and check out the authentic atmosphere of the farmers and local markets. Here you can grab some food and ease the pressure of fine dining for the young kids. The new public market at Quebec City’s Grande Marche offers everything from fine dining chocolate makers, brew pubs to all things for foodies under one roof yet give you a great food experience of some of the amazing food options Quebec has to offer.   

Appreciating these 5 simple experiences in a short 3 days will guarantee some good times for the big and small kids as well as parents and give you a good taste of what Quebec has to offer. 

Find everything you need and earn up to 7X the miles with top retailers via the Aeroplan eStore Aug. 5 – 18, 2019 for their Back to School event.

Here are some of the top-ups:

• Amazon – 5x miles
• Gap – 5x miles
• Indigo – 7x miles
• Microsoft – 3x miles
• Sephora – 5x miles
• Under Armour – 7x miles

Digital payments first appeared in the 1990s and despite being somewhat of a nuisance at first, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t use them these days. The technology developed and capitalised on the niche in the market by providing an ever-better product. 1999 saw the creation of Paypal, the first company to specialise in online money transfer services.

Today, digital payments are practically a fundamental part of everyday life, with many of us now using online payments daily in place of traditional cash. We even have whole countries, like Sweden for example, actually aspiring to become cashless economies, eliminating coins and banknotes altogether. Since Paypal, many new online payment methods have appeared, each with their own specialised perks. How then, should you decide which method is the best for you? This probably depends on your own personalised criteria. However, to make things a little easier we list four online payment methods that might just be worth your attention. We evaluate these payment methods based on how traveller friendly they are.

1. The number one travelling companion: Revolut

With instant money transfers, instant top-up, and its unbelievably useful ‘split bill’ option, Revolut is the daily payment method of choice for thousands of people who aren’t necessarily travelling. However, those qualities make it absolutely fantastic when you have set out on an adventure. The other mention-worthy perks of Revolut include: no need to inform Revolut that you are going abroad, card details stored inside the App (you don’t have to go searching for your wallet anytime you buy something online), all ATM withdrawals are completely free for the first $200 per month, and we saved best for last: the ability to opt for being billed in the local currency. This means you avoid paying the extra charges associated with currency conversion!

  2. The second runner-up: Interac

If you haven’t yet, you should try the canadian payment method Interac, which can be used for any kind of online transaction like booking a getaway, making online casino deposits, or online shopping. However, it is also perfect for small everyday payments since Interac cards are accepted among thousands of merchants across Canada. The service provides easy access to your earnings and zero chargebacks. In terms of its usefulness for travel, Interac is very secure, with fraud prevention chip-and-PIN as well as data-abstraction and tokenization technologies.

3. Great options: Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay

Encoding your card details onto your phone is a smart move when you are travelling and opportunities to lose your card are aplenty. You’re less likely to misplace your phone simply because you need it for a lot of the essential aspects of travelling like GPS and getting in touch with people. A card, on the other hand, can be easily left behind at a shop or recklessly thrown into the bottom of a bag, forgotten about and potentially lost. A great safety feature here is that your card is recorded but the details are never actually stored on your device. Every time you make a payment, a unique code is generated. So far, this option is available to Apple, Google, and Samsung owners.

4. The original: Paypal

Paypal pride themselves on being the first company to specialise in online payments made available to the wider public back in 1999. It’s a reliable and trusted payment method, popular among holidaymakers, who opt for a more secure option to pay for their holiday bookings. Paypal is also very popular among freelancers, who often work while travelling, and who are drawn to the no-hassle way of receiving and sending payments by providing nothing more than their email address.