Business Travel, Downtown Toronto Condos, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Make Your Toronto Vacation Rental Feel Like Home

May 12, 2016

If you’re travelling far from home, the impersonal surroundings can get to you after a while and make you feel a little bit lonely and homesick. Staying in a Toronto vacation rental is a much better option, as you will have the conveniences of home such as being able to cook your own meals, wash clothes and have separate areas for sleeping and socializing. A Toronto vacation rental can be a home away from home and can really help you to enjoy your trip in comfort.

So what can you do to make your Toronto vacation rental feel even more like home? If you are staying for a while and you are starting to miss where you came from, here are some ideas for creating a cozy and welcoming home away from home.

Fill the Room with Your Signature Scent

Do you have a favourite type of candle or incense that you like to burn when you are at home? Or perhaps you have a particular room freshening spray or essential oil that you always use? Take it with you on your trip so that your Toronto vacation rental can smell just like home. Scent is strongly linked to memory and emotion so when you take a deep breath you will immediately feel calm and centered.

Put Up Your Pictures

Buy a few cheap picture frames and print out a few pictures of your most beloved family and friends. You can place them on the bedside table or the mantelpiece of your vacation home so that you can be reminded of your loved ones even when you are away. There are even digital photo frames that you can buy which will display a memory card filled with photos on a slideshow.

Cook a Favourite Meal

Do you have a favourite dish that reminds you of home? Whether you are on a business trip by yourself or a family getaway with all the kids, bring the recipe and cook it up in the kitchen of your vacation home. If it requires special ingredients that you can only get at home, make sure you pack them with you! The kitchen will be filled with a comforting and familiar smell and you will enjoy a taste of home.

Bring Your Own Music

Why not bring your favourite music from home to listen to at your Toronto vacation rental? Many Toronto vacation rentals will have a stereo system with an iPod or iPhone jack so that you can plug in your own playlist. If not, there are also many great portable speakers you can travel with so that you can listen to any music anywhere.

These are just a few ways that you can make your Toronto vacation rental feel more like home when you are staying in an unfamiliar place. With all of these wonderful little touches you will be so comfortable in your holiday home that you won’t want to leave! Dont forget to check out these top 10 things to do before you head out on vacation.

Downtown Toronto, Downtown Toronto Condos, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Trails and Parks in Downtown Toronto

April 15, 2016

Even when you are staying in a furnished rental, a tranquil and green escape to a walking trail or quiet parks in downtown Toronto is not as far away as you might think. The city of Toronto offers many beautiful parks and walking trails where you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Let’s take a look at some of the natural areas close to the city centre where you can enjoy the fresh air and listen to the birds. Here are some of the best trails and parks in downtown Toronto:

The Finch Meander Trail

Head to the east end of Toronto where you will find this out-of-the-way trail that leads through gently sloping terrain to the bank of the Rouge River. Beyond the trail you will find grassland, forest and a scenic bluff to the southeast.

Bluffer’s Park

This is a gorgeous little slice of wilderness that is located in an easily accessible part of Scarborough. Take a hike down the gravel trail and explore the Scarborough Bluffs, an impressive 14 kilometre geographical formation formed by the Wisconsin Glacier 12,000 years ago.

The Don Valley Trails

These trails consist of 11 kilometres of trails that will take you through tranquil and steep-sided green spaces within the city of Toronto. They are asphalt, so they are perfect for cycling or jogging and there are also wide open spaces and narrow ravines to explore when you venture off the beaten path.

High Park

High Park is an enormous 161 hectare park that is located right within the centre of the city. It offers plenty of quiet leafy spaces and seven kilometres of trails to explore. One third of the park has been left in its natural unspoiled state with the original oak savannah and the rare plant species that once covered much of the area.

The Humber River, Old Mill and Marshes

The Humber River and the marshlands around it make up the largest watershed in Toronto, an important wildness corridor for butterflies and birds. The waters here are home to more than 60 species of fish, which make it a fascinating place to explore within the middle of the big city. The Toronto Carrying Place Trail – also known as the Humber Portage, is an important route for traders and natives and is a trail that is rich with wilderness and history.

Mast Trail

This trail is formerly a logging route over two centuries ago where lumber was sent to Europe for ship building. This 200 year old trail that will take you through a lush fern forest and groves of mature trees. It covers challenging terrain and will take you from Little Rouge Creek to the Rouge River.

These are just a few of the best hiking trails and parks in downtown Toronto that you can access easily. During your visit, why not strap on your hiking boots, leave the busy streets behind and venture out of the city to one of these rejuvenating green spaces?

Business Travel, Downtown Toronto, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Things to Consider When Renting Furnished Condos

March 31, 2016

A furnished short-term rental is one of the best options to consider when visiting a city, as it offers a number of advantages compared to a hotel. You will have a lot more room to relax, you will have cooking facilities so that you can prepare your own meals and washing machines so that you can launder your own clothes. A furnished condo offers the convenience and comfort of home so that you will not need to be cramped into a hotel room.

Here 5 things to consider before renting furnished condos:

1. Location, Location, Location

When you choose your furnished condo, one of the most important factors to consider is where it is located. If the condo is too far away from the sightseeing points and attractions you want to see you will waste a lot of time and money going back and forth. The condo should be located in a convenient position close to everything you want to do during your visit.

2. Budget

Think about your travel budget first, then look for a condo rental that fits within it. There are many different options for condo rentals, from the most expensive luxury suite to cheaper options – so figure out what you can afford and stay within your limits.

3. Amenities

What type of amenities does the furnished condo have? Does it have a swimming pool or a gym? Is there parking available and 24-hour security? Consider which amenities are most important to you so that you can choose a condo that suits you best.

4. Size

How many bedrooms does the furnished condo have? Does it have a large sitting and dining area? Your condo will need to be big enough to accommodate all of the people that will be staying with you. If you are travelling with your kids you will want to look for a condo with at least two bedrooms as well as a common area where the little ones can play.

5. Read the Reviews

When you have narrowed down your choices to the best-suited furnished condo rentals the final step is to read the reviews. You will be able to focus on the experiences of the prior tenants in order to find out what to expect from the rental. They will generally give you a good indication of what it would be like to stay in the condo. Sometimes a renting furnished condo can look great in the photos but the reviews will reveal an issue that might make you change your mind.

These are just a few important factors to consider when you are renting furnished condos. Take your time and look for the best condo on your next trip, so that you will be able to stay in accommodation that is comfortable, convenient and well-suited to your needs.

Choosing A Furnished Short-Term Rental

Looking for a furnished, short-term condo rental around the Greater Toronto Area?

Start your search for your next condo rental here on DelSuites.

Community Events, Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Fun Things to Do in Toronto this Winter

January 13, 2016

Toronto is a great place to be during the winter! The fun doesn’t stop when the streets freeze over and this bustling metropolis knows how to make the most of the coldest months of the year. If you are visiting Toronto during the winter you’ll have plenty of things to do and thats close to your furnished apartments Toronto, whether that means outdoor activities that embrace the snow and cold to indoor activities that will keep you cozy and warm.
Here are some ideas of fun things to do in Toronto this winter:

Cross Country Skiing
There are many nature trails in Toronto that look absolutely magical when they are covered with a dusting of snow. You can bundle up, strap on some skis and take a tour through some of the best trails in the city. Earl Bales Park and Ski Dagmar is now open. Why not bring a thermos with some hot chocolate and a few snacks so that you can stop in the peaceful, quiet snowy forest for a winter picnic?

Late Night Skating
Although many of the outdoor rinks in Toronto are closed by 10pm, there are a few rinks that are open until late at night so why not bundle up and go for a midnight skate? Try the rink at Nathan Phillips Square or the Ryerson Rink on Gould Street. Skating can be a lot of fun and it’s a great workout, so you can indulge in some late night snacks afterwards without any guilt.

Go to a Museum
If you want a break from the bitter cold, you could spend the day within one of the many excellent museums in Toronto. For example, the Royal Ontario Museum is home to a massive collection of artworks and historical items from all over the world. Or, you could visit the fascinating Bata Shoe Museum, which is home to a collection of over 13,000 footwear items.

Go Shopping
Another way to get out of the cold is to take advantage of the amazing shopping scene in Toronto and pick up gifts for all of your loved ones. Toronto is home to the Eaton Centre, which is full of many great high street brands and unique designers. Also, check out the St. Lawrence Market where you will find many unique antiques, books and handicrafts.

Drinks on a Heated Patio
Torontonians love to enjoy a drink on an open air patio and thanks to large heaters and covers they have found a way to do this all year round. Relax in the laid back atmosphere of a heated patio bar such as El Catrin, the Drake SkyYard, The Cadillac Lounge, Hemingway’s or Cold Tea and enjoy a drink in the fresh air without freezing.

These are just a few of the fun things to do in Toronto this winter that you can do when visiting. This exciting city never stops, even during the coldest months of the year, so get out there and enjoy its lively vibe!

Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Tips to Stay Warm in Toronto in the Winter

January 7, 2016

Let’s face it, Canadian winters can be cold. The streets ice over, the cold wind blows, the snow piles up and the temperature drops well below zero. If you are visitor to Toronto during the winter and you aren’t used to the Canadian chill, it might be a little bit of a shock to your system!
How do the locals survive? It’s all about being prepared and knowing how to handle the cold weather. Here are some valuable tips to stay warm in Toronto if you are visiting.

• You will absolutely need to bring with you a warm winter coat which will keep you warm and cozy on the bitterly cold winter days. It should be waterproof and wind resistant so that you can stay dry.
• You might need to shop for your coat as soon as you arrive in Toronto, if you are coming from a place where winter coats are not a common clothing item. Some good places to start are The Bay or Winners. You could also find a second hand coat at a cheaper price at a store such as Value Village. If you have Canadian friends you are meeting in Toronto, they might even have a spare winter coat you could borrow during your visit.
• If your coat doesn’t cover your neck, you will need to wear a scarf to keep the cold air from blowing down your collar.
• Wearing gloves or mittens is also very important, as your hands and fingers will get cold very easily.
• Also, you will need a pair of insulated waterproof boots, which will keep moisture away from your feet and keep them warm.
• You will lose a lot of body heat through your head, so make sure that you wear a warm hat to prevent heat loss. In Canada this is known as a “toque” and you can find them sold in stores all over Toronto.
• In extreme cold temperatures in Toronto, fingers, ears and other exposed flesh can be at risk for frost bite. Make sure that you are fully covered up.
• The temperature can vary significantly throughout the day. Wear layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the environment you are in.
• When choosing the underneath layer that will be close to the skin, avoid cotton. It tends to absorb water, which will end up making you feel colder as it evaporates. It is better to wear synthetics, wool or silk.
• Make sure that you eat well before you go outside. It will help to get your metabolism going which will keep your body warmer.
• Limit your time spent outside and if you start to feel numb, tired or overly cold you should go indoors to warm up.
• Get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids in order to keep your immune system strong.

Keep these tips to stay warm in Toronto so you can be comfortable in the chilly winter weather. Do you have any tips to stay warm in Toronto in the winter?

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