Adventure Coordinators

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!

09/12/2024

Join me on an expedition cruise to Greenland in the summer of 2025. Embark on a 13-day Arctic expedition across the Denmark Strait and around the east and south coast of Greenland.

Join me on a 13-day Arctic expedition across the Denmark Strait and around the east and south coast of Greenland

08/12/2024

With thanks to Jason for sharing. Jason, we want to know what you are wearing?

06/12/2024

Montenegro, a small yet stunning country nestled along the Adriatic, offers a surprising wealth of landscapes, history, and cultural treasures. I had the pleasure to visit last summer and fell in love with it. Here is why Montenegro should be on your adventure travel bucketlist.

Montenegro offers a surprising wealth of landscapes, history, and cultural treasures. Here is why it should be on your bucketlist.

05/12/2024

Carla and Rob are in Antarctica with five of their friends and they have been sending photos on a regular basis. That’s always a good sign and indeed, Carla said “We’re having a riot! The group is all doing well - we’re keeping very active and enjoying way too much food. All facilities on the boat are excellent, as advertised. Staff is awesome, everyone very personable. Greg M and his wife (the expedition leaders) are gems. There are only 81 guests on the boat (holds 132 max) so there’s lots of room on all excursions and in the public spaces.”
And it's true: no other destination in the world will leave you feeling as insignificant before nature, yet as alive as Antarctica does. Giant glaciers calving enormous icebergs; penguins porpoising through the waters; leopard seals chasing their prey; whales feeding and coming up for air, curiously inspecting you in your zodiac. Hike along pristine shorelines and up snowy ridges to experience incredible views. This is Planet Earth at its best, a proverbial Eden, Earth as it was before the arrival of humankind. Have you been to Antarctica? What was your experience?

04/12/2024

Ten travel books set in Asia (part 28 in our series)

I am an enthusiastic travellers but when I am at home, a ferocious reader. Here are ten travel books set in Asia.