2 - Toronto City Highlights: Food, Festivals, Culture

Toronto City Highlights: Food, Festivals, Culture

It would be no exaggeration to say that Toronto is not only Canada’s biggest city, it is also the country’s beating heart, at least in all the ways that matter; be it the nation’s festivals, culture and most importantly, food, there is no better place to experience these things than in Toronto. The city is relatively easy to navigate, with many of the top attractions within walking distance of each other, and a subway to cover longer distances. On that note, here are some of Toronto city’s highlights:

 

1. Fun, Festivals and Celebrations

Toronto is always pulsing with life and it is a place where there is never a dull moment. No matter what your interests or inclinations are. Rest assured that Toronto will always have something for you, whether it’s Toronto International Film Festival for movie buffs, ComiCon for hardcore comic book fans, or Music Week for those who live for music, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city.

 

One of the most fascinating festivals in Toronto, Nuit Blanche, is an overnight event that gives art-forms life. The event highlights contemporary art across Toronto from sunset to sunrise. Artists from across the world fly to Toronto to transform the city into a magical palace of art. Artists and visitors take to the streets to not groove to tunes but watch the city turn into a colorful village fun with stunning art installations. 

 

2. Culture Central

With all the diversity in Toronto, it is no surprise that Toronto is, for all intents and purposes Culture Central, rich with traditions, history, and stories. You can check out the artistic creations of the country’s most diverse range of artists from various backgrounds and walks of life, from the Inuits to the Métis among many others at McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the amazing Art Gallery of Ontario.

 

The massive museums are stunning but set aside a few hours to seek out some of the quirkier collections. The Museum of Illusions on Front Street East is small but always packed with fun: you can put your head on a plate, see yourself in a mirror and run through a vortex tunnel that will leave you dizzy. 

 

This, of course, is just the beginning. Your Toronto experience would be incomplete without exploring and soaking in everything that is on offer at the little gelato places in Little Italy, all the exotic stores in Chinatown, and Portugal Village’s boisterous soccer screening bars.

 

3. Food and Feasting

With all the culture and diversity in Toronto, it is only natural that this city is home to food that is just as wonderfully diverse as the humans who inhabit it. You could check Koreatown’s karaoke bars or noraebang and their smashing kimchi canteens or experience Greektown’s famous cheese saganaki. This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. You can also feast on Texan barbecue, yummy Chinese, Portuguese pastries, injera from Ethiopia, or even the city’s very own Haute French cuisine. The possibilities are endless. 

 

If you are visiting Toronto in the winters, head indoors to explore the network of underground walkways that connect entertainment, shopping, and attractions. In the summers, wander along the beautiful waterfront and enjoy the parks and beaches. 

 

Well, are you looking to book yourself a seat on the next plane to Canada? Look no further, Travel Gooru has got you covered on all fronts, be it comparing and offering you options from the cheapest international flights available and choosing the perfect and most cost-effective hotel room or place to stay to help you get a rental car for all your transportation and commuting requirements once you reach the country. We leave no stone unturned to make sure that you have the best and most comfortable travel experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

 

Also, guess what? We don’t resort to cheap gimmicks to recommend ourselves to you. At Travel Gooru, it is our aim and mission to make traveling simpler and more enjoyable. We do not charge any kind of hidden fee or additional cost for letting you compare the prices of different airlines and hotels so that you can choose whatever suits you best. With Travel Gooru, you can breathe easy on all your globe-trotting adventures!

1 - 8 Business Hacks for Travel to Make It More Comfortable

8 Business Hacks for Travel to Make It More Comfortable

While we all love traveling to the place of our choice, most of us do not necessarily prefer everything that traveling entails, such as long queues, crowds, and commotion, layovers that are hours long, and tedious airport security checks, which is why Travel Gooru has compiled a list of 8 hacks or tips to make your business travel more comfortable and less daunting and tiresome. 

 

1. Become a Member of an Airport Lounge Club

Let us be real for a minute here, nothing drains your energy and tries your patience quite like having to wait for your flight in a sea of humanity and all its incessant chatter. Well, what if we told you that you could secure a quiet reprieve for yourself while you wait? Yes, you heard that right! All you need to do to make sure your wait is quiet, peaceful, and comfortable is to become a member of a lounge club. Not only do you get peace and quiet and the chance to catch your breath away from all the commotion, but you also get access to numerous power outlets to charge your electronic gadgets, Wi-Fi connectivity, and complimentary snacks!

 

2. Accumulate Frequent Flier Miles 

It is true what they say, commitment and consistency really do pay off in the end. How so? Well, you can rack up your frequent flier miles by sticking to one or two airlines of your choice and traveling with them whenever you have to. What do you get in return? Well, loyal customers are offered all kinds of perks and upgrades such as complimentary drinks and priority boarding! 

 

3. Be Sure to Update Your Passport

This one really is a no-brainer. It is highly advised that you make sure your passport is updated so that you are not taken by surprise at the very last minute. It is best to stay prepared and update your passport well in time.

 

4. Travel Smart with Bare Minimum Luggage

There is nothing worse than having to stand in line to get your baggage checked-in. Wait…actually, there is; losing your luggage or becoming the victim of a baggage mix-up is much worse. So, why not make things easier for yourself and avoid all that hassle altogether. Travel light with only the bare essentials and carry them in small, compact, and easily identifiable bags. It will save you a whole lot of trouble later.

 

5. Comfy Clothing is the Way to Go

Airport wear is all about comfort. After all, you don’t want to be traveling for hours on end in clothes that are uncomfortable or unmanageable. In fact, the best strategy is to layer up when traveling so that you can shed or add to your clothes depending on how hot or cold it gets.

 

6. Arm Yourself with Munchies of Your Choice to keep Hunger Pangs at Bay

The food served onboard is not exactly what you would call appealing or appetizing, which is why we recommend that you carry your own snacks in order to keep the hunger pangs at bay. After all, good food ensures that a person stays in good humor. 

 

7. Take a Pass on the Free Drinks Served Onboard

As tempting as it may seem, trust us when we say that consuming the alcoholic beverages served on board is a bad idea when you are on a business trip. When doing business, it is essential that you have a clear mind, so resist the temptation to indulge yourself and opt for water or fruit juice instead, to stay hydrated.

 

8. Stay Committed to Your preferred Hotel

Being a loyal customer pays, even when staying at hotels as they get a lot of privileges such as personalized services, suite upgrades, free buffet lunches, and more such amazing perks!

 

In the beginning, business travel can seem exciting – a short break in the office routine, a chance to discover new places. But after a while, the stress of air travel and living out of a hotel room can begin to wear on you. Thus, go for the above-mentioned tricks to make some annoying bits more endurable. 

 

Are you looking to book a flight or hotel? Well, look no further. Travel Gooru is the best place to check and compare air travel costs, make hotel reservations, and find the most economical choice available!

2 - How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

Christmas time is all about wonder and magic and there is no better place to spend your Yuletide than at Germany’s famous Christmas markets. Sure, you find Christmas markets everywhere, but none can evoke the sense of awe and childlike wonder that German Christmas Markets can, with their medieval castles and old town squares making for an almost fairy-tale setting. Are you tempted to see all these wonderful sights for Christmas? Well, here is how you can go about planning a German Christmas Market trip, in order to experience its magic in the best way possible:

 

Plan Your Trip Sometime Between 20th November to 23rd December

Christmas is celebrated on December 24th in Germany, which is why Christmas markets usually remain till December 23rd, which is more often than not, the final date. Most of these markets are month-long starting from November 20th or so. It is recommended that you plan your trip accordingly, so as not to miss out on anything.

 

Do Your Homework and Find the Christmas Market that Appeals to You the Most

It is always better to plan your itinerary so as to make sure you don’t miss out on the places that you find interesting and also, so you can pass on the places that particularly appeal to you. That being said, some of the most renowned Christmas Markets in Germany include the ones in Dresden, which has the world’s oldest Christmas Market, Nuremberg, where the world’s largest Christmas Market is held, and Konstanz, which set against the backdrop of the Alps, on the banks of Lake Constance. Apart from these there also some amazing Pink Markets in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich that are LGBTQ- oriented. Moreover, Munich has more than 30 Christmas Markets of its own, while Berlin has a whopping 60 Christmas Markets of its own. 

 

Venture to Try Each Town’s Specialties

Be it a special kind of baked goodie or a particular kind of sausage, every German town has its own local delicacies, and it is absolutely imperative that you try them all for the full experience! What’s more? Every town has handicrafts that are unique to it. For instance, Nuremberg is known for its Prune People, which are a specialty.

 

Don’t Overlook Small Towns and Cities

Sometimes the splendor and popularity of big cities and towns tend to blind us to charming little cities right under our noses. Now, the thing about big and popular towns is that most people flock to their markets, making them extremely cramped and congested. Do yourself a favor and visit a small lesser-known town or city instead, so you can actually enjoy their Christmas markets without being hindered by the crowds. 

 

Dress for the weather 

Christmas markets are held outdoors, in Germany, in the dead of winter. Thus, it is important to know that there’s no escaping the cold, but you can avoid the worst of it by donning scarfs, hats, thermals, and gloves. And make sure to wear boots to keep your feet dry and warm in wet conditions. Compassionately, most markets have heater tents where you can catch a bit of a break from the bone-chilling cold.

 

Enjoy the overall ambiance 

There may not be actual sights of sugar plum fairies dancing at these Christmas markets, but the atmosphere is pretty darn close. Sounds of music and laughter from merry-go-rounds fill the air. Fairies stroll together and eat treats. The aromas of fresh vegetables and spiced wine puff through the air. So, before to get stressed about what to do, remember why you’re ultimately there: to relax, step back, and enjoy the scene and the wonderful mood. 

 

All Christmas markets sell amazing fest food, so they usually open at about 11:00 in the morning to catch the excited lunch crowd. The ideal time to go, in our opinion, though is in the evening and into the night. There are plenty of sparkly lights, and standing around sipping some hot cocoa or gluhwein and observing the shoppers is an ideal way to pass some time. 

 

Christmas markets are something the German people do very finely. If you and your partner or spouse get into a “Bah, humbug!” state of mind after Thanksgiving, this will give your attitude a complete makeover. So, is there a German Christmas Market Trip in the offing? Well then, Travel Gooru is your one-stop destination for anything and everything travel related, that you might need, right from comparing airline ticket prices to booking hotel rooms and car rentals, we’ve got it all!

4 - 12 Things You Must Do in Bali, Indonesia

12 Things You Must Do in Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one destination that is on everyone’s bucket list. A three-week vacation to this place will give you the best experience with hidden gems and perfect combinations. Here is a list of 12 things you must do in Bali:

1. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces is a valley of rice fields or paddies. These are located north of Ubud and is an incredibly popular location especially during the early morning. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Bali.

 

2. Sekumpul Waterfalls

This is one of the true gems of Bali. It is a 40-minute hike down to the foot of the waterfall and it leads to a huge waterfall. It is so beautiful and magical that when the sun shines you will most definitely see a rainbow.

 

3. Diamond Beach

This is called ‘the most beautiful place in Bali’ and for good reason. It is a must-visit for it contains white sand, clear blue water, and palm trees at the foot of a limestone cliff. It is the perfect relaxing spot!

 

4. Gili Air

This is not in Bali but it has to be on your list nonetheless. The best part about this place is that it is car-less! White sand, blue water, and bikes are your company. You can spend time snorkeling with the turtles and explore this paradise!

 

5. Stay with a local family

The best way to learn about any place is by spending time with the locals. Stay with a Balinese family and get to know the island for real. Experience how they live their daily lives to be able to really respect paradise. You will surely miss the place and the people once you leave.

 

6. Sunrise in Munduk

You have to make sure to experience the sunrise in the Munduk region no matter what. Munduk is higher up in the region and is the perfect location to view the best sunrise.

 

7. Monkey Forest in Ubud

In the center of Ubud is a forest where monkeys run wild. The big rainforest gives for a beautiful walk and most locations have monkeys relaxing too. You can feed them to keep them calm as well. Not to worry, there is monkey police which will step in if things get annoying!

 

8. Kelingking Nusa Penida

This place might sound strange but it has some mind-blowing views. A 40-minute boat ride from the Sanur harbor will transport you to the most impressive views around Bali.

 

9. Kecak Fire Dance

 This is a famous dance performance in Bali. It is done by a group of 65+ humans who use vocals as instruments and strengthens the story told in the form of dance. Witness this dance at sunset on a clifftop amphitheater at Uluwatu Temple.

 

10. Become a Canguu Foodie

This is a food lovers paradise. Indonesian food, burgers, fusion, vegan, and the best coffee and cakes this place is the best to satisfy all your cravings. You might want to engage in some exercise or yoga but you will most probably be an all-time foodie in Bali.

 

11. Surfing

It does not matter if you are a first-time surfer or a skilled surfer, Bali is the best place to go surfing. Kuta is a spot for beginners and Canggu is for more experienced surfers. Grab a board, get an instructor and you are ready to go!

 

12. The 70-meter drop at Uluwatu Cliff

In the southern tip of Bali, the limestone cliff drops straight down into the ocean. It has a height of 70 meters and the sunset from this location is a must-see in Bali.

 

If you found this article to be interesting and what to plan your perfect vacation, visit us at www.travelgooru.com. We provide the best flight deals and the cheapest hotels for your getaway. Visit us today.

2 - Skiing in Lech Zürs am Arlberg – The Darling Winter Slopes of Austria

Skiing in Lech Zürs am Arlberg – The Darling Winter Slopes of Austria

Lech Zürs is located close to the border with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. During the winter season, the place turns into a stunning wonderland with beautiful mountain views, delicious Austrian delicacies, and slopes that have played host to numerous ski adventures through the years. 

 

The Lech Zürs has a 200 km descent and is popular for its vast nature. Since 2013, the place has been connected to the one in Warth-Schrocken with the addition of a huge cable car circuit, which means that you can now easily ski across two major areas in one accessible resort. 

 

Skiing in Lech Zürs am Arlberg definitely means upping the bet. Vorarlberg’s position on the northern rim of Europe means fresh snow in abundance and the slopes present more variety and may often need a slightly more advanced skill set and confidence. 

 

For the beginners out there, the snow instructors in Lech Zürs am Arlberg will assist in various activities like snowshoe hiking, telemark skiing, off-piste skiing, accompanied ski touring, and heli-skiing. 

 

Be a Santa Claus for a day and have fun on an adorable sleigh 

That’s right, you can experience what it’s like to be a Santa Claus for a day! Instead of eight reindeers, you’ll be accompanied by a couple of enchanting horses across the snow-covered plains of Lech Zürs am Arlberg. 

 

There are other options too for a one-day trip or a round-trip ride. Among the places, you’ll get to visit while on the adventure are Alpele, Zug Church, Klosterle, or Auerhahn restaurant. 

 

The rest stops and mountains huts set a little up high are picturesque and retain an air of seclusion. It’s the top end of ultimate ski luxury and the resort makes sure to keep it that way. There’s something about the size and accessibility that keeps this delicate balance in strong check. The slopes of Lech Zürs am Arlberg are a network of dreamy power trails against a crisp blue sky. Also, down below the alpine village packs quite the buzz. 

 

Master the basic jumps at the Arlberg Ice Skating rinks 

Inside the Hotel Jagdhaus Monzabon, you’ll come by the first and only air-conditioned ice rink in Europe that covers nearly 300 square meters of artificial ice. On the other hand, there’s a natural ice-skating rink in Zurs, Skating Rink Zurs, which is open and functional all days of the week except Saturday. The rink also offers a range of skate sizes to give everyone a chance to enjoy the sport. In addition, you can play hockey or go alpine curling at the natural skating rink while enjoying hot drinks, music, and a heated hut. 

 

Bars in the village buzz with the same atmosphere up high, and in such a small village that is mixed with seasonal returnees, you can easily jump on board with the homely feel where everyone feels welcomed.

 

Want to book yourself a Skiing trip to Lech Zürs am Arlberg? Wondering how to go about booking tickets and making reservations? Never fear, Travel Gooru is here! Find all the travel information you need and compare prices for hotels, flights, and car rentals. For more articles on traveling, visit our travel blog now!