thecollectivepassport-blog

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

10 Stop Worth Sites in Madrid

Madrid

I lived in Madrid, Spain for 6 months before I started this program at Sheridan College. Here are some of the must-sees of the city.

First Stop: Check into a hostel Metro- Anton Martin

While I did not stay in any hostels in Madrid (I had a house). Cat’s Hostel has good reviews and a great location. As well, Madrilenos are knows as “gatos” because they stay up all night and roam the streets. Madrid has great nightlife, and to stay at Cat’s hostel will connect you to a community of cats- Spanish and foreign. They also provide you with free breakfast, dance classes and walking tours. The inside of the hostel is bright and modern, providing for great Instagram pictures. Depending on you taste, you can stay the whole week here, or relocate to another hostel after a couple nights.

Pro Tip: Madrid has a very well developed Metro system. Taking the underground is the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to get around (plus walking).

Second Stop: El Tigre! Metro- Gran Via

What is Spain known for? Good food and cheap beer. El Tigre provides both, buy a Cana for €1.50 and receive an entire plate of authentic Spanish tapas…. For free! (Pro tip, the more people and the more beer you buy, the more generous the tapas plates get). It gets pretty packed and some say the bar is called El Tigre because you have to fight like a tiger to make your way in. Do not expect to have a chair to sit in. After this, take the metro or walk back to your hostel for a few hours of rest.

Third Stop: Breakfast at Chocolateria San Gines Metro- Plaza Mayor

Early morning, walk from the Metro to Chocolateria San Gines to have real churros for breakfast, just like the Spanish do. This place is open 24 hours, 365 days/year and is a popular late night stop. By hitting it early you will (hopefully) avoid the lines and be able to relax at a table in the beautiful courtyard with your plate of churros, a cup of chocolate and a cappuccino.

Fourth Stop: Plaza Mayor

From San Gines, walk to Plaza Mayor. This is Madrid’s main square and at any given moment it is full of activity. The perimeter is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, while the square itself is full of street performers, vendors and people- local and tourists. Here I would recommend you stop for a “bocata de calamares”, a calamari sandwich. The bigger and messier the better, this is a traditional Spanish plate and the best calamari you have ever tasted. Walk around until a restaurant catches your eye, there are several, but beware: the smaller more hidden ones are almost guaranteed to be tastier.

Fifth Stop - Palacio Real de Madrid

Hello! The Royal Palace of Madrid. This is a 7-10 minute walk from Plaza Mayor. You can opt to take a tour of the interior, 2000 rooms, beautiful gardens, fountains, and libraries. Or, just the outside of this palace is breathtaking, and you can walk into the courtyard for free. If you have any room left for food, there is a great Italian gelato place across the street from the Palace, and on your way to future stops.

Sixth Stop: Plaza de Espana

A short 7-minute walk down the road leads you to Plaza de Espana, a square featuring a massive fountain and statue of celebrated Spanish novelist and poet, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

Close by are two of the largest buildings in Madrid, known in English as the “Madrid Tower” and “Spain Building”. There is also the “House of Gallardo”, which is one of the predominantly Art Nouveau style buildings in the city. This building is a must see, you will feel like you are suddenly in Paris.

Seventh Stop - Templo de Debod:

Another few minutes walking down Calle Ferraz, you will find Templo de Debod. This is a reconstructed Egyptian temple suspended on a platform surround by water. From here, you get one of the best sunsets in all of Madrid. It is located in Parque del Oeste, and couples will often bring a picnic to enjoy at this romantic monument. The state of Egypt donated this temple to Spain as a sign of gratitude for the country’s past help in preserving their UNESCO heritage sites. The United States, Netherlands, and Italy are the only other countries with authentic ancient Egyptian architecture such as this.

 Eight Stop: Teleferico de Madrid

Enjoy a walk through the gardens of Parque del Oeste, until you reach Paseo del Pintor Rosales. Here, you can board the Teleferico: a cable car that takes you on a 2.5 km trip over a huge green space in the center of the city: Casa de Campo. From 40m up in the air you will be able to see many of the attractions you just visited- from a birds-eye view. You will also pass over Principe Pio metro station, which is a grand sight in itself.

Extra Sights: Cibeles, El Retiro

Madrid has nearly 1 million more inhabitants than Toronto. It is a big city!

The center is jam packed with old architecture and tourist restaurants and can be enjoyed in about a day or two. Taking a journey to Lavapies metro stop will give you the chance to see Plaza de Cibeles. This is a major traffic hub and roundabout. The Madrid City Council sits here.

One last must see:

Make your way to metro stop Retiro. This will take you to Parque de el Retiro, the Central Park of Madrid. There is a large pond at the entrance where you can take a small row boat out. A large rose garden, and the Crystal Palace. This park could take a full day, or go through with a bicycle or roller blades.

-Dana and Lindsay

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Road Trip!

Oh The United States of America, such a beautiful country with so much to see! If I were to travel to the States one day and could pick anywhere to go it would be California. The 2 places I would travel to within California would be Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Anaheim

Anaheim is home to one of the most magical theme parks in the world. That’s right, Disney Land. Disney has been such an influence on my life, the movies and characters are absolutely amazing. All my life I have been watching Disney movies, and they have never failed to make me feel like a princess, and have taught me valuable lessons along the way. If I were to go to Disney world I would stay at a hotel right in the resort to experience the true magical atmosphere and I would spend all my time making sure I met and captured a photo with EVERY princess, that is a must. I would then walk through the theme park and eat some food, go on some rides, go to the spa, and stop by the shops to bring home some souvenirs! Disneyland would be an amazing experience. No matter what age I am, Disneyland would definitely bring out the little kid inside of me.

 Los Angeles

Los Angeles is beautiful, the sunny skies, the beautiful palm trees, and the beaches. If I were to travel to LA, I would get a hotel right downtown to be right in all of the action. During my stay I would visit Universal Studios Hollywood, stroll down Hollywood Boluveard, Walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Go to the Santa Monica Peir, The Walt Disney Concert Hall and so much more! The possibilities are truly endless. My trip to LA would be full of unforgettable experiences, sights, lots of shopping, and eating! I hope one day to travel to LA, and cross it off my bucket list!

 But, Leaving Los Angles is where the real adventure would start. Driving down one of the most beautiful highways in the world, Californians highway number 1.  Built on the side of the coast line, with twisting and winding roads. On the right is the gorgeous view of the ocean, waves hitting the rocky hills of the landscape, and to the left is filled with swaying palm trees, and making pit stops to take photos along the way of the most perfect sunsets. Spending time in the car with your best of friends going through every emission, from deep conversation about life to fitting what music to play next. Making a must stop at the Big Sur, a stretch of California’s central coast line between Camel and Sun Simeon. Known for its seaside cliffs and views of the Pacific Ocean. With the sun on our face, windows rolled down and wind in our hair making our way over to San Diego.

 San Diego

San Diego has been on my bucket list for a long time now, it’s beautiful beaches, parks and warm climate. Making our way into the city by driving over Coronado Bridge, with the wonderful views of San Diego. Then after all that driving I would take a day off at the beach to relax. Spending the time in La Jolla Shores Park, being able to kick off my shoes and walk the shore, maybe even trying to paddle board or see a dolphin! During my next day in San Diego I would head into the city, exploring the downtown known as the heart of San Diego or Balboa Park. With over 1400 acres of sites of historic buildings, museums, and gardens in the traditional architecture of Spanish- Mexican style. I would also make time to go to PETCO Park, the home of the San Diego Padres. Hopefully being able to catch a baseball game with the Toronto Blue Jays and having a foot long with a side of beer. Then finally I would fulfuill one of childhood dreams and spend a day in the San Diego Zoo. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals with gondola lift going over the park. San Diego Zoo has been seen in the Disney movie Fantasia that I would watch on repeat, and My favourite part with dancing hippo ballerina. I would then end my stay in San Diego with a visit to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, to take in a quiet moment with the beautiful high mountain’s and subtle sunset.

- Taylor Machado and Victoria Sadej

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

The West Edmonton Mall

I grew up in a tiny little town in Saskatchewan. There weren’t too many exotic destinations to travel to, so when I was 9 years old, my parents took my brothers and I to spent a week at the West Edmonton Mall! It was the most amazing family vacation imaginable! Now, I understand this might not sound like the ultimate destination for most people, but trust me as a young girl it was the dream! Inside the mall is a hotel called The Fantasy Land Hotel. It is best known for its many themed rooms. Each night my family moved from room to room experiencing different rooms like the truck room where we slept in the back of pick-ups and the igloo room where we slept in dogsleds and igloos! During the day we walked through the mall to see all of the many shops, and of course, shop! I think I spent every morning watching the dolphin show. I was just starting my synchronized swimming career and I was so mesmerized by the way they danced in the water! After my mom tore me away from the show, we spent our day at the indoor water park, the indoor golf course, the indoor amusement park and so many other unique attractions. I think my favourite memory from this trip was going to the big Imax theatre with the mechanical fire-breathing dragon! I remember feeling the heat from the fire. It was unlike anything I had ever seen in my life. That same night my mom took my brothers and I to see the Beauty and the Beast, a favourite of mine still to this day! This whole trip was magical; I will never forget it as long as I live. I can’t wait to go back and visit one day!

- Lindsay

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

British Columbia

Oh, Canada – the true North. The world’s second-largest country by total area (just after Russia), and its fourth-largest in terms of land area. Its natural beauty stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic ocean. Yes, Canada is pretty darn majestic. Big, beautiful, wild and, well, cold… really, really cold.

 So, let’s take a moment to talk about one of Canada’s main tourist destinations – the Yukon! Just kidding! I don’t think the Yukon is a tourist destination at all… I’m going to have to look that up… anyway, no! Dear reader, I am referring to beautiful British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province and home of the Canadian Rockies. Let’s chat about a few BC travel destinations, shall we?

 Vancouver: am I right? I’m so right. It is my strong belief that Mother Nature herself lives in Vancouver – or at least vacations there. There aren’t many cities in the world that feature an ocean on one side, and rainforest-covered mountains on the other. Hiking, skiing, kayaking, dining, swimming – you name it, Vancouver has it. And while you’re there, make sure to check out the Museum of Anthropology, where you’ll have the chance to learn about BC’s First Nations and rich cultural history.

 Okanagan Valley: wineries, anyone? Not to mention lakes and sandy beaches, golf courses, horseback riding, dining in the countryside, and even more mountainous mountains. Maybe stop in at Keremeos, the self-described “Fruit Stand Capital of Canada” – that got your attention, didn’t it?

 Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: if you find yourself on the island (and by the island, I mean Vancouver Island – BC has over 6,000 islands, didn’t you know?!), check out this magnificent park on the western coast. Chill out and relax, or maybe have an adventure; kayak the Broken Group Islands, hike the West Coast Trail (which was once a rescue trail for shipwrecked sailors), or surf it up at the beach, dude! Oh, did I mention whale watching? Sweeeeet.

 Whistler: Some of the best skiing in the world is found here. Incomparable some may say actually. It is world renowned for its alpines and beautiful snowy views. The best way to see it all is definitely its peak to peak gondola. This engineering marvel connects Whistler and Black comb mountain. It gives you the best seat in the house to all the mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes and forests. To top it all off it has a glass bottom for those looking for a little more of a thrilling experience.

 Bowron Lake: Now, if you’re not a huge fan of the snow let me recommend to you a “wetter” option. Bowron lake has one of the most unique Canadian wilderness experiences.  Grab your canoe and head now one of the most scenic experiences of your life time. This 66-mile circuit will take your breath away. I know it sounds long but the time will fly by and have you wishing it never ends. You will see the most stunning landscapes complete with picturesque mountains and endless wildlife. Oh! And don’t forget to bring your camera!

 Okay, so I only hit on FIVE great BC destinations... out of thousands. I have failed you, travel community! Forgive me! But really, the above places are just the tip of the Canadian iceberg. Check it out for yourself at BC’s main tourism website (www.hellobc.com) or just get over, up, and/or down to BC and start exploring.

- Madison & Sarah

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Thailand

Thailand

A small country filled with friendly locals, historic temples, elephants, tigers and cheap street food. The golden temple pictured above is located in the North of Thailand, on a mountain named Doi Suthep. To get there, you must climb a 306 step staircase bordered by two long serpents. Once at the top you will enjoy a completely gold palace and a spot where you can gift a lotus flower to the Buddha.

The completely white temple pictured above is located even further North in Thailand, in a city called Chiang Rai.  To get into the temple you must cross an all white bridge, surrounded by thousands of outreaching hands. This bridge symbolizes that the path to happiness is by controlling temptation, greed and desire. The inner cavern, called the “Ubosot” depicts angry colours of orange and red, with images of all the horrors man has been responsible for. The overall contrast between white and golds is for the gold to represent how people focus on money and possessions, while the white represents purity. Gold is the body, and white is the mind.

The food picture is a small sample of what is available in the capital and centre of Thailand- Bangkok! Bangkok features an international, vibrant city, complete with museums, bike tours, floating markets and traditional Muay Thai boxing. Bangkok is also a great point to set out on daytrips.

Moving further south brings you to the iconic Thai beaches. Like Ko Phi Phi, which many recognize from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach”. There are hundreds of pristine white sand beaches. The Andaman sea is located on the West side of the Southern Thailand tail, and the Eastern side is located on the Gulf of Thailand. Both sides are equally beautiful and it would take years to experience these islands.

Dana

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Traveling across the globe to Sydney, Australia has always been on my bucket travel list. Australia has everything you need to make a perfect vacation, and the Australian exchange rate is currently pretty at par with the Canadian. Ideally when visiting Australia I have always pictured myself staying for a solid 2 weeks as the flight takes approximately 20 hours from Toronto, Canada (so crazy). After being stuck on a plane that long, I personally would want to have a solid amount of time there. The time zone is also way different than here in Canada and you would need a few days to adjust to the jetlag.

Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia and is famous for Bondi Beach, The Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Harbour and The Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can even book a tour and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge – apparently this gives you the best view of the city. To get your tan on I recommend visiting Bondi Beach a famous beach in Sydney known for surfing, a skate park and a beautiful 1-kilometer long beach. I have friends that have visited Bondi Beach and they have said nothing but fantastic things! For anyone that loves animals, visiting the Sydney Taronga Zoo would be an amazing experience. At the Taronga Zoo patrons see animals Australian animals such as the Tree Kangaroo and the Koala Bears. I've actually never seen a koala bear in person, so that would definitely be a must for me while visiting Australia. (For any Torontonians wondering, we have one Tree Kangaroo at the Toronto Zoo – he is so cute!) Australia is also known for The Art Gallery of New South Wales, which holds collections of Australian, European and Asian Art. The Gallery has about 40 exhibitions annually and is a perfect visit for those into art and culture.

 It’s the white building with all the arches you see across the water that is known for being in Australia. But does anyone actually know what it is?

It’s the Sydney Opera House.

Opened October 20th 1973, it was designed by a Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, who one a competition for international design. Although his design of this building is often over shadowed by the government interjecting and Utzon’s resignation. Utzon left Australia halfway through construction and never returned to see his final masterpiece. The whole building and its surroundings take up almost the whole harbor. The Opera house has multiple different venues and stages within the building, performing 1500 shows annually. The facilities and venues include: the concert hall, the Joan Sutherland theatre, drama theatre, the playhouse, studio, a recording studio, Utzon room, and an outdoor forecourt. All of these rooms can hold up to a minimum of 400 people. The Sydney Opera house has a total number of 8.2 million visitors a year, with an added annual total of 350,000 visitors for a tour each year. The building also houses cafes, restaurants, retail outlets, and bars. To this day The Sydney Opera house continues to be one of the world’s most famous landmarks to date.      

- Kristen Anzelc & Nadia Pereira

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Las Vegas: Sin City

There’s a bunch of things to do in Las Vegas, like going to the casino or seeing a live show to eating at a restaurant with the world’s best chefs!

  One of the most iconic casino’s we gotta visit is the Caesar’s Palace! Caesar’s Palace is one of the last old-school properties remaining. Here, we can also shop at medium and high end retail stores!

  While we’re in town we should hit up one of the city’s production shows like Cirque De Soleil, Blue Man Group or Jersey Boys!

  If we decide to go out for a couple drinks one night we should go to the Mermaid Bar at Silverton—apparently it’s the most extraordinary! We would get the chance to have drinks in front of a underwater tank full of finned fish-women!

  Wouldn’t it be cool to see the world without leaving Vegas? Many of the cities themed hotels pay homage to notable cultures around the world. For example, do you want to see Paris and the Eiffel Tower? If yes, we should try Paris Las Vegas!

  Sin City offers a great time full of unexpected epic moments and after it all we’ll be able to refuel with the help of the best of chefs! And let’s not forget about the celebrities that we may run into! Some of my personal favourites who live there are Celine Dion, Nicolas Cage & Criss Angel. I can see this trip being a bit of a pocket-emptier but overall it seems to be a really fun experience!

- NeQuan Reid

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Portugal

One place I have wanted to travel to all my life is Portugal. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, but Portugal is my main choice because that’s where I am from! My whole family is Portuguese, and I love everything about it. If I were to visit Portugal I would visit Lisbon. Lisbon is surrounded by beautiful and historic sights, land, and culture. If I were to ever go to Portugal, I honestly don’t think I would ever stop eating. Of course with me being Portuguese, I LOVE Portuguese food… It is just so good.

 One downside of this is that I seriously don’t know how to speak a word of Portuguese. Kind of weird right? And it also sucks. I don’t know very much about my culture, so going to Portugal would be an amazing learning experience. Although I am making myself now sound like the lamest Portuguese girl ever, I would love to learn more about my culture. I would love to meet new people, attend Portuguese celebrations, try new foods, learn how to speak even some Portuguese, and experience where myself and family is from.

 Like I said, Lisbon is surrounded by beautiful and historic sights, land, and culture. If I were to travel to Lisbon, I would love to explore attractions in Lisbon such as the São Jorge Castle, LX Factory, Lisbon Oceanarium, Rossio Square, and many more. I would also love to go to as many restaurants as possible because like I said, I LOVE Portuguese food!

I hope that one day I get to travel to Portugal and learn more about my culture, and experience amazing things. Travelling to Portugal would definitely mean a lot to me and it would be a trip I would never, ever forget. 

-Taylor Machado 

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Dubai: Sunshine City

There’s more to this city than it’s flashy ego. Dubai is one of the must go to places for the holidays! This city of sunshine has transformed itself from a desert landscape to a destination where tourists flock for sales, bargains and great fun. Dubai is most famous for it’s sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) and its designer fashion shopping malls that come complete with aquariums and indoor ski slopes.

Dubai Mall is the city’s biggest mall and has an entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium. There is also a ice-skating rink, an arcade and a theatre in the mall to keep the fun going! The shopping and eating opportunities are boundless and there are special events such as live music and fashion shows within the mall!

If the day isn’t raining we should go to Palm Jumeirah Beach to cool off after shopping and sightseeing. Most of Dubai’s luxury hotels are strung out along this beach making it the number one beach destination for Dubai visitors! The beach has excellent facilities, with plenty of tourists, restaurants, and water-sport activities such as jet skiing.

On the same beach we can go to Aquaventure Waterpark! Dubai’s famous Aquaconda water slide is the longest water slide in the world! There’s also underwater safaris using seatrek helmets, a nine story tall slide called the Leap of Faith and other great water coaster rides!

As a reminder that I’m trying to save as much as I can, I think a good budget hotel option would be Ibis Mall of the Emirates right beside the Ski Mall in Dubai. It’s close to a metro station that can bring us to and from the airport; it’s also about 13 minutes by car to Burj Khalifa.

So c'mon guys let’s have some fun in the sun and shop till we drop!

- NeQuan Reid

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Wine&Dine-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of two regional appellations within the Niagara Peninsula Appellation, sitting just below the crest of the Niagara Escarpment and stretching to the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. There are 39 wineries in the area, most of which offer tours and tastings. Common varietals include Riesling (white), Chardonnay (white), Cabernet Sauvignon (red), and Cabernet Franc (also red). Ontario wines are generally fruitier, sweeter, and easy to drink – they’re truly something special.

Walk or ride your bike downtown, and make a stop at one of the many restaurants, shops, or historic sites along the way. Book a wine tour, where you’ll have the chance to taste some of Ontario’s most famous (and delicious!) wines – and don’t worry, spitting them out is not a requirement! Take in a show, go dancing, or ride the Niagara Escarpment on horseback… there’s so much to see and do in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

March is a great time to book a wine tasting, as many of the local eateries choose this as a time to unveil new menus. Tastings and wine pairings abound during this winter/spring transition. And why not book a package? You and a loved-one (or several loved-ones) can relax as you are led from winery to winery, restaurant to delicious restaurant, and offered food and wine pairings designed and executed by some of the county’s leading chefs and sommeliers. Many of the Niagara-on-the-Lake packages do not include sleeping accommodations or further entertainment ideas; choose from over 20 B&Bs, hotels, motels, and spas. Take a look at their tourism website (www.niagaraonthelake.com) for some inspired ideas, and get to booking. Prices vary, but an inexpensive getaway is very doable.

So, what are you waiting for? Wine country awaits you – with its charm, excitement, and abundance of fermented grapes. Hah!

Sarah

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

The French Polynesia

The French Polynesia is a sovereignty of France made up of 118 geographically dispersed islands, 67 of which are inhabited. Tahiti the home of the capital of the islands; Pope’ete, holds 68% of the population. These beautiful islands were one of the last places on earth to be settled by humans. Some of the best known islands are; Bora Bora: The Romantic island, Huahine: The Garden of Eden and Tahiti: The Queen of the pacific.  Although the official language is French, the islands are made up primarily of people of Polynesian decent. The islands are surrounded by beautiful crystal clear water that remain still at a night but awake in day. They break the shore with their beautiful waves, washing away the soft white sand. The Islands are known for their waves, as they are some of the best in the world. The famous reef breaks make it perfect for surfing. Grab a board and a wave and learn to surf because this is the place to do it. Another one of the sports on the island is their tradition sport of Va’a, similar to a canoe locals race these boats between islands. People visit these islands for so many different reasons, whether it’s to swim in the beautiful water, stay in the magnificent floating hotels, dive deep within their reefs or just lay underneath the sun. However, make sure you look beyond all of this because these islands have much more to offer than meets the eye. It is a place rich with culture and filled with traditions.  If you choose to explore these beautiful islands I urge you to emerge yourself in the culture and embrace their traditions. Try something new and step outside your comfort zone, because these are not just any regular islands. I could only dream of one day visiting the depths of the Polynesian Islands.

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Welcome To Miami

I always love visiting different cities in the United States. Currently on my bucket list is to visit Miami.  Miami has been known to be a "larger" than life type of city - picture luxury, warm weather, nightclubs, ritzy shopping, a cool art district and the infamous Versace Mansion.

Ideally when traveling to Miami you would want to stay in South Beach near all the main attractions. Shopping, relaxing at the beach, fine dining, and arts & entertainment would be on the top of my to do list.

Miami is known to have some over the top 5 star luxury hotels. One luxury hotel that I recommend is Hotel Mondrain South beach which is one of the most famous and notorious luxury hotels in Miami where they say the “sun is hot and the nightlife is hotter.” Some of the rooms at Mondrian South Beach even have luxury balconies with a private bathtub that faced towards the beach – talk about celebrity treatment! Rates per night for this hotel start at approximately $285 Canadian, which is actually not too expensive for a luxury hotel.

When thinking of visiting Miami, there is one thing I HAVE to do before leaving: visit the Versace Mansion. The Iconic mansion, The Villa Casa Casuarina (known famously as the Versace Mansion) is a property previously owned by Gianni Versace. Sadly in 1997 Gianni Versace was shot and killed in front of his house by Andrew Cunanan leaving the mansion as a part of fashion history. In the year 2000 the mansion was later purchased and turned into a hotel, restaurant and luxury event space. Patrons are able to fine dine and experience an iconic piece of fashion history. Each room available to stay in is decorated uniquely elaborate with decor from all around the world. Prices are definitely on the higher end staying or dining at the Versace Mansion, however I think I would be a once in a lifetime experience and will definitely be making sure I visit and enjoy one night there. Go big or go home!

- Kristen

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Gondolas in Venice, Italy

Italy is a place on my bucket list to begin with but the beautiful long black boats in the rivers called Gondolas always intrigued me and romantic they look. It’s easy to say that going on a Gondola ride is a tourist trap but so many people say it your trip to Italy is not complete without a ride on one of these. The gondolier is the captain of the boat and also the driver, he pushes the gondola forward with a compensating backstroke to keep the gondola afloat. Gondolas are actually a mode of transportation that the locals use to transport them over the river, and are also used in local races. Although there are still gondolas that still exist to transport locals across the river for 2 euros each, it is called a traghetti, Nowadays the boats are used mainly to transport tourists at a fixed rate. The gondola rides usually last about 40 minutes on average, and make sure you check your watch because the gondoliers like to cut the trip short. The rides can also be quite pricy; they are 80 euros ($104) for up to 6 people for a 40-minute ride. After 7 pm the price rises to 100 euros ($130) and 50 euros ($65) for each additional 20 minutes, although there is gondoliers that stick to certain prices and are cheaper than others. Another way to make it cheaper is to group up with other groups of tourists and buy a discounted rate. Although the prices are high and the rides are not very long nothing can take away from how romantic and beautiful the rides actually are.  There is nothing like taking a beautiful and magical ride through all of Venice’s history on a boat ride through all the canals. The amazing sites you see on the way is what sticks out to me, you can get a gondola ride with a tour guide who explains all the history of all the amazing sites you are seeing along the way. The main issue I have heard of with gondolas is the pricing and getting a gondolier who asks you for more money once the ride is over, so make sure you agree on the price before hand and make sure you like your gondolier. I personally cannot wait to get to Italy and discover all that Venice has to offer but especially the gondolas and the historical canals of the city. This one definitely makes my bucket list!

- Nadia Pereira

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Beautiful Banff

Bucket list worthy trips don’t always require to take a super long flight out of the country to get there. As far as I am concerned, some of the most beautiful and exciting places you can go are right here in Canada! Banff, Alberta is one of those places. It doesn’t matter what season you visit, there is always plenty of exciting things to do! My favourite time to visit is in the winter. Everywhere around you is covered in beautiful white snow and I promise you, the mountains are the most spectacular sight you have ever seen! Combine all that with the world famous Fairmount Banff Springs hotel. It is the iconic castle in the mountains and by far the most luxurious hotel I have ever been fortunate to stay in! The structure was built in the 19th Century as a luxury hotel for upper-class businessmen and their families traveling across the country by train. Over the years the hotel has survived multiple fires and is still standing today with all of the elegance its architects intended. There are many high-class lounges, bars, and restaurants within the hotel. One of my favourite things to do is find a big comfy couch by a warm fireplace and an open window overlooking the mountains with a warm drink (apple cider with a splash of Jack). The first day is always about settling in and enjoying yourself, maybe go for a swim in one of the outdoor hot pools! The rest of the trip is all about the outdoor activities! Skiing, hiking, dog sledding, and sleigh riding just to name a few of the fun activities you can participate in! If you go into town, you can walk down the streets and window-shop all of the cute little boutique stores! When you arrive in Banff, you quickly realize there is so much to do! Be sure to do your research and plan your trip around everything you would like to do. Most importantly don’t forget to pack warm!

- Lindsay Lukezic

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

HOW TO NEVER MISS A FLIGHT.

Missing a flight can be a nightmare. It’s a waste of time and a waste of energy. Here are some tips to making sure you never experience missing your flight.

Believe it or not, there are individuals who don’t know when they’re actual flight/boarding day is. Most find out the day of. And In making sure YOU ARE NOT one of those people I recommend writing down the day of your flight. So you can always come back to it when you forget.

I just wanted to throw this in here because I think this is one of the many reasons why people miss their flights. That is to pack a few days early. Two to three days before is good. I find that individuals who forget that their flight is in 30 minutes are always last minute packing. To save you from doing that, pack early and pack most things you need for the trip. So on the day of your flight, you’re out the door as fast as possible. Last week I wrote a topic about packing for your trip go check it out!

Lastly, is to go to the airport 2-3 three hours early before your boarding time. I know 2-3 hours seems crazy and early but it really isn’t. I would rather be 2-3 early at the airport than be 2-3 hours late into my flight (or supposed to). that's it for now, talk to you guys soon!

-Darren-Troy Out!

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

Indonesia 

A peaceful country filled with picturesque rice paddies, organic tea, and a city that is 80%+ Hindu. This same country is also located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and boasts more active volcanoes than any other country. With 17,000 islands and 300 languages spoken across it’s reach, Indonesia has something to satisfy every traveller’s needs, but I will give you a brief walkthrough on the sights of Java.

Starting on the Eastern side of Java there is the capital of Indonesia- Jakarta. Being a wildly busy and congested city, there are several museums, parks and temples to see here, but what most people do when they arrive is shop. Jakarta hosts many mega malls filled with designer names. On the contrary, Jakarta also has many street markets where one can browse local textiles, flowers and spices.

               From here, head East to the Borobudur temples in Central Java. This temple is the largest Buddhist structure on Earth and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The style of this building is different from all other Buddhist monuments and has a style of its own. Borobudur temple is surrounded by a landscape of active volcanoes, which adds to the majestic scene.

               Moving farther along the island of Java we find Mount Bromo. This is the most active volcano in the world and reaches 7,641 ft tall. It is open for the public to hike to, but at certain times the Indonesian Centre for Volcanology and Disaster Hazard Mitigation will set warnings against trekking to the top of the mountain. Tourists will frequently make the trip to the top for sunrise, which means leaving the nearest town as early as 3am. It is possible to reach the top by foot, although not recommended. The views from the top are spectacular, and the cliff edges are breathtaking.

               Although there are many more volcanoes, markets, temples and cities to explore on Java- many do not spend time here. The ever-famous Bali is located at the most Eastern tip of Java and captures the attention of most tourists with the beautiful beaches and resort style hotels. 

Everyone has their own style of travel, but if you can take anything away from this passage, I hope that you will give the path less traveled a try!

-Dana

[thecollectivepassport-blog]

The Grandest Sunsets

Sometimes the most beautiful destinations are just a stone’s throw away… depending on where you live, of course. But if you’re a proud Canadian (like me!) living in beautiful Ontario, then Grand Bend shouldn’t be too far to drive. Located on the banks of Lake Huron, roughly a three-hour drive East of Toronto, it is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in North America.

The town itself is quaint, with restaurants serving up food for all palettes, and the friendly main drag is a great place to shop, enjoy a drink or an ice cream cone, and pick up a souvenir or two. The area also plays host to Pinery Provincial Park, a highly coveted campground where people from all over North America come to enjoy the beauty of Canada’s outdoors. Antique markets, fairs, and conventions abound in this little hamlet of the world – there’s always something to do in Grand Bend.

Now, can we just take a moment to talk about the sunsets? Oh. My. Goodness. The sunsets. They are a sight to behold, and that’s just me trying to do them justice (and failing). Yellows, oranges, reds, deep purples, and blues – please see one of these in your lifetime, you’ll thank me for it. Don’t believe me? That hurts! But you may be interested to learn, then, that National Geographic (the one and only!) named Grand Bend sunsets as one of the top 10 most beautiful sunsets in the world. How many times have I said sunset in this article? Sunset, sunset, sunset. 

So, grab your tent, hitch up your trailer, or (if you’re the whimpy, I-need-running-water-and-a-comfortable-mattress type) book a motel room or a B&B because you’re about to have the time of your life. And don’t forget to bring your sunscreen! (And bug spray, I cannot press this enough, the mosquitos are just… well, you’ll see, won’t you?) Go forth, my friends! Experience the beauty of Grand Bend… and its sunsets, sunsets, sunsets.

Sarah