Travel

5 Fun Places To Visit In Western Europe

Published

6 years ago

January 26, 2018

Parts of Canada are often referred to as being distinctly more European than the United States, having perhaps retained more cultural influence from colonial days. Some even go so far as to label Montréal the Paris of North America! That might be going a little bit far, but the parallel is no doubt appreciated. Because of the connection between Europe and Canada, however, a trip to Western Europe can be a very appealing idea. The obvious places to visit – London, Paris and the like – don’t really need any more promotion. But these are some other ideas to keep on your list.

Nice, France

Nice is not exactly an obscure vacation destination. Though in the shadow of Paris, it’s probably fair to say that most other great French destinations go at least partially overlooked. This is a picturesque city on the French Riviera, which is essentially to say the Mediterranean coast of France. Originally founded by the Greeks, it’s become as nice a modern seaside city as any in Europe.

As you might expect, the main draws in Nice are on the coast. While the city itself has plenty to offer, various parks, markets, and monuments along the actual coastline are the main attractions. Castle Hill is a popular sightseeing stop, essentially the vague ruin of a hillside castle overlooking the water. The Old Town, in this case, called the Vieille Ville, is just a block up from the coastline, and as is true in many older European cities, is well worth walking through. And the Cours Saleya is a food and flower market that’s on the beachfront end of Vieille Ville and is always buzzing with tourists and locals alike. Plus, as you might assume, the coast itself is incredible. Strolling the promenade in the early evening – perhaps after a cocktail and before a nice dinner – is one of the nicer things you can do in France.

Porto, Portugal

From a tourism perspective, Portugal can seem to exist in the shadow of Spain, and even those who do aim to visit Portugal often aim for wine country in Douro, or the capital of Lisbon. Thus, Porto can be missed, and it really ought not to be. It’s a pretty city straddling the Douro River and makes for a great relaxing retreat. The Dom Luis Bridge is perhaps the most noteworthy attraction in town, having been designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (the man who built the Eiffel Tower). Beyond the bridge, however, this is a town for excellent local wines, fresh seafood, and low-key relaxation. You can tour cathedrals, walk through the gardens, and layout on the nearby beaches, and chances are you’ll leave with a far deeper appreciation of Portugal.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

Newcastle is a city with a lot of character, known largely for its shipbuilding history, its iconic walking bridge, and the football club Newcastle United. However, it’s also noteworthy because of its close proximity to some of England’s finest ancient castles, which make for an incredible tour.

If you haven’t seen them before it can almost be hard to remember that European castles are very real, and have been around for hundreds of years. We see castles in films and television shows, and we battle through them in games. There’s an online slot game for that matter in which building the most impressive castle can win you the heart of the princess. That just about sums up our romantic feelings toward European castles and the era they represent. It’s a fun fantasy, but it obscures the even more sensational reality of thick, towering fortresses dotted all around Europe. Near Newcastle, you can see and tour Warkworth Castle (an ancient but imposing ruin), Alnwick Castle (a gorgeous structure dating back to the 11th century), and Bamburgh Castle. All of them are just north of Newcastle, and they’re among the very best castles you can see in England.

Frankfurt, Germany

Here again we have a fascinating city that is simply less prominent than some of its national counterparts (such as Berlin and Munich). Nowadays, Frankfurt is best known for two things: its World War II history (the city was greatly damaged) and its status as one of the major financial hubs of Europe. The former will certainly appeal to history lovers, though the latter isn’t exactly a tourism draw.

Nevertheless, Frankfurt is a surprisingly strong sightseeing destination. The 14th century St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, a Gothic monument in red sandstone, is every bit as impressive as some of Europe’s more famous religious buildings, and The Romberg (the Old Town centre square) has fairytale charm. In addition to outdoor sightseeing, Frankfurt also offers some of the best museums in Germany, including the Museum of Ancient Sculpture, the Museum of World Cultures, and Senckenberg Natural History Museum.

Bruges, Belgium

And then there’s Bruges, a medieval town in Belgium that may be best known internationally via the film In Bruges. It’s a hit man film starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson that makes a real attempt to explore the city via its storytelling. As one review put it, the camera lingers lovingly over scenery that looks awfully pretty…. It’s true that the film paints an appealing picture of the city, even if the subject matter is violent. We see old cobblestone creeks, bleakly beautiful canals, and most of all the famous bell tower that reaches into the sky from the market square (and which plays a major role in the story). The film is actually a pretty good tourist pitch. Bruges isn’t a city packed with super specific attractions or things to do. But it happens to be one of the better-preserved medieval cities in Europe, and that makes it special just to walk and spend time there.

Up Next

A Royal Welcome at the Moon Palace Jamaica

Don't Miss

Puerto Rico recovered and ready to reopen December 20th

TOCaribNews

Click to comment

Travel

Antigua & Barbuda Welcomes More Canadians as Air Canada Adds New Flights

Published

2 years ago

October 10, 2022

TOCaribNews

St. John’s, Antigua – The dual-island destination of Antigua & Barbuda is seeing an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season. Beginning today, October 8th, a new offering of flights from Air Canada is expected to help realize a recovery to pre-pandemic airlift levels in the Canadian market.

The Air Canada flight arrived this afternoon carrying 106 passengers from Toronto and the aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute. Passengers were also greeted by cultural dancers and music and small token welcome gifts.

“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”

As noted, the rollout of the new service begins today with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (ANU). Service will continue to ramp up to meet the traditional demand of the holiday season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.

Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can look forward to once-a-week direct flights (YUL to ANU) beginning December 23rd.

The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination’s latest travel advisory, which has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry. While a successful strategy of mass vaccinations and proactive public awareness campaigns has kept COVID-19 infection levels low, visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather. You can read the latest travel advisory here.

“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said Mr. James. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”

Travel

Gambling Regulations In Canada And The Caribbean: What You Need To Know

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2022

TOCaribNews

There are several trusted licensing authorities that oversee land-based and online gambling in the Caribbean, and in Canada, it’s all overseen in each province by the local provincial government. You also have the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is situated on an Indian land reserve in Quebec.

This trusted licensing authority is independent of Canada, and it’s part of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory government. At one time, it was the licensing authority in the whole of North America, prior to US states regulating online casino gambling. Here is a look at gambling regulations in Canadian and the Caribbean and what you need to know as a player.

Are online casinos in Canada licensed by the Canadian government?

In Canada, gambling at online casinos is legal, and the gambling operator that’s based in that province must be licensed by the local provincial government’s licensing agency. For example, in Ontario, gambling is monitored and regulated by iGaming Ontario, which is a subsidiary of AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

In other words, to legally operate an online casino in Ontario, an operator must have first obtained a license from iGaming Ontario. However, there’s still nothing stopping a foreign operator that’s based outside of Canadian borders from aiming their business toward Ontario citizens because they fall outside of Canadian jurisdiction. One of the other major licensing authorities that has issued licenses to hundreds of online casinos is the previously mentioned Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Because the regulation and licensing of online casinos and other similar real money gambling sites is still relatively new in Canada, it’s why you will see that many of today’s best Ontario casino sites are licensed outside of Canada, by one or more other reputable licensing authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, or the Malta Gaming Authority.

How is online gambling regulated in the Caribbean?

There are several different gambling regulators/licensing authorities in the Caribbean, but these are often referred to as ‘rubber stamp’ licensing authorities. For example, you have the Directorate of Offshore Gaming in Antigua and Barbuda, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority in the Anjouan and Comoros Islands, and the Curaçao Ministry of Justice in Curaçao (the former Netherlands Antilles).

While not all online casinos that have obtained a license from one of these authorities can be classed as ‘rogue casinos’, the best thing to do would be to stick to playing at the sites that are licensed either by a provincial Canadian government licensing authority or by one of the others mentioned above (e.g., by the UK Gambling Commission – one of the most trusted online gambling regulators in the world).

Why sign up to a casino that’s licensed by a provincial Canadian government or the Malta Gaming Authority?

These reputable authorities don’t just hand out a license to any old operator that has the cash to buy one. They heavily vet their licensees and carry out the necessary due diligence prior to issuing a license. They have the best legal framework in place, and they only license the most trusted operators. Should an issue arise at a casino that’s licensed in one of these jurisdictions (which is highly unlikely), you would have the proper legal backing that you, as a player, deserve. In other words, your complaint or issue will not go unanswered and will be resolved within a relatively short period of time.

Travel

11 Fun Vacation Ideas That Will Keep You Entertained

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2022

TOCaribNews

When it comes to taking a vacation, many people think they need to go somewhere exotic to have a good time. This is not always the case! Plenty of fun vacation ideas will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. This blog post will discuss 11 different vacations you can take without spending a lot of money. So whether you are looking for an adventure or want to relax on the beach, we have you covered!

Hiking and camping

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hiking and camping are great options. There are many trails all over the world that you can explore. And if you camp in an RV or tent, it will be even cheaper! This is a great way to get in touch with nature and see fantastic sights.

Try your hand at gambling

Gambling doesn’t always mean going to a casino—there are many different ways to gamble, and not all require money. You can play card games or bet on sports games with friends. You may wager on sports, horse races, and other events from anywhere with just a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You should give it a chance now that single-game betting in Ontario is legal in different provinces. Numerous online betting firms provide bonuses and incentives, and the whole idea of gambling is to have fun.

Visit a national park

Another excellent option for those who love the outdoors is to visit a national park. There are parks throughout the United States and in many other countries. This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places on earth without spending a lot of money. Many parks offer free or discounted admission days, so check out before going.

Take a road trip

A road trip is another great vacation idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can explore different parts of your country or even take an international trip! Just be sure to plan your route and budget accordingly. And don’t forget to pack snacks and games for the car ride.

Have a staycation

If you are short on time or money, a staycation is always an option. This is where you spend your vacation at home or in a nearby city. There are many things to do on a staycation, such as visiting local attractions, going out to eat, and seeing movies. You can also use this time to relax at home and catch up on some much-needed rest.

Take an art class

One fun activity you can do on vacation is taking an art class. This is a great way to try something new and connect with your creative side. You can find classes for all different types of art, such as painting, pottery, and photography. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

Visit a museum

Museums are another great option for those who want to learn on vacation. There are museums for different topics, such as history, art, and science. Many museums also offer discounts or free days, so be sure to check that out before you go.

See a live show

Seeing a live show is an excellent option if you are looking for some entertainment on vacation. Depending on your interests, you can see a play, musical, or concert. This is a great way to experience some cultures and see something new.

Visit a theme park

Theme parks are always a popular vacation destination. And there are many different ones to choose from all over the world. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun at a theme park. There are often discounts and promotions available if you plan ahead.

Take a cooking class

One last fun vacation idea is taking a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about new cuisines and get some hands-on experience in the kitchen. You can find cooking classes for all different types of food, such as Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

Visit a winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, visiting a winery is a great option. You can spend your days touring different vineyards, sampling wines, and learning about the wine-making process. And many wineries offer discounts or complimentary tastings if you visit during certain times of the year.

These are just a few of the many fun vacation ideas that you can try. So get out there and start exploring! And don’t forget to have fun!