Rosanna has led a career in transportation with both the U.S. Department of Defense and the commercial travel industry. She has received numerous accolades from branches of the military and former employers throughout her career.

Source: www.Arabtimesonline.com

Alshamel busy at BTS

Following a successful participation at the Business Travel Show Middle East, held in Dubai at the end of October, Alshamel move into the latter stages of the final quarter with a great deal of optimism. The final stages of the company’s new IT infrastructure roll-out complete over the coming months and January 2011 will see the cut over to their new, state of the art, back-office and CRM tool which promises to deliver advanced tracking and reporting capabilities of benefit to both the company and its client base.

“The past 12 months has seen continued growth not only in terms of new sales but also in realizing the company’s vision” commented Derin Cameron, CEO. “With our latest office now open in Oman and expansive growth and improvement in all areas of our business, we are excited to start the year ahead on a path that clearly leaves the recession behind. The industry continues to evolve and Alshamel are proud to be at the forefront of that evolution. We continue to listen closely to our clients’ needs and develop and implement strategies and solutions to meet and exceed them.”

One such solution pioneered during 2010 has been Alshamel’s support to Musanada on the Travel Program for the Abu Dhabi government. The success of the program was championed at the ACTE Education seminar in Berlin last month to which Benjo van Laarhoven (Alshamel EVP) and Doran Fanning (Travel Service Manager for Musanada) were invited to share their experiences of building a Best Practice travel program in the Middle East with the European audience.

“Building and sharing best practice solutions is what we are becoming known for.” said Benjo van Laarhoven of the experience. “We are immensely proud to have developed the trust of such important clients and are proving to them that we are more than just a Travel Agency. We are focused on providing more than just travel fulfillment to our clients and continue to offer valuable consulting services that drive down Travel Program cost and generate real savings for our customers.”

Alshamel continues to adapt and grow and, after the enormous investments of the past 18 months, 2011 is sure to be an exciting year ahead for the fastest growing Travel Management Company in the Middle East.

I would like to thank you for the  help and what you’ve done make this booking. You start in good path of your work from the start for reserving a flight for December with my family especially when you assist  and help us how our booking to be purchase thru Qatar Airways as what Hamad Personnel Office required for purchasing my husband ticket.

Your urgent and quickly reply help us a lot to get on it with in this day.

We appreciate your good work and determination in terms of your work not only for my personal booking especially for Kentech requirements.

Keep it up. Stay work with heart and dedication in your job.

Take care and more power!

God bless

Thanks a lot!!!

Sent by Ramos, Aileen, Kentech to our Qatar office

The city prominently excels in its spheres of art, cuisine, dance, music, opera, theater, independent film, fashion, museums, and literature. The city is the birthplace of many cultural movements, including the Harlem Renaissance in literature and visual art; abstract expressionism (also known as the New York School) in painting; and hip hop, punk, salsa, disco, freestyle, and Tin Pan Alley in music. New York City is also widely celebrated in popular lore, featured frequently as the setting for books, movies, and television programs.

Activities & Entertainment

Tourism is one of New York City’s most vital industries, with more than 40 million combined domestic and international tourists visiting almost each year. One of the main things you should do is attend one of the Broadway Shows once you are there! Theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 large professional theatres with 500 seats or more located in the Theatre District, New York and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan, New York City. Along with London’s West End theatre, Broadway theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. The Broadway Theatre district is a popular tourist attraction in New York City, New York. According to The Broadway League, Broadway shows sold approximately $1.02 billion worth of tickets in the 2009-2010 season, compared to $1 billion in the 2008-2009 season.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.

Check out the view of New York City from atop the Empire State Building. You can avoid waiting in the ticket line for the Empire State Building if you buy your tickets online in advance.

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.

Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.

Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the Museum of Modern Art is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, the Museum of Modern Art’s diverse collection has something for everyone.

Circle Line’s many cruises are a fantastic way to begin your trip to New York City. They offer visitors a great overview of New York City, as well as a great way to orient yourself. Ranging from 30 minutes (on The Beast Speed Boat Ride) to 3 hours (on Full Island Cruise), Circle Line’s cruises are suitable for visitors of all ages.

Greenwich Village is one of the best neighborhoods for exploring and shopping, and this tour does a fantastic job of guiding you through the neighborhood’s deliciousness as well as its history. This tour is also a great choice if you’re looking for a gift.

If you’ve been to New York City before and want to explore New York City beyond the tourist core, Bike the Big Apple is a great way to get to see deeper into New York City. On guided bike tours of New York City you’ll be able to see New York City’s diverse neighborhoods and get a greater appreciation for the cultural variety that makes New York City such a vibrant city.

Events

Tribeca Film Festival (April – May): The mission of the film festival is “to enable the international film community and the general public to experience the power of film by redefining the film festival experience.” The Tribeca Film Festival was founded to celebrate New York City as a major filmmaking center. It has become one of the most prominent film festivals in the world. The Festival’s program line-up offers moviegoers a wide variety of independent films including documentaries, narrative features and shorts, as well as a program of family-friendly films.

Summerstage Concerts (June – September): It is a program of City Parks Foundation, presents performances of outstanding artistic quality, free of charge, to serve the diverse communities of New York City. The artists represent a breadth of genres and cultures and perform in an outdoor setting accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. SummerStage strives to develop audiences’ deepening appreciation for contemporary, traditional, and emerging artists as well as the communities in which these artists originate.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks (July): The spectacular Macy’s July 4th fireworks display light up the sky over the Hudson River every year. The fireworks’ display moves across town from its traditional East River location to celebrate the anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson. The Macy’s July 4th fireworks display originally made its debut on the Hudson River in 1958 before becoming an East River tradition in 1976.

Harlem Month (August): The month-long celebration of African, Caribbean and Latin culture includes a festival, a fashion parade, the Black Film Festival and the Taste of Harlem. People are drawn to Harlem’s unique “flavor,” rhythm, beauty, and its rich and colorful history. With a wealth of historic sites, cultural attractions, unique retailers, and diverse restaurants, Harlem is one of the top destinations in the city.

Halloween Parade (October): It is an annual holiday parade and street pageant presented the night of every Halloween (October 31) in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Stretching more than a mile, this cultural event draws two million spectators, fifty thousand costumed participants, dancers, artists and circus performers, dozens of floats bearing live bands and other musical and performing acts, and a world-wide television audience of one hundred million. It is the largest public Halloween event in the United States, and the country’s only major night parade.

Shopping

Even with all the attractions and events in New York, nothing beats a day of shopping at the fine shops in New York City. Fifth Avenue, New York City’s most glamorous thoroughfare is filled with luxury shops and department stores. No trip to New York is complete without stopping by Bloomingdale’s (1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street), Lord and Taylor (Fifth Avenue at 38th Street) and Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Avenue at 50th Street). Don’t forget Macy’s, known as the world’s largest store, 131 West 34th Street at Herald Square, or the chance to buy a special piece of jewelry at Tiffany’s (727 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street).

Woodbury Common, one hour’s drive from Manhattan, is the largest discount designer outlet in the world. Long Island offers a variety of ever-increasing shopping opportunities – from indoor shopping malls such as Roosevelt Field in Garden City, the East Coast’s largest shopping center, to quaint visitor-oriented shopping villages on historic main streets in places like Huntington, Sea Cliff, Stony Brook and Syosset. Manhattan Mall in Midtown Manhattan has an

Aside from that you can buy some nice souvenirs like magnets, mugs and shots, patches, waterglobes, statues of Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, t-shirts, playing cards

Climate

New York has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, moist summers. The city’s coastal location ensures that winters are not as cold as inland cities on the same latitude, and daytime temperatures generally stay above freezing point. Snow is common in winter, but the amount varies, and winter rain is common. Spring in New York is pleasantly warm, and the weather heats up to temperatures of around 25-30C by mid-May. Summers are generally swelteringly hot and humid. The best time to travel to New York is in autumn, when temperatures are mild, days are sunny and humidity not too high.

Type of Vacation

Honeymoon

Shopping

History

Sightseeing

Currency

The Dollar

“Our focus for the event is knowledge sharing”, said Benjo van Laarhove, Alshamel’s Executive Vice President. “We are always focused on our customers’ needs and during BTS we will be demonstrating how our custom, end to solutions, can GUARANTEE savings for corporate clients.”

‘Effective Travel Management Starts Here’ is the company’s bold claim on their event stand and, in partnership with Carlson Wagonlit Travel and ADP, Expense Management experts, the Alshamel team are looking forward to introducing old and new clients to a new era of Best Practice travel solutions.

Alshamel can be found on stand 320 at BTS. Madinat Arena, Dubai. October 25th and 26th 2010

Some people say that it actually takes the body one day per time zone that we cross to fully recover ! That is great as I calculate that I am now on a 12 hour flight that crosses 6 time zones all for a 6 day trip ! So my body will have just recovered by the time I am boarding my return journey !

This is why it is so important to actually minimise the affects jet lag has on us, after all if you are travelling on business you need to arrive fresh and ready for the heavy schedule, if you are on vacation, well you deserve every minute you can get right ?! Here we will look at a few ideas, that should help to ease the strain.

With increased air traffic a lot of airlines especially on their long haul services have actually introduced twice daily flights, one which normally departs in the evening and another the daytime. The airlines will sell you the advantages of both and it is true that they both do have very strong support. However, it very much depends which direction you are travelling in, and whether you are an active flyer or a ‘wake me up when we land’ sort. Let’s use the Hong Kong to London route as an example, which a lot of airlines offer two flights a day. If you leave in the evening you will arrive in London in the early morning however if you take the daytime service you will arrive late evening in London.

This means with the daytime service you have 13 hours or so to fill, sleeping is not really advisable as you will need to do that when you arrive in London in the evening. As we all know airline movies can be good but the chances are if you travel frequently, or watch movies a lot then you may have already seen most of them. You can work of course but does the airline you are flying with have laptop electric supplies, otherwise you may be restricted to a couple of hours or so ? This is where the initial problem lies, because if you do fall asleep then chances are you will find it difficult to get to sleep that evening in London, this would then worsen the jet lag effect and possibly ruin the next day for you, due to fatigue.

The opposite is of course true for the evening service, you can sleep as you are aided by the fact that your body clock is saying that you should. Then when you awake you will hopefully be refreshed and ready to work after a nice hot shower.

Today, airlines are going out of their way to ensure that you have a comfortable flight, and that you arrive as fresh as possible, at the other end. The leading airlines offer a total bed experience, which is where the seat will go all the way back flat, duvets, and pillows are offered, plus pygamas etc. This is now par for the course in First Class with Singapore Airlines and British Airways being among the first to offer it. Virgin is also in the process of installing seat/beds, and being Virgin they are taking it one step further and will have double/seat beds for those that would like a bit of a cuddle ! The airlines also offer arrival lounges compared to the standard departure lounge, which are for first and business class passengers. These arrival lounges have full shower facilities, so that you can arrive and freshen up without even having left the airport ! All these services are a great help but what is there that you can do to help yourself ?

Firstly avoid alcohol in flight, with the pressurized air in the cabin your body dehydrates substantially, and alcohol affects the body clock by not giving you a full and refreshing sleep. In fact, try to drink as much water as possible. Just ask the steward (ess) for a large bottle and keep it by your seat so you can take sips whenever you want.

Drinking a lot of water will also help in other ways. It is highly recommended to move around when in-flight, walk up and down the plane, do dome stretching exercises, to keep the blood circulating, and stop the joints from stiffening.

While seated, swirl your ankles around from time to time.

Again, depending on which direction you are travelling whether east or west, and how much sleep you require, you should set your watch to the local time of your destination as you board, and sleep according to that. This helps your body to start the change in its body clock, which is so important when combating jet lag. Let’s say for example that you are flying from Bangkok to Paris, then when you board the plane you should set your clock to Paris time and try not to sleep until it is close to sleeping time in Paris.

When you do arrive at your destination, and it is day time, try not to go to sleep, no matter how tired you are. Instead try to go outdoors and into the sunshine if possible, this helps to alter your body clock, and will mean you will be back to normal a lot quicker. One of the first hotels to offer a jet lag service was the Okura Hotel in Tokyo. They would offer the guests, a special bright light in their rooms, special food designed to help the body clock, massages and a whole load of other things, all so that you could be refreshed and ready to go as soon as possible.

If you can’t resist and your eyelids are drooping and you feel more and more tired, then set you alarm for four hours time, have a very hot bath, and then jump into bed.

Sweet dreams and happy travelling !

Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express. Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company’s logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel. Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.

Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave?

You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are traveling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals. They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone. They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country. They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country. They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations. They’ll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank’s system. They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees. They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United States and will be valid in all the countries where you’ll be traveling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.

They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations. You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

Should I use my ATM card while traveling?

Yes, you’ll have access to cash during your trip so you won’t have to take as much cash with you and using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries. The ATM will issue money in local currency.

You should exchange at the bank’s wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges. Don’t wait until you’re out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

What should I know about using travelers checks?

If the particular brand of travelers checks are accepted in the country you’ll be visiting. How widely they are accepted within the countries you’ll be visiting. Any fees for purchasing and using the travelers checks.

The travelers check company’s loss, replacement and refund policies.

How can I protect my travelers checks while traveling?

Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash. Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travelers checks. You’ll also need to make copies of your travelers checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information.

• The serial numbers of the travelers checks.
• The denomination of the travelers checks.
• The date and location of their purchase.
• The phone number to call to report them missing.

It is a favorite vacation destination and attracts millions of tourists to the area each year from all over the world. The city’s phenomenal growth was brought about by its equable climate, which attracts people from all over the world.

Activities & Entertainment

L.A. caters to the unique desires of each one with unparalleled diversity and countless entertainment options. There truly is something for everyone around this city. Take a tour through the world of the rich and famous in Beverly Hills, find the classic California surfing lifestyle at Huntington Beach, or follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole into the funky and eclectic world of Venice Beach, visit Universal Studios, Disneyland, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles and other iconic Southern California landmarks.

Visitors to the L.A. area can find just about any type of attraction, from world-class museums (the Getty, LACMA, the Norton Simon) to family-oriented amusement parks (Disneyland and Magic Mountain, both within easy driving distance). Tourists interested in L.A.’s Tinseltown can stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, inspecting marble stars inlaid into the sidewalks and celebrity handprints outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The Hollywood History Museum, the Hollywood Entertainment Museum and the Paley Center for Media offer inside looks at the entertainment industry.

In Los Angeles, “the industry” means more than movies. Nightlife dominates in many parts of the city, including the live music palaces along the Sunset Strip and clubs of Silver Lake. Find everything from Hollywood hot spots to Santa Monica sports bars, including live rock clubs, hip-hop havens, salsa dance halls, comedy showcases and neighborhood bars.

The performing arts play a major role in Los Angeles’ cultural identity. There are over 1,000 musical, theater, dance, and performing groups.  According to statistics there are more than 1,100 annual theatrical productions and 21 openings every week.” The Los Angeles Music Center is one of the three largest performing arts complexes in the nation. The Walt Disney Concert Hall, the centerpiece of the Music Center, is home to the prestigious Los Angeles Philharmonic. Notable organizations such as Center Theatre Group and the Los Angeles Master Chorale along with the rising Los Angeles Opera are also resident companies of the Music Center. Talent is locally cultivated at premier institutions such as the Colburn School and the USC Thornton School of Music.

Located south of L.A, in the seaside city of Long Beach, Aquarium of the Pacific is a sparkling aquarium and it is far less populated than the more famous fish tank up in Monterey. Nevertheless, it’s one of the Los Angeles area’s best bets for a great time. Its 17 major tanks and 30 smaller tanks can be taken in an afternoon, and along the way there are some amazing specimen to be found in an ocean of more than 12,000 species. There is an iridescent jellyfish exhibit, a rare dragonfish that has to be seen to believe, and an array of toothy mammals in the Shark Lagoon, where one can get up close and personal with the feared predators.

With multiple whale watching cruises departing daily from Newport Beach, Newport Landing is one of the leading providers of Southern California Whale Watching tours. For over 20 years, this Orange County-based company has been leading individuals, students, corporate groups and private parties out onto the waters of the Laguna Beach coastline to watch many species of whales, dolphins and other marine life in the sparkling waters they call home. A 96% success rate viewing whales and/or dolphin speaks highly to the skills of their whale watching ship’s captain. These Los Angeles whale watching cruises are thrilling and unique experiences that can appeal to groups of all ages, and approachable pricing options include individual ticket prices and group package prices.

The Santa Barbara Zoo features 600 animals representing over 180 species. With more than 16 acres of animal habitats, visitors can view everything from traditional zoo favorites like lions, monkeys and bears to more rare and endangered animals like the Red Panda, the Amur Leopard, the Channel Island Fox, white-handed gibbons and more. Exciting exhibits give visitors a chance to learn the details of many animals. If you’re a fan of all things creepy and crawly, make sure to check out the EEEWW! Hair Raising Helpers from Around the World exhibit to see critters like pink toe tarantulas, the emperor scorpions, pythons and hissing cockroaches and to learn how they play a role in improving the quality of human life.

Events

Let it never be said that one can be bored in Los Angeles. Just a glimpse at the schedule of Los Angeles festivals reveals one of the largest Halloween festivals in the country, the Newport Harbor Christmas boat parade, the massive Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire, the oldest running indoor hot rod show in the country, an entire festival dedicated to the creamy green wonder that is guacamole, Brazilian street carnivals, jazz festivals, a lobster festival, art festivals, film festivals galore and cultural gatherings that draw more attendance than the countries they represent. Seriously, with over 400 Los Angeles festivals populating the schedule, boredom only comes to those who aren’t willing to leave their homes.

Annual Long Beach Sea Festival (July – September): Dozens of activities are scheduled at beach areas throughout Long Beach, including the Chinese Dragon Boat Race and the Great Sand Sculpture event. There are aquatics-oriented events for the entire family!

Los Angeles County Fair (September – October): The L.A County Fair, held in Pomona is the world’s largest county fair. Tons of music, sideshows and rides head up this country-themed celebration, but horse races, cultural exhibits, farming demonstrations and an art museum also serve up exceptional entertainment. Past performers at the Los Angeles County Fair’s Concert Series have included Willie Nelson and Earth, Wind & Fire. Festivalgoers are sure to find a memorable keepsake at the fair’s eclectic marketplace.

Halloween in Los Angeles (October): It’s only natural that a city filled with special effects make-up artists goes all out for Halloween. Halloween in LA offers something for all visitors, whether you’re looking for a family adventure or something more adult oriented.

Los Angeles International Film Festival (November) : Autumn’s LA International Film Festival, sponsored by the American Film Institute, screens over 70 feature films, plus almost as many shorts and music videos. Though the films are there to be judged by L.A. professionals, the film festival is open to the public. Festival screenings show at the Directors Guild of America, the Laemmle Sunset 5 and several other venues.

Shopping

The largest manufacturing area in the western U.S. and home to many top designers, Los Angeles ranks as a global fashion center. Add to that the goods streaming into the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports — the fifth busiest shopping complex in the world — and you’ve got the ingredients for a world-class shopping spree. One classic Los Angeles experience is a cruise down Melrose. Nearby, boutiques cluster along Third Avenue, Beverly Boulevard, La Brea Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard. For more compact browsing, there’s the old-school Beverly Center, a three-story mall anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, and the Grove, mall King Rick Caruso’s village-style outdoor shopping center. Downtown’s Los Angeles Fashion District is heaven for bargain-seekers. Its polar opposite can be found on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.

Aside from clothes, you can buy a lot of souvenirs from this city: key chains, mugs, shots, picture frames, trophy and awards’ statues, memorabilia and movie stills.

Climate

Los Angeles weather is generally warm and pleasant all year round. Protected from extremes of temperature and humidity by the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains, and influenced by the warm, moist air from the Pacific, its summers are dry and sunny and winters cool and wet. Offshore breezes cool the beach communities during the hot summer months, but inland temperatures can rise to well over 32C, especially in the numerous canyons and valleys of the area. Smog often gathers in low-lying areas and sometimes the hot, dusty Santa Ana winds blow in strongly from the surrounding mountains.

Type of Vacation

Family

Adventure

Arts

Currency

The Dollar

Toronto is a global city, exerting significant regional, national, and international influence, and is one of the world’s most multicultural and ethnically diverse cities: 41% of the population was born outside of Canada. Toronto is one of the country’s most important cultural, art, and health sciences centers. Over 100 different languages are spoken within the city. In January 2005, it was designated by the federal government as one of Canada’s cultural capitals.

Activities & Entertainment

For over 48 years, Niagara Helicopters has been thrilling visitors from all over the world with the highest, longest, most scenic view of Niagara Falls. Flightseeing tours showcase the Whirlpool Rapids, American Falls, and majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Located 775 feet above Niagara Falls, the Skylon Tower features a world famous revolving dining room and summit suite buffet dining room, ride-to-the-top and indoor/outdoor observation decks. Indoor amusement area and gift shops and boutiques are also on site.

The world’s one and only, voted “Toronto’s Top Appeal Attraction” by Zagat Survey. Experience the game that defines Canada and a sport that has been adopted by over 80 countries. Home of the Stanley Cup, the Hockey Hall of Fame has something for everyone: state-of-the-art games, interactive exhibits, larger-than-life statues, replica dressing room and rink zone, theatres, extraordinary gift shop, and hockey’s most precious artifacts. For a limited time, come to the Hockey Hall of Fame and touch the golden puck that united a nation – Sidney Crosby’s overtime winner.

Take an intimate look at one of the world’s oldest forms of art and material culture, the Gardiner Museum. The Museum’s collection spans continents and time, giving a glimpse into the development of ceramic process, decoration and form. Winner of multiple architectural awards, the Museum houses “Toronto’s Best Gift Shop” (Vogue), and cafe by celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy.

Designed to educate and inspire, Toronto Botanical Garden offers an array of 12 award-winning themed gardens spanning nearly four acres. You’ll also find a complete range of innovative indoor and outdoor learning experiences for all ages including programs, garden tours, nature day camps, and an extensive horticultural library. The LEED Silver Certified Building with its energy-efficient sloping green roof showcases environmental sustainability and architectural beauty. Don’t forget to visit the garden shop or seasonal café before you leave!

Summer fun all year long! The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is 3 acres of family water fun directly across from the Falls. Offering direct indoor connections to 3 hotels, the Sheraton on the Falls, The Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview and the Skyline Inn, the waterpark is ideal for fun filled family getaways. Standing eight stories high the waterpark dominates the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex and features: 16 thrilling slides up to six stories high, a giant wave pool, two oversized adult only Jacuzzis, the “Beach House” Mammoth Aqua Play Area, Tiny Tots Splash Park, an outdoor sun deck and activity pool, Planet Hollywood Beach Club food court, Arcade and much more.

Discover the other side of Toronto – cruising through the scenic Harbor and Islands. This one hour narrated sightseeing cruise includes breathtaking views of Canada’s most dynamic city. An optional stop on the islands allows you to enjoy the gardens, walking paths, beaches, amusement park, bike rentals, and restaurants of the islands.

Events

Winterlicious (January – February): Experience a series of mouth-watering culinary events and indulge in creative cuisine from around the world at great prix fixe value with the ever popular Winterlicious. Try something new, try something exotic, try something traditional or try it all during this savory, luscious, and succulent series hosted by more than 100 of Toronto’s top restaurants.

Luminato Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity (June): Luminato has taken centre stage as the world’s newest international multidisciplinary arts festival encompassing a broad spectrum of creative expression including music, dance, theatre, film, literature, visual arts and lectures. Discover a world of creativity at Luminato with free events all over the city as well as ticketed shows and events.

Mississauga Waterfront Festival (June): Spend some great family time at the beautiful and world-class waterfront park, the Port Credit Memorial Park in Mississauga. Enjoy a colourful carnival, outdoor concerts; from Sam Roberts to The Backyardigans, theatre and a petting zoo. This festival was created to celebrate the importance of families in communities, so be sure not to miss this event for kids of all ages.

Scotiabank Caribana (June – July): Feel de vibe at Caribana Festival – an exciting cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts. In its 43rd year it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. Toronto comes alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands.

Canadian National Exhibition (August – September): This annual fair is fun for the entire family. Midway rides bring chills and thrills. The National Trade Centre boasts an International Marketplace with goods spanning the globe along with innovative products. Horse shows and dog shows entertain both young and old. Step right up and try your hand at a game of chance to win your sweetie a plush toy. The Ex culminates with the thrilling and crowd pleasing Air Show that fills the sky with a range of exciting aircrafts and planes, including the iconic Snowbirds. A terrific way to cap the summer!

Santa Claus Parade (November): The Santa Claus Parade has been a Toronto tradition since 1905. Fantastic animated floats leave the corner of Christie and Bloor Street West in the company of two dozen marching bands and a couple of thousand costumed participants, cheered along by excited kids.

Shopping

Take home a piece of Canada with authentic Canadian souvenirs. Find unique gifts, from First Nations arts and crafts to plenty of locally made gourmet goodies. And you’ll never go wrong with a scrumptious bottle of pure maple syrup.

If bargains and discounts on your favorite name brands make you weak at the knees, you’ll want to visit Toronto’s factory outlet malls. Tons of stores and great deals, all under one roof. Return home the envy of all your friends with unique fashions from the hottest Canadian designers. The Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood, with stores like Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen and many exclusive boutiques, is a great place to slip into something chic.

Choose from glamorous designer jewelry, custom-made pieces and creative “avant-garde” styles you’ve never seen before. You won’t have to search far for these dazzling treasures, located all over Toronto.

Climate

Tales of igloos and sub-zero temperatures might be used to describe other cities in Canada, but not Toronto. Toronto is on the same latitude as Cannes on the sunny Riviera. In fact, Lake Ontario serves to moderate Toronto’s weather to the point that its climate is one of the mildest in Canada. Generally speaking, spring and summer temperatures range from 15 C to 25C. During winter months, the average daytime temperature, with the exception of January, the coldest month, hovers just slightly below freezing and a snowfall of more than 10 cm (four inches) is unusual.

Type of Vacation

Skiing

Sports

Beach

Family

One Canadian dollar is around $ 0.98