Business Travel, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Relocation, Vacation Travel

Enjoy Your Destination on Business Travel

October 18, 2016

So you’re visiting a really cool city – but the reason why you are there is for business travel; to attend an important conference, business meeting or complete a work project. You’d love to visit this city on a vacation, but this time your visit is professional… which means that you won’t get a chance to enjoy it. Or will you?

When you are visiting a destination for business travel it is possible to be a tourist as well, it simply takes a little bit of planning ahead and creative thinking. If you do it right you can enjoy a visit that encompasses both business and pleasure.

Here are some tips for squeezing a little vacation into your next business trip:

During lunch breaks and after meetings, instead of eating the food at the conference take the time to hit up some of the local restaurants that get the best reviews and see what they have to offer. You can get a chance to taste the cuisine of the area, which is one of the best parts of business travel.
Bring along a travel daypack with you so that you can take it with you when exploring the city.
See if you have any friends or family living in the city you are visiting. You could possibly arrange to meet them in between business activities and let them show you around the city.
See if you can book your trip with a couple of extra days so that you have more time to explore. For example, if you are attending a conference from Monday to Friday, book your flights so that you return on Sunday so you have the weekend to sightsee. (If your business trip is being covered by your company you might have to pay for the extra two nights yourself.)
Most destinations will have walking tours of the city for free or a for a small fee. This is a great way to walk around the city and learn about the history and culture of the area.
If you are in a major cultural hub such as New York, Toronto or London, consider taking the opportunity to go to a performance. You can find a huge selection of plays, musicals, operas, concerts and other experiences. Since the evenings are usually when you have time to spare when travelling for business, this works out quite well.
Take a walk in nature at one of the lovely parks or natural areas within the city. It will help you to relax, recharge and be more focused and productive in your business dealings.
Read travel blogs written about the city you are visiting and see what they recommend.
You can also reach out on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, and ask people to suggest things you should check out on your visit.

When it comes to having fun on a business trip, you’ll will be much more comfortable in a furnished apartment rather than a hotel. You’ll have so much more space, the convenience of amenities such as laundry and a fully equipped kitchen, so you will feel much more relaxed and recharged on your business trip. Read here to find out more details on how staying in a furnished apartment has many more advantages to staying in a hotel.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto History

Cool and Quirky Toronto Markets

September 2, 2016

Toronto is an intriguing and multi-faceted city with a lot of different layers to uncover. One of the most interesting aspects of the city is its abundance of quirky and unique markets. These Toronto markets have a fascinating collection of everything from locally grown produce to antiques to handmade jewellery and much more. You can spend hours searching through, finding treasures and chatting to the friendly local sellers.

Here are some of the most interesting Toronto markets to check out during your stay in your furnished rental nearby:

Brick Works Farmer’s Market

This Saturday morning market is the ideal place for foodies to scout out delicious local treats. It offers a great selection of eggs, produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, tea, preserves and much more. It is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the city and is only 6KM from the Republic furnished apartments in Toronto. It’s a fantastic place to find your next favourite treat, whether that is a homemade vegan brownie, a strawberry basil ice pop or fresh gluten free spicy Mexican salsa.

Parkdale Flea Market

Parkdale is a cool and quirky west end neighbourhood and this great market features beautiful handicrafts made by the creative locals. There are many great finds here, such as handmade jewellery, antiques, locally designed clothes, vegan baked goods and so much more. It has a lively and welcoming atmosphere and runs the second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm.

Withrow Market

The Withrow Market happens every Saturday from 9am until 1pm rain or shine at Withrow Park. It has a fantastic selection of regionally grown produce and baked goods, as well as yummy treats such as preserves and ice cream sandwiches. Shopping here is a great way to support the local farmers around Toronto and buying locally grown produce is so much better for the environment. The James Cooper Mansion short term rentals is only a 10 minute drive.

Sunday Antique Market

If you love antiques you will be in heaven at this Sunday Market, a treasure trove of old fashioned finds from vintage jewellery to old books to home décor and much more. There is a great collection of items that is ever changing and you can find everything from quirky retro items to pieces that are quite old and valuable. It takes place at the historic St. Lawrence Market which is only about a 5 minute drive from the 300 Front St. West furnished rentals.

Junction Flea Market

Every second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm from June 8^th to October 12^th you can check out the Junction Flea market, a very trendy hipster hotspot. There is a lot to discover here, from food to vintage clothing to records to antiques and much more. There’s something for everyone and a great friendly and laid back atmosphere.

These are just a few of the coolest and quirkiest markets that Toronto has to offer. Give yourself lots of time to explore these Toronto markets so that you can meander through slowly, taste all of the yummy treats, hunt for a vintage treasure and chat to some of the local sellers. It’s not just a market, it’s a Toronto cultural experience.

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

Getting around by Toronto Public Transport

May 20, 2016

If you are visiting Toronto without a car – don’t worry. As one of Canada’s major population hubs it has one of the best Toronto public transport systems in the country. It’s quite easy to get from point A to point B while you are exploring Toronto, so that you can make the most of your time in the city.

Toronto’s public transport system is known as the TTC and it consists of a network of subway lines, streetcars, buses and rapid transit lines in a network across the city. Of course, if you have never been to this city before it might take you a while to get used to Toronto public transport. Here are some important things that you should know when making your way around Toronto:

Paying Your Fare

In Toronto you can buy a token or a ticket for the TTC at most convenience stores and subway stations. You will need to buy tickets and tokens before you board. If you are boarding the subway for example, use the turnstile near the station agent window and drop your ticket or your exact change into the clear receptacle.

Getting a Transfer

It is possible to get a transfer, which you can use for another leg of the journey. Ask for your transfer when you pay your fare on the bus or the streetcar. Alternatively, you can get one from the machine that is located just past the turnstile in the subway. Make sure that you give the transfer to the driver or the station agent on the next leg of your journey.

You Might be Better Off With a TTC Day Pass

If you think that you will use the public transport system more than once for a day of exploring all over the city, a TTC Day Pass might work out to be a better deal. The pass costs $12 and it offers you unlimited travel for a full day.

If you are planning on spending the day traveling all over the city of Toronto and visiting several different locations this might be the best deal for you. Usually it pays by itself by the 4^th trip. You cannot buy the pass from the bus driver, you will need to purchase it in advance from a convenience store or subway station booth agent.

What About Outside of the City Centre?

If you want to travel anywhere in the outlying areas of Greater Toronto, you will need to travel on Go Transit. The GO trains and buses depart from Union Station in downtown Toronto at several times throughout the day, so check to see which one goes to your destination. You will need to pay a separate fare for the Go trains and buses, they are not covered by your TTC tickets or passes.

These are just a few important tips that you should know when you are travelling on Toronto public transport. Of course, if you are lost or confused don’t be afraid to ask one of the friendly locals for help.

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.

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