Adventure Coordinators

17/01/2025

Ever the talented photographer Jason shares his images from the Beagle Channel, the strait running along the south shore of Tierra del Fuego. The Beagle Channel excursion is often done at the start of an Antarctica cruise as a warm-up for what is to come later on in your journey to the 7th continent. Fur seals, spectacular mountains and some fantastic bird photography - check out these images! Anyone who has ever tried to photograph a bird in flight knows how difficult it is, but Jason nails it.

16/01/2025

Thessaloníki, Greece’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, boasts a food scene as layered as its history. Start with bougatsa and uncover the flavors that earned this city global acclaim.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/five-must-try-snacks-in-thessaloniki

Image: Yadid Levy

09/01/2025

A new year means new horizons to chase. This guide to 2025’s must-visit destinations will inspire your travels, from heli-skiing South America to cruising Peru’s rivers.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/the-12-best-places-to-travel-in-2025

Image: Secret Bay Resort

06/01/2025

My passion in life is travelling. And when I am home, it's all I read about. Here are eight more travel books that will make you want to go.

My passion in life is travelling. And when I am home, it's all I read about. Here are eight travel books that will make you want to go.

03/01/2025

Wake up where the buffalo roam. Amangani blends Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes with refined comfort, whether you’re exploring Grand Teton National Park or soaking in alpine views from the pool. Discover five reasons why this resort is a must-visit.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-amangani

Image: Alex Moling

31/12/2024

Experience the magic of Québec City in winter—a season that transforms this historic gem into a wonderland. Stroll cobblestone streets draped in snow, try sweet caribou, and warm up in Nordic-style spas. Don’t miss the thrill of ice canoe races or the elegance of skating under twinkling lights.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/meet-the-canadian-city-that-inspires-winter-wonder-more-than-any-other

Image: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

27/12/2024

Greece’s captivating islands stretch across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian seas, offering a diverse tapestry of ancient history, striking landscapes, and unique architecture. Look beyond Mykonos and Santorini to these surprising archipelagos and islands.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/the-greek-islands-you-need-to-visit-next

Image: Greek National Tourism Organization

25/12/2024

Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina spotlights bold flavors and rich traditions in Egypt’s capital. From iconic street food to modern takes on Egyptian cuisine, Cairo’s culinary scene promises unforgettable experiences.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/the-virtuoso-life-chef-michael-mina-knows-where-to-eat-in-cairo

Image: Billal Taright

23/12/2024

An interesting development. What do you make of the new proposed rules?

New regulations proposed by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) on Friday 20DEC aim to give airline passengers significantly more reparations in the

23/12/2024

There used to be a time when I would anticipate the arrival of new brochures from tour operators so I could find out what new trips they were offering. Those days are long gone. These days we get emails from many tour operators advertising new trips. Some of those are existing trips with a few tweaks, others are resurrected trips that haven't run for a few years, and a third category consists of brand new tours. From the latter category, here is my selection of new and noteworthy discovery holidays in 2025

There used to be a time when I would anticipate the arrival of new brochures from tour operators so I could find out what new trips they were offering.Those days are long gone. That has little to do with Canada Post strikes and everything to do with operators no longer producing brochures. They were...

18/12/2024

Perth offers more than just golden beaches. Wander through its vibrant neighborhoods, uncover hidden gems, and snap a quokka selfie on nearby Rottnest Island. See why Western Australia’s capital shines bright.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/city-guide-suns-out-in-perth

Image: Ian & Erick

15/12/2024

In online ads, Global Affairs Canada is advising people to plan ahead when travelling abroad.

I am sure people do - like getting their passports renewed well ahead of travel.

Only to find out your passport is one of the 85,000 passports stuck in the mail due to the postal strike…

14/12/2024

Here’s a thought-provoking interview and I’d like to know your thoughts on. Do you ever give any thought about what kind of travel you book or its impact on destinations and the people that live there? What about climate change? Comment below!

Podcast Episode · The Daily · 2024-12-14 · 43m

12/12/2024

Quiet dawns and vibrant days await on the Mekong. This AmaWaterways journey through Vietnam and Cambodia blends serene river moments with cultural discovery.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/a-mekong-river-cruise-explores-the-past-and-future-of-vietnam-and-cambodia

Image: Kevin J. Miyazaki

12/12/2024

Jason travelled with us on a short but high-intensity visit to Kathmandu, ahead of his trip to Bhutan. Jason’s visit began in the heart of Kathmandu, staying at the stunning Dwarika’s Hotel. His mornings included watching the sunrise in Nagarkot, followed by visits to Bhaktapur’s historic Durbar Square and the sacred Boudhanath Stupa. With his guide he explored Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, admiring the living heritage of palaces and temples. A rickshaw ride took him to Thamel’s bustling streets for more local flavors. Jason’s journey balanced history, spirituality, and the vibrant life of the Kathmandu Valley and he had plenty of time to take some splendid images. Jason loved his trip so much he has already booked another visit to the Himalaya with us.

1. Changu Narayan Temple
2. The Boudhanath Stupa
3. Nyatapola Temple
4. cremation ceremony along the Bagmati River near the Pashupatinath Temple
5. Dwarika Kathmandu Executive Suite
6. building just outside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, held up after the earth quake
7. Nyatapola Temple
8. Thangka paints
9. Pottery drying in the sun

11/12/2024

Here is Adventure Coordinators' pick of destinations where you should travel for your 2025 adventures.

11/12/2024

From old-school tabernas (tapas bars) to cocktail dens and classy wine bars, Madrid boasts some 18,000 spots to celebrate its iconic drinking traditions. Start with these five must-visit bars.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/tomgehrels/travel/articles/where-to-drink-vermouth-wine-and-cocktails-in-the-spanish-capital

09/12/2024

It takes a village... Our office is in one of the most stratified neighbourhoods of Toronto and I was pleased to be able to lend a hand in a long chain of neighbours who made distribution of life's essentials possible.
Students at Avalon Children's Montessori School collected boxes full of shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products - you name it. My friend Gordon drove the truck to collect it all, assisted by muscle power of yours truly. Then there are the many volunteers at Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre who work hard to liaise between donors and recipients and distribute the goods.
Thank you all! It indeed takes a village and I am grateful to be a small cog in the machinery!