Wonderfully Weird Things To Do In Thailand

I'm back from three glorious weeks in Thailand! My daily agenda looked something like this... eat, shop, eat, tan, get massaged, eat some more, explore and repeat. Last week I shared my list of things to do if you've only got 72 hours in Bangkok but if you have more time, here's the real deal, the less touristy, off-the-beaten path checklist to take down.

Get a massage. Every day!

For $8 you can get a 60 mins foot massage, $17 gets you a one hour soothing full body massage with aloe vera and if you throw in an extra $7 you can enjoy a 30 mins scalp massage with aromatherapy hot oils. Recommendations: Koh Samui (hour and half by plane from Bangkok) is known for their top spas and THE place to go if you want to truly relax and recharge. I spent many hours at Hi Class Massage and D's Spa at Chaweng Beach (forgive the cheesy names but they were clean and the nicest places I found on the island).

Would you try a Fish Spa?

This is banned in North America for sanitary reasons but if you dare to try something totally different and can bear with the tickle factor, soak your feet in a tub of nibble fishies. They promise to chew away at rough heels and clean off the dead skin. Interesting, but I passed on this.

Watch a Cabaret Show:

Not sure what's more entertaining, the song and dance itself or the fact that the performers are slim, beautiful men who call themselves "Lady Boys"! Just walk through any touristy area at night and someone will hand you a flyer advertising these Cabaret Shows. Some offer free admission with a drink purchase while others charge $15/person. Some shows also have themes like Calypso, Mambo, etc. but all will keep you guessing and more!

Sample real street meat:

Forgot the dainty sausage and hot dog carts in TO, this is the real thing when it comes to street meat. Stalls are setup on main streets and for a pocketful of change, you can pretty much fill your tummy with tasty desserts, curry fish balls, pork tidbits and other more daring edibles. Check out this guy's chicks!

Getting Sandal Ready @ The Mandarin Oriental Spa

The last time I was in New York City, I asked my friend Ashley which spa she thought was the BEST in the city. Her answer, hands-down - The Spa inside The Mandarin Oriental Hotel located on the 39th floor of the Time Warner Centre. The spa invited me to experience the 80-minute Holistic Hot Stone Pedicure ($140) which is a splurge but includes access to all the facilities. It was a great way to unwind after a long day of shopping and sightseeing. 

The Heating Experience was included with my visit and I spent some time after my pedicure relaxing my sore back muscles in the Oxygenated Vitality Pool (above).

My treatment began with a gentle exfoliation followed by a massage using hot stones that were rubbed all over my feet and legs to help release any tension. I stepped into a pair of warm paraffin wax booties to soften my skin, while I relaxed and melted away. Once all the wax was removed, I had a fun bright coral polish applied to my toes to get me fully ready for sandal season.

After rinsing off in the Three-Setting Shower (rainfall, fog mist and full body), I hit the Amethyst Crystal Steam Room to get myself centered again. The steam is released via a very cool vase in the centre of the room and isn't noisy at all. This was the pefect place to breathe deeply and meditate. I kept my energy levels up by sipping on lots of cold water, applying iced towels to my face and snacking on nuts and dried fruit courtesy of the spa.

Bangkok in 72 Hours

My first visit to Bangkok was in 2004... before Facebook, Skype and Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

I had such a blast that I decided to return to the Land Of Smiles. So here I am 8 years later (minus the blonde highlights, midriff t-shirt and cheesy mall)!

I'm in Asia for the next month on a "bizcation" - working and vacationing. I'm lugging around my MacBook, iPhone and iPad and it's an inferno here - temperatures reaching 38+ by lunch time! But it's pretty amazing that almost a decade later, I'm able to Blog, Tweet and share my travel adventures with you in real time.

Most people fly into Bangkok for a short stopover before heading to one of the islands. Generally a good amount of time to explore the city is about 3 days so hold onto your tuk tuks and get ready for the ultimate cultural immersion, incredible urban eats and organized chaos!

WHERE TO STAY:

Amari Watergate Bangkok puts you in the heart of the vibrant Pratunam neighbourhood which is known for its bustling shopping bazaars and sidewalk restaurants. If you need to be plugged in like moi, Wifi Internet is on the pricey side ($20 per day) but it's available in the lobby for free. Amenities include a gym, pool, Breeze Spa and a gorgeous rooftop garden. There are a few restaurants inside the hotel - Thai On 4 serves up authentic Thai dishes and the bar at Cascade is great for people watching. Rates start at $100 per night for a standard room.

Five Great Hiking Spots Near Toronto

With the weather finally warming up, we thought we would repost this hiking article to get you inspired for a sunny weekend outdoors - enjoy!

We are lucky to live so close to several beautiful conservation areas and greenbelts that offer great hiking trails and scenic views during the spring season. Here are a few of my favourites, about an hour away from Toronto. Grab your camera, hiking shoes/boots, a jacket/sweater, bottle of water and snacks, and head out for some fresh air and a fun time away from the city.

Photo Credit - Flickr

Hilton Falls - Campbellville
Part of the Halton Parks system, Hilton Falls is located on the Niagara Escarpment, just northwest of Milton. The highlight of the hiking trails at Hilton Falls is the 10 metre waterfall that offers beautiful scenes for photography. It’s not wonder this is one of the most favourite spots for wedding photographers to take engagement photos.

Directions: From Highway 401, take Highway 25 north to 5 Side Road
(Campbellville Road). Go west on 5 Side Road for 5 km to park entrance.

Park admission, taxes included: adult (15 – 64) $6.25; senior (65 & over) $5.25; Child (5 – 14) $4.50; free for kids under 4 years old.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Oakville
Step back in time with a visit to this provincial park, one of the few so close to Toronto. Nature trails take you into forested areas, past an old farmhouse, and working barn with animals for petting. Hike up one of the main hills at Bronte Park and you will see a gorgeous view of the surrounding area.

Directions: QEW/403 west to Burloak Drive. Turn right to go north. The park entrance will be on your right side.

Park admission: day pass $16 per vehicle. 

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To San Francisco

The Palace Hotel

Nearly a decade has passed since I last visited San Francisco and fell in love with it. Needless to say, I was tingling with excitement on this return trip. This time around, instead of being a carefree university grad with no responsibilities, I had my prone-to-travel-anxiety hubby, Jason and 18-month-old daughter, Annabel, in tow. Thankfully, the city by the bay did not fail me, and wooed all of us.

First stop, the aptly named Palace Hotel. Located downtown, this historic hotel emanates luxury and grandeur. Known as "the" venue for San Francisco's socialites since 1909, the Palace continues traditions of Sunday brunch and afternoon tea alongside modern amenities to ensure a perfect stay. 

We ditched our bags, then headed to nearby Belden Lane (above) for some grub. There you'll find a bevy of restaurants, tucked away in a back lane, with the option to eat indoors or out. With our bellies full, we settled in for a cozy night in our lovely Palace suite.

My Sugar Shack Dreams Come True - Montreal

I had first heard about Sucrerie de la Montagne in a New York Times article from 2009. I have held onto the foodie dream of visiting a real Cabane a Sucre (sugar shack) since then and the idea of home-cooked comfort food served up with fresh maple syrup on a maple farm. So when a client called and asked if I could come to Montreal, I bypassed the plane ticket and hopped straight into my car so I could hit this sugar shack on the way in. I deduced that it would be lame if I rented a car and drove all the way there by myself. So hip + urban husband, Paul came along for the six-hour road trip (he already thinks I'm crazy).

Walking in, the staff was just setting up for dinner and for a touring teenage show choir from Boston. We sat ourselves at the back away from the party but in front of a huge wood-burning fireplace. The gorgeous 'shack' was decorated in warm twinkle lights that were shining down on the old rustic farm tables and benches. My mouth dropped at the exposed wood beams and high ceilings. The main dining room seats up to 350 people. A smaller private room on the other side accommodates small groups up to 100. Since we were a big group that night, a singing guitarist provided live entertainment until the Glee club from Boston got up there and blew us all away with an impromptu performance. Which made for sort of a strange and hilariously entertaining night, because really - I would just be sitting at home in my condo in Toronto.

What dreams are made of - the feast to come...

The Dorset Manor Spa + WIN A Day Spa Getaway!

We are such big fans of Ste. Anne's Spa in Grafton, Ontario that when the same owners invited us to visit their newest sister spa, The Dorset Manor - we jumped at the opportunity to visit them in Port Hope. Newly re-opened in May 2011 after over $100,000 in renovations, the rustic inn is warm, comfortable and full of charm. It's the perfect little place for a romantic getaway or to recharge out of the city on a girlfriends getaway. Yes, the bed was actually so high that it required a step stool (above).

My first treatment upon arrival was The Botanical Resurfacing Facial ($120/60 mins) which included cleansing, exfoliation, a hydrating masque, a face and arm massage along with a foot scrub. I felt very relaxed, especially with no painful extractions this time around.

My spacious guest room for the weekend

The view from our suite at the top of the hill overlooked four wooded acres and Lake Ontario. I felt nestled in nature inside a gorgeous Victorian mansion. The inn features only nine rooms, so it was easy to find peace and quiet. We had our own little balcony with Muskoka chairs to relax and drink our coffee in. The building is not licensed, however guests are encouraged to bring along their own wine and beer. I actually chose not to drink that weekend, so my body could fully detox.

The best way to relax after the drive-in from Toronto was with Afternoon Tea served in a sun-filled dining room. I felt instantly energized after some veggies & dip, herbal tea, fruit skewers, mini-sandwiches and sweets. The chef also accommodates gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diets.

Hello From Montreal, Quebec!

Warming up inside a Sugar Shack outside of Montreal

Hello from Montreal! I've taken a little road trip to La Belle Province for my fix of maple syrup, poutine, smoked meat and all things delicious. I'll be sharing more posts from my trip soon, but in the meantime - here are some pics I snapped quickly at Garde Manger in Old Montreal. For Food Network fans, it's the restaurant that hottie Chuck Hughes owns on his show Chuck's Day Off. Unfortunately there were no sightings of Mr. Hughes himself, but we did spot cutie and restaurant partner Tim Rozon who was nice enough to chat seafood and his favourite Toronto restaurants with us at the bar.

Tim created this BEAST of a seafood platter. That's the large size in the back and the one in the foreground was another large platter. I recommend ordering their Signature Caesar's too which include a huge crab claw on the side. We also spotted Jerk Crab on the menu if you feel like getting messy.

We Flea To The Aberfoyle Antique Market

Sick of your Ikea furniture? Does your pad need a little personality? Aberfoyle Antique Market is a rain or shine outdoor market with all sorts of flea happy finds. It's open every Sunday from Spring to Fall with about 100 dealers offering practically anything you could think of! You'll find true antiques, vintage pieces and everything in between. The dealers are set up both in booths and outside. Spend the day browsing the merchandise and haggle yourself a great deal.

Getting There

Pack some snacks and head out for a day trip by car. One mile north off 401 exit 299 near Guelph. The market opens up again for the season THIS Sunday April 29th until Sunday October 28th from 8 am - 4 pm every Sunday only. There are a few special Saturday shows, but check the website for the most updated dates.

Admission, Parking and Dogs

Admission is $2 to get in (per person) and parking is free (over 1000 spots available). If you buy something large, you'll receive a ticket to a loading area where you can pull up to load your purchase. Dogs are welcome to Aberfoyle as well, but it must be on a leash at all times. 

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To The Galapagos

If you're an animal and nature lover like me, you probably have the Galapagos Islands on your bucket list of places to visit. Indeed, this was an amazing adventure and experience that I was lucky enough to enjoy in January 2012. 

One thing you should know about the Galapagos Islands, is that you have to visit them with a tour group. The Ecuadorian government only allows a certain number of people onto the islands each year, in an effort to conserve the area, prevent it from becoming too touristy and disrupting the already vulnerable eco-system. 

We went with Friendly Planet which includes a flight from Miami, all accommodations, meals, transportation, entrance fees and a guide. Our guide Charlie was a native of Ecuador, but spoke fluent English and was a trained naturalist, who was extremely knowledgeable about the animals and areas we visited.

Angkor Wat Cambodia: 7 Wonders of the World

A few years ago, a vacation to Southeast Asia turned into an unexpected cultural discovery. Geoff, my boyfriend then (now my husband) and I took a trip to visit his old university friend who left his finance job behind to open the first back-packers cafe in the main city of Phnom Penh! In mid-2000, Cambodia had a bad rep for being a dangerous war-torn country, full of land minds (watch where you step) and was not exactly the tourist hot spot it has become today. It was one of those off-the-beaten path, adventurous things you do to give your parents a heart attack!

Getting There:

The trip to Angkor Wat is one of the most talked about routes. Yes, there are plenty of taxi scams and visa rip-offs but with proper planning it's pretty straightforward. There are options to go by bus or boat but I recommend flying, you pay a bit more but will save time and hassle. (Fyi: I chose the bus, it took 8 hours and the a/c broke! I ended up getting there in one piece but got very sick.) Book your flight to Siem Reap Airport and don't forget to purchase a Tourist Visa there for $20.

Great Expectations:

Upon arriving, I expected to immerse in a culture completely different from mine but I didn’t expect to feast my eyes on something so grandeur, historical and breathtaking! The Tomb Raider movie just didn't do justice to this...!

This Is How We Do It: Travel Insurance 101

The view from the top of the Empire State Building

A sponsored hip + urban girl post.

Love to travel as much as we do? Give yourself peace of mind with travel insurance.

Most people don’t question the need for car insurance, but many never consider travel insurance. It’s not something you like to think about, but accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. So how can you ensure you’re covered should the unexpected happen when you’re travelling? First, take a look at what your work or credit card programs provide and decide if there are any gaps to fill.

My American Express Gold Rewards Card offers me travel medical insurance for 15 consecutive days outside of the country or province. It’s a really nice feature to have, since I work for myself and don’t have any other coverage through an employer. It’s convenient for me because it means I’m not rushing off somewhere to buy travel insurance if I decide on a quick weekend getaway to Miami or want to head into Buffalo to do some shopping. It’s sort of one less thing to think about when you’re packing up your bikinis, shoes and dresses for a much-deserved vacay away.

Back in NYC again last week for a concert

However, sometimes I need a little more coverage beyond my Amex Cardmember benefits. I was recently in New York City for just under a month and needed extended coverage beyond 15 days in case anything happened to me during my trip. We all know how crazy expensive health care is in the US  which is why I never ever go without travel insurance.

With one easy phone call, I was able to top up my coverage for only $30 just by calling American Express. I was actually surprised by A) how fast and easy it was and B) how affordable my policy turned out to be. I was given a policy number over the phone and official documents were mailed to my home address.

I purchased the Basic Medical Per Trip Plan, which will give me unlimited Emergency Medical Insurance while I am in NYC.  This complements the coverage on my Gold Rewards Card beyond the 15 days I already receive. And when you consider that treatment for a head injury from a fall can set you back upwards of $179,000 in the US for air ambulance, hospital stay and medical care, well, that extra $30 starts to make a whole lot of sense.

Skating in Central Park

Taking a bunch of connecting flights? Is there a chance you might need to cancel your trip? Try upgrading to Ultimate Travel or Select Travel insurance so your baggage is covered and you are re-imbursed for trip hiccups (i.e. a delayed flight) or cancellation.

If something does happen to you, American Express has a team on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all upfront costs are covered. The call centre handles over 400,000+ inquiries every year, so I know I’m in good hands.

Do you buy travel insurance for every trip? Have you had anyone you know end up with a large hospital bill while on vacation?

For more information and to determine the right coverage for your next big blowout trip, visit: Amex Travel Insurance or call 1-866-292-5234

The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide To Rome

Bustling marketplaces, screaming ambulances and an array of modern people surrounded by ancient ruins. The clash of the past and present is prevalent on every twisted street corner.  This metropolis is surrounded by priceless artifacts and famous frescos. Few places can balance the living memory of what was and the chaos of what is like the Eternal City, Rome.

Many locals will attest that you cannot possibly see everything in the city in a matter of months, let alone days. So is it worth even trying? No matter what time you have in Rome, whether a layover or a few weeks to enjoy, you will be amazed with the love affair you will have with this city.

The usual suspects to name a few are the coliseum, pantheon and Vatican City. These attractions are not the cliché places to visit in Rome but a must-see for a reason. Whether you are a history buff or just love to bask in what is beautiful, visit these sites. Rome has a metro system, hop on/off buses and regular transit. However, for those who have at least a few days and a sense of adventure should just walk. Free and fresh water is provided from one of the many fountains in the city.

It is best to start off your day at the coliseum, to avoid the incredible crowds and get your perfect pictures of this piece of history. When approaching the busy intersection surrounding the coliseum, be wary of the scam artists convincing you to pay a fee to get a personal tour. The coliseum has an entrance fee is 15.50 Euro for non-European citizens. It includes the ruins beside the coliseum which have Augustus’ house and priceless outdoor artifacts. 

NYC Nightlife - Live Theatre, Comedy + Music

Heading out to New York City soon? We share a few of our tips + tricks on landing tickets for our faves in live theatre, comedy and music. It's best to get yourself organized ahead of time as the best shows tend to sell out quickly. But if you do wait until the last-minute, there are a few deals to be had!

HipTix - Wanna see a Broadway Show without the heavy price tag? HipTix offers discounted theater tickets for the under 35 set. I paid only $22 with fees for a ticket to Anything Goes, regularly $70 and up. It's definitely worth checking out.

TKTS Booth - Discounted tickets for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows on the day-of the performance. Discounts range from 20-50% with a $4 service charge to benefit the Theater Development Fund. Look for the big red staircase in Times Square, the TKTS booth is just under that with a long winding line-up in front of it.

Photo Credit 

The Upright Citizens Brigade - See amazing improv from only $5! Some days Amy Poehler (one of the founders) and the cast of Parks & Recreation will even show up. UCB programs a full seven day comedy calendar. Certain performances accept reservations and you pay cash at the door. Others are first-come, first-serve. We hit up Maude night and it was two different improv comedy teams performing a series of skits in competition with each other. Yes, there's also a bar. If you can get in on a Sunday night and catch an Assscats show, then you might be lucky enough to score a special improv guest. Expect a line-up and a sold-out show every night.

Spa Day In The Woods @ Le Nordik, Gatineau

My snow-covered visit

Just a 12-minute drive away from Downtown Ottawa stands Le Nordik-Spa Nature, the largest Scandinavian spa of its kind in North America. The spa is nestled deep in the woods of Old Chelsea, Quebec and was totally worth me renting a car for the day for this one-of-a-kind experience. Gatineau Park provides a stunning backdrop, as the spa sits right at the entrance of this conservation area. The property features a series of outdoor water therapies and indoor relaxation areas.

Le Nordik Spa in the Summer

I went during the dead of winter, on a -20 kind of day and my lungs filled quickly with cold fresh forest air. Therefore, the first thing I did was hit the hottest hot tub I could find and soaked my tired stressed muscles. Then I cycled through the steam room, sauna and finally found my happy place slouched in a muskoka chair in an outdoor gazebo while falling asleep to the warmth and smell of a wood-burning fireplace. If you feel brave, I recommend hitting the cold plunge waterfall and alternate between hot and cold, but I felt that the cold winter air was enough to make an icicle out of me.

The Barrel Sauna 

The indoor spaces have heated seats, headsets pumping relaxing music, magazines to puruse, showers to rinse off in and water fountains to help keep you hydrated. Some of the cabins even have lounger mattresses where you can lie right down and take a nap. I spent close to three hours here and you could probably do even more if you booked any of their massage or body treatments.

Urban Eats @ Chelsea Market, New York

I always make a point of heading to the major local food markets (we hit up this one in Madrid) whenever I travel into a new city. It's an easy way to avoid the typical tourist trap chains and you can eat like a local. New York's Chelsea Market is one of my favourite places to visit whenever I'm in the city. Here's what we stumbled upon during our last visit to New York City...

Al Pastor - Marinated pork taco topped with fresh roasted pineapple ($4) from the taco cart, Tacombi. They also serve up tamales, sopas, agua fresca and a variety of different tacos.

I managed to grab a seat next to the window. Seating is limited in Chelsea Market during peak times, so be prepared to stand OR take your picnic with you and go upstairs to The High Line park to enjoy lunch al fresco.