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There is something “magical” about Montreal that motivates many visitors to move to this magnificent Canadian city! Located in the eastern Canadian province of Quebec, Montreal was founded back in 1642 and is one of the oldest cities in North America. It also has the second largest population of any Canadian city, with 1,649,519 residents (2011) within the city limits and over 3.8 million people (2011) living in the Montreal metropolitan area. If you travel to Montreal even once, you will soon realize that there is something unique about this sensational city!

Perhaps, the first interesting aspect of Montreal you’ll notice is that it is located on an island (Montreal Island). Almost anywhere you go in Montreal (particularly up on Mount Royal), you will be treated to breathtaking views of the sparkling waters of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers.

Another special characteristic of Montreal is its French-Canadian charm on display through its amazing architecture, as seen in Old Montreal and, of course, the historic and beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica. Your taste buds will be tantalized with the fabulous French-Canadian cuisine Montreal is famous for, while also enjoying the option of other diverse dishes at the city’s many excellent eateries. Of course, with the French language and culture prevalent throughout the city, you’ll feel like you’re in France, yet, be keenly aware that Montreal and the province of Quebec have their own Canadian flair.

If you’re looking for interesting places to explore, Montreal doesn’t disappoint! Be sure to make time to visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art, Canadian Railway Museum, Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, St. Joseph’s Oratory, and Montreal Botanical Gardens. Music-lovers will want to schedule their visit in July so they can “chill” to the smooth sounds of the Montreal Jazz Festival, while the Montreal Symphony Orchestra is known to captivate its audiences with timeless tunes. If you’re a hockey fan (or just want to have an exciting night on the town), the Montreal Canadiens will keep you on the edge of your seat with endless action out on the ice (also check out their Hall of Fame).

Whether gazing at the glimmer of city lights during an evening river cruise or hearing the rhythmic clip-clop of horse hoofs on a relaxing carriage ride, the many pleasant experiences you’ll enjoy in Montreal will entice you to not only return for more, but to strongly consider Canadian immigration! If you are interested in starting the Canada visa assessment process or want to learn more about immigration to Canada, Visit the website: www.canadianvisaexpert.com

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1. When getting around London, public transport can be quite expensive and difficult to navigate. While a taxi can appear simple, cab fares will quickly eat into your budget. Even the London Underground can be costly for lots of short journeys. The most economical mode of transport is the bus, but you need to familiar yourself with what can, at first glance, seem like quite a daunting network. The Transport for London website provides easy instructions for getting from A to B using the buses, with clear guidance on how to find the correct bus and journey times. They also provide printable route maps, showing sections of London and the buses that run there.

2. Of course, the cheapest way is to travel by foot and this is not the challenge it may seem. London is not actually that large; it can be deceptive when you`re hidden away underground. Once above ground you quickly realise that direct routes down small pedestrian roads can get you where you want to be. And walking gives you the time to appreciate the sights and sounds, without them rushing past outside a bus window.

3. Hotel rates are one of the biggest expenses, but as more people are now realising even the best hotels can be left with empty rooms which are wasting them money. There are many websites offering late deals on hotel rooms, which can provide great discounts on the normal advertised rate, if you`re comfortable confirming your plans at short notice.

4. Also, if it works out cheaper to change hotels mid-stay, think of it as a way to discover two different parts of London, without staying fixed in one area.

5. Many of the major tourist attractions in London are funded by a government subsidy, which means they offer free access to the main areas of their display. Some of the oldest and most famous museums and galleries are free to the public, charging only for special exhibits.

6. The tourist attractions that do charge also offer discounted rates in conjunction with partners, such as hotel groups or travel operators. Look out for promotional details on websites or in hotel lobbies. An internet search for offers on particular venues will turn up sites with vouchers that you can print in advance of your visit.

7. Although it can be very tempting to buy something in one of the world-famous shops just to get the carrier bag to show your friends back home, remember that a lot of these outlets trade on their name and mark up their prices accordingly. Most of the gifts you might want to buy will be available in the less well known shops for considerably less.

8. Similarly, many street traders offering everything imaginable with a Union flag stamped on it will have bought the lowest quality goods before adding the image and pushing up the price.

9. When eating in London be aware of the vast increase in prices for specific tourist hot spots. If you can time your visit to these locations to eat before or after, it`s easy to find a far cheaper restaurant or caff, particularly if you go off the beaten track. Head into some less touristy areas, whose main clientele will be the local residents and workers. While you`re there, take the time to soak up the atmosphere of the `real` London.

10. Although some acclaimed West End shows can be prohibitively expensive to the visitor on a budget, these tickets need not empty your wallet. Many theatres offer cheaper seats and, as with hotels, leaving it later to book can reveal some fantastic last-minute discounts. Special offers like these can be found at the Dominion theatre. If you don`t have a particular show in mind but are open to discovering something new, this can be the best way to find a theatre bargain.

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With the current economic downturn many of us are starting to feel the pinch and cutting back on our nights out. However this need not be the case as there are many ways that you can have a great night out without it costing you the earth. Here are some top tips on how to have a great night out on a shoestring budget.

For those who are prepared to go out during the working week then there are usually deals to be had on meals at restaurants. During the week many restaurants offer two for one deals on their main courses or set menus for a set price. Restaurants can often be less crowded during the week so you will most likely receive better service and have a much more pleasant experience. Couples dining during the week may find the experience much more romantic as there are fewer people around.

The cinema is always a great place to have a night out. If you pick a later showing then you can always eat at home before going saving you money on snacks whilst watching the film. Cinema tickets are also cheaper during the week and many cinemas have specific days of the week when they offer special deals on their prices.

In the evenings there are many art galleries that offer viewing of new artists or collections. These viewing are often free and usually there are nibbles and champagne available. Art galleries often advertise these viewing when they highlight the work of a particular artist that they are currently exhibiting. Many galleries have email or mailing lists that they use to invite guests to special viewing so signing up to be on the mailing list may provide you with a free night out.

There are many ways to reduce the costs of going out for a traditional night out. Eating a large filling meal at home before going out to a pub or nightclub can often mean that you do not get the munchies half way through your night out, saving you money on expensive bar food. Another good way to save money is to intersperse your alcoholic drinks with a drink of tap water. This way you will end up less merry at the end of the night, meaning you will feel better in the morning and you will have more money in your pocket.

During weeknights there are often cheap Box Office theatre tickets available for those who are willing to see any show. If you go onto a theatres standby list then you can often obtain unsold tickets, or tickets that become available last minute, at a discounted price.
 

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A travel visa is an official travel document that indicates the holder has permission to enter, or transit through, a country. Travel visas may be glued or stamped into a passport or issued separately. Travel visa requirements vary widely from country to country around the world, so it is important to find out if you need a visa before you leave and, if so, when and where to apply and how much it will cost.

Some countries allow you to visit for short holidays without a visa, some allow you to obtain a visa at the airport on arrival and others require that you have a visa before you arrive in the country. It is important to check exact visa requirements with the nearest embassy of the country you will be visiting to avoid disappointment.

British holidaymakers can visit Canada for short periods without a visa, whilst in the United States they can take advantage of the Visa Waiver Programme. The Programme allows British citizens to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure. Holidaymakers should register through the ESTA website 72 hours or more before departure and pay a fee of US$14 by credit card.

Moving into Central and South America, visitors to Mexico do not need a visa, but do need to complete an immigration form, which can be obtained from the Mexican Embassy in London or on arrival in Mexico. The situation in Chile is similar, with British passport holders only needing to complete an immigration form for holidays less than 90 days.

British holidaymakers visiting Kenya, on the other hand, do need a visa. Visas can be obtained, in person or by post, from the Kenya High Commission in London or at the airport on arrival. To qualify for a visa, travellers must have a passport valid for at least six months from their date of entry to Kenya and with at least one unused page for endorsement. A single entry visa costs £30 and can be obtained within three to seven working days depending on whether the application is made in person or by post.

Australia offers two types of electronic visitor visas for British citizens. The first type, known as an eVisitor visa, is available free of charge from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. The second type, known as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is available from travel agents and airlines at a cost of A$20.

Even in exotic Asian locations, such as Japan and Burma, there are no hard and fast rules regarding visas. British nationals can visit Japan for up to three months for tourism purposes without a visa. Burma, on the other hand, requires British nationals to apply for a visa from the nearest Burmese Embassy well in advance of their departure date. Applicants must take, or send, their passport to the Burmese Embassy along with a completed visa application form and a cheque or postal order for £14.

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Hiring a car can be useful in a number of situations – you might need a way to get around while on holiday, or require a replacement vehicle while the car you own is being repaired. But renting the first car you see without much in the way of prior consideration can lead to a poor decision.

Your first step is to assess the kind of car you need to hire and this decision depends on what you`ll be doing and who`s involved. Obviously the more passengers you have the more room you`ll require and so a small car may not cut it in this respect; a sedan model is probably more in line with your needs. Think too about the journey and how you`ll use the car over the time you`ve got it for. If you`re making a long journey, a reliable model is the better choice than a sports car that looks great but isn`t made for a meandering trek across a continent.

Knowing the smaller things you want out of a hired car can help too. Some people really don`t care if they`ve got a radio or CD player installed, or perhaps whether the vehicle comes with a SatNav, but if this will be an issue for you, ensure you check before you make the deal that you`re getting the extras you need. Car contents may not live up to your expectations and in most cases you`ll just have to deal with this. However, if you`ve got small children and are concerned the baby seat won`t be good enough, bring your own rather than compromising your child`s safety.

Paperwork is important when signing up for any deal and when hiring a car, while the paperwork shouldn`t be too extensive, make sure you know what you`re getting. If you want to register a second driver, check that`s included as you sign the papers even if you`ve already indicated when initially contacting the car hire company that you want to add an extra person.

Paperwork around car hire also includes small print. This is necessary text and you should read it before signing. One issue that could arise for example involves mileage. If the company you`re hiring from doesn`t include unlimited mileage on their vehicles, this will be a problem if you`re making a long, cross-country trip. This information will be in the small print, however.

Finally, you should take a moment to check over budget hire cars before you drive off from the place of hire. You`ll hopefully see any obvious problems at this point as you observe the car`s general condition and check that everything that should be there is. Ask the hire company about any fuel policies or other issues that may apply, too.

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Whether you are planning a business trip or a family holiday, travelling can be a stressful affair. The tensions can begin from the initial planning right up to the time your time of departure. However, the majority of travel nightmares are caused by a lack of careful planning. Therefore, setting yourself realistic goals and doing some careful planning will ensure your travelling can be a stress-free experience for both you and the rest of the family.

From the start, it is always a good idea to set up a special travel folder: Store all your related papers in a dedicated folder, making sure to include copies of passports and insurance documents. In addition, it is advisable to write up a detailed itinerary that includes flight numbers, departure and arrival times in addition to hotel addresses and contact numbers.

Nowadays of course, you can do the majority of your planning using a single travel site. Indeed, more often than not, using the Net to book your vacation is a one stop affair. A decent travel site can give you all the help you need to ensure your trip is planned down to the smallest detail.

They can advise you on travel insurance, for example, because while travel insurance is essential to most trips and in fact it can often be relatively inexpensive, insurance plans have to be thoroughly understood in order that ambiguities are avoided. Generally speaking, travel insurance can provide security by reimbursing you any losses that are incurred in the event of cancellations or delays. In addition, many policies will provide cover for lost baggage or personal belongings.

Once you have made all the necessary bookings, the next step will be to draw up a list of everything you will need to pack. Naturally, much will depend on how long your trip is going to last in addition to the type of place you are travelling to. However, whether you are off on an exotic vacation or a weekend trip to the home of some relatives the basics of packing remain much the same. Take as many items as possible that can be used again and again and ensure your bags are packed so they don`t cause a strain while you`re travelling.

During the actual travel itself, there are one or two things you can do to keep the stresses to a minimum. The most important point is to look after yourself. Get up and stretch for a bit if you are on a long flight or road trip. Make sure you eat properly, drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and ensure you get a good night`s sleep the day before departure. Once you have arrived, give yourself plenty of time to recover before going on any excursions.

Finally, travelling to the airport in the first place can be pain in itself. Avoid huge taxi fares and unreliable public transport by taking your car and leaving it at the airport. Most airports have on-site car parks. For example, Birmingham Airport parking provides a simple way to ensure your car is safely stored and ready for you to collect on your return, making sure that all important final trip back home doesn`t ruin that relaxed mood your stress-free holiday has induced.

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Choosing a holiday wardrobe takes careful planning. Gone are the days where we can take a huge suitcase on a plane and bring items we don’t even end up wearing. With increased baggage fees common place you need to make sure you only take what is needed. More and more people are booking flights and hotels themselves rather than choosing a package deal, this means that you may need to find your own way to the hotel. If you are going to more than one location you will also be doing more travelling and in both these instances, the less baggage the better. Always remember, you are likely to return with more than you left with, so you really need to pack minimally.

Obviously you can’t go on holiday without the essentials. Number one essential is of course, swimwear. Choose wisely; think about swimwear that can double up with your clothing. It may feel great to swim in speedos but a pair of swimming shorts is more appropriate for lunch. Same for women, skimpy may look good on the beach but you might want a bikini which doubles up as a top with a skirt.

For women, you will need everyday clothing that can also works at night. Lightweight and on trend wraparound dresses are a clever idea as they can be dressed down over a bikini, with a pair of flip flops by day and dressed up with some heels and lippy by night. Simplicity is the key factor here. For men, if you are planning on going out, then one or two casual shirts will be best. Shirts that work by day for lunch and by night with trousers are ideal. Trousers for men are what really take up the space, so pack only one or two pairs and locate a launderette early on in your holiday, they can often have clothes washed, dried and ironed for you within 24 hours.

You don’t want to hear this, but it might rain. Rather than pack a big heavy coat, just take a jumper or cardigan and a raincoat. Raincoats don`t take up much space and cardies are also prefect in case the evenings get a little chilly.

It is your holiday though and you want to look your best. Choosing a few good quality items will mean you feel great in what you’re wearing even if your selection is small. Animal surf clothing offers a good selection of beachwear for men and women. “Less is more” is the key mantra for modern day packing, just be sure not to forget your trunks.

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Finding the right accommodation can make or break a holiday. No matter how wonderful the destination, if you don`t have a nice place to stay in when you get there then your holiday can be ruined. However, the internet has now revolutionized how we plan and book our holidays. In the past, people would book a hotel based on `word of mouth` or a travel agent`s recommendation. The internet has created a global community in which people are easily able to communicate their likes and dislikes

Price-comparison websites combine the power of the internet with the effectiveness of `word of mouth`. These websites are impartial by their very nature. There is no better reviewer than the average customer, as they have no agenda and so are able judge a hotel or villa honestly on its merits. The user-generated content facility and the rating system represent everything that is good about social media. It has never been as easy to share information so quickly and efficiently.

The ratings applications found on price-comparison websites are integral to their popularity. The fact that a rating is based on the experiences of thousands of different people offers the best and most honest assessment of the merits of a location. Many websites also allow searches for accommodation to be refined so that a potential customer can query everything from price to location. This kind of customisation eliminates a lot of time and effort for those looking for the right villa or hotel.

Deciding Where to Stay
When deciding whether you want to stay in a villa or a hotel, there are a few key factors that need to be considered. Both hotels and villas have different strengths.

A hotel is great if you enjoy socialising. A central part of the hotel experience is getting to know other people in a relaxed environment. As well as this, a hotel can be ideal if you want a break from the drudgery of domestic life. Many people enjoy a week or two away from doing the cooking, washing or cleaning up.

On the other hand, a villa might be preferable if you enjoy privacy and have the impulse to just get away from it all. Many villas are in secluded locations, while for obvious reasons not many hotels are. They provide a great way to recharge the batteries and enjoy a little personal time for rest and relaxation. The right villa can feel like a home away from home.

Whether you decide to stay in a private villa or hotel, it is important to think hard about the kind of holiday you`re looking for and then book your accommodation accordingly.

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Camping holidays used to be excursions into the wilderness with an ancient tent and a soaking ground sheet. It’s different today. Facilities for camping in Europe offer you freedom, comfort and convenience at costs far below those for hotels.

You can still bring your own tent and the campsite will provide all sanitary, washing, TV and telecommunications facilities. But you need to know the capacity of the campsite and to book ahead, so good camping guides are essential. It’s illegal in most European countries to pull up by a field and spend the night there.

There are many versions of camping. Holiday parks offer spaces for mobile homes and caravans while the really glamorous sites, glamping, offer you any type of luxury you wish from safari tents and Mongolian yurts to miniature wooden cottages.

If you are looking for small, quite camping sites, Italy has some of the best in Europe. Il Falcone in Umbria offers a small campsite and swimming pool overlooking Lake Corbara. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the small medieval village of Civitella del Lago, or you can spend the day walking peacefully in the surrounding woods.

Italy also does camping on a big scale. Try Cavallinno-Treporti in the Veneto region in north eastern Italy. This is Europe’s largest collection of campsites in one area and is located on the sand peninsula that forms the outer border of the Venice lagoon. Beaches and swimming pools extend the length of the peninsula. Venice`s city hydrofoil, the vaporetto, stops at Treporti and can take you to the outside islands such as Torcello and its spectacular Byzantine mosaics, or the even more breathtaking centre of Venice.

If you want the luxurious camping experience while still being close to nature, try glamping in France. You can bring your own caravan to Belrepayre in the Midi Pyrenees in southern France. Vintage car drivers – of cars older than 30 years – get a discount of 10 percent. There are safari lodges in Normandy in the north, yurts in the Haute Loire to the west. The 10-acre Le Grand Bois estate in the Rhone-Alpes in the east offers luxury safari and tunnel tents with king size beds. It also provides mountain bike rental, a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

Large cities in Switzerland can be expensive for a stay but Swiss campsites offer lots of good, cheap options. Swiss campsites offer some of the best deals in Europe for those on a tight budget or for backpackers. There are snow capped mountains, mountain walks and medieval castles. Stay around the beautiful Lake of the Four Cantons with easy access to Zurich and Luzern. You can ski there in winter or swim in the outdoor pools during summer. Whether camping in Switzerland or Venice, remember to check with Union Lido Holiday Park reviews for campsite availability and charges.

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Experienced travellers the world over know the tried and true saying: Less is more. Who wants to schlep around heavy, bulky bags when you’re far from home, most likely running from place to place, trying to make sure all of your belongings continue to be your belongings? The trick of the trade, according to seasoned travellers, is to consider packing only one bag. What’s more, to consider making that bag the size of a carry-on bag. That’s right, the size of a bag that fits, or mostly fits, in the overhead compartment on today’s commercial airlines.

Consider the following reasons to travel light:

1. Safety

Simply put, one bag is easier to keep tabs on than two bags, or three, or… You get the idea. You don’t have to check your bags and risk losing them altogether as you travel.

2. Efficiency

One bag means less to carry, which means you don’t have to pay someone to help you or pony up for one of those Smarte Cartes at the airport. Also, with one bag, you won’t be as tempted to buy as many useless souvenirs you’ll never need, because there won’t be room for anything extra in your bag on the return trip.

3. Flexibility

With only one bag, you don’t have to worry about getting to the airport so early or sticking around so long after your flight lands. You can run through train terminals more speedily and shove yourself more quickly into the backseats of taxi cabs. And customs inspections? No problem.

So, now that you’re convinced you should limit your travel bags to one, you may well be wondering how on earth to fit all your necessaries into a single satchel. Plan carefully what you will need for your trip and take only those thing: If you think, “I might need this” then it’s probably safe to assume that you won’t. If you think “I can’t live without this,î then into your travel bag it goes.

Other tips:

* Plan to do laundry while you’re traveling (even if that means doing them in your hotel room sink!). This way you won’t feel as compelled to take as many clothes.

* Take clothes that you can mix and match.

* For your toiletry items, use travel-size products. Even if they’re not easy to find, you’ll be glad you took the trouble. And remember that most of them can be refilled and reused even toothpaste tubes can be refilled with enough patience and manual dexterity!

* Pack underwear, socks, and other small cloth items inside larger items, such as shoes, to maximise all available space.

* Check the weather of your destination ahead of your departure time so you can plan your wardrobe accordingly.

* If you’re the type of person who can’t resist a good or a bad souvenir, take one or two items of clothing that are mostly worn out. Wear them once, toss them, and fill up the space they occupied with that plastic replica of Mt. Rushmore that you just can’t live without.

And, of course, the most important travel tip of all: remember to have fun, wherever you go and however you get there.

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