Celebrate the Holidays French Style Around the World

You say: Christmas, the French say: Noel. Paris is always a top holiday escape destination, but the City of Light is not the only place to have a 'Joyeux Noel'. Here are my other favorite places in the world to celebrate the season with French 'joie de vivre'.By: Lynn Elmhirst, Producer and Host, BestTrip.TV Provence, France:In the wondrous South of...

Warm Up Indoors with 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails in Canada

InterContinental Hotels in Canada are warming up a cold Canadian winter with 12 festive cocktails through the month of December. You can celebrate or commiserate over the winter weather while enjoying flavors of the holidays in style at all three InterContinental hotels in Canada: Toronto Centre, Toronto Yorkville and Montreal. Barchefs at the hotels have created a dozen cocktails marrying seasonal herbs...

Why We Love River Cruising in Europe

We love river cruising. Like all cruise travel, it's a hassle-free way to navigate to multiple destinations and get an overview of a region. You unpack once, really settling in to your ship environment like a home away from home.River cruise ships are small – almost by definition. They're restricted to the size of a ship that can navigate the...

A Father’s Inspiration

I​n my role as a Travel Professional, I have the unique privilege of learning about travellers' experiences and their insights.

It's Just Like a Marriage

Unclear How to Get There? Ask DirectionsMany years ago as we embarked on a backpacking adventure, my travel companion’s exact words were, "It’s just like a marriage.”She had successfully negotiated through previous long journeys with other friends, so I took her advice to heart (as this was a new experience for me).There are a few foundational practices, essential to staying...

Hot & Happening NOW!

The Kootenay forests are showcasing beautiful fall colours. Socks and shoes have replaced summer sandals and flip-flops. Here we go with shorter, crisper days and the approach of winter. A dose of healthy Vitamin D is a perfect prescription for a 5 or 6 month winter season. Here’s a few tidbits you may find helpful if a Sun Getaway is...

Welcome Winter!

  The Winter Solstice this year takes place on Wednesday, December 21st.  The first official day of the winter season, it marks the shortest period of daylight – and longest period of darkness – on the calendar. No wonder cultures and religions around the world created winter solstice festivals that celebrate light.    For many of us these days, the question is: celebrate...

You're Invited!

You’re Invited to JUMP ABOARD! Mountain City Travel has 3 exciting Adventures planned this year. We hope one of these experiences entices you to give us a call or email for  all the juicy details -  or better yet, “Jump aboard!”       Think Southeast Asia is just beautiful, beautiful landscapes? There’s a lot more to it. (Though, the landscapes are indeed...

The Butterflies Vanished

Cold winter weather, a cappuccino, and a good book go hand-in-hand. Maybe it's the cooler-than-norm temperatures that inspired me to pick up Helen Thayer’s POLAR DREAM?  The story is about the first female to ski solo to the magnetic North Pole.  After 2 years of research and planning, Helen embarks on her amazing expedition. Unnerving polar bear encounters fill her with...

An email from St. Nick!

We thought it would be fun to share an email we received last week. It was from the jolly ‘ol guy.  Yes, we actually received an email from St. Nick - Mr. Claus himself! -------------------------------------------------------------------- His letter stated, "I've been extra busy lately and Mrs. Claus is run off her feet. We’ve lined up reindeer-sitters for Rudolph and his team, so we're good-to-go...

Santa's Vacation

We thought it would be fun to share an email we received last week. It was from the jolly ‘ol guy. Yes, we actually received an email from St. Nick - Mr. Claus himself! -------------------------------------------------------------------- His letter stated, "I've been extra busy lately and Mrs. Claus is run off her feet. We’ve lined up reindeer-sitters for Rudolph and his team, so we're...

Hotel Gèeks

  Hotel Gèek. - An enthusiast or expert obsessed with seeing, staying in, and learning all-there-is-to-know about hotels and resorts Hotels. Really?  Who in their right mind is interested in learning about hotels? Mountain City Travel Professional's are. It's our belief that time away from home is more than just sleeping in a different bed. One component of Travel Professionals ongoing education is...

The Great Blue Hole of Belize

Belize has the world's second longest coral reef - with an extraordinary natural feature. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and sometimes is referred to as 'the mother of all caves'.

A Groovy little Beach Town

  Written by Diane Manson   Sayulita is a groovy-little-beach-town found on the Pacific coastline, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. This easygoing town is a mix of local Mexican families, expats and eclectic gringos.  If you’re looking for a change from a Resort-style vacation, this safe, friendly surf town is perfect.  If you’re a foodie, count your blessings. The abundant eateries in Sayulita...

Avoid An Awkward Moment

  Once our clients are booked and begin preparing for their travels, Tipping Etiquette is one of the most asked questions. We are happy to assist, because Tipping definitely differs from the customary North American standards we’re familiar with. My best advice is “know-before-you-go.”  A little research, and guidance from your Travel Professional (wink, wink – that’s us) will help...