Now that I’ve finished my Christmas shopping, my next task is to finish wrapping the gifts. Like many others, I find some people are easier to buy gifts for than others. Naturally, I find it easier to shop for people who have the same, or similar, interests as I do. For example, I love to travel, so this is a category in which I enjoy finding and buying gifts. Even though the task is sometimes more difficult than other times, I find that keeping the real meaning of Christmas in the forefront keeps the situation in perspective.

I’m getting through a cold December day here in Canada. I don’t mind the cold weather too much, as I am used to this type of weather. Besides, I remind myself, the other seasons will cycle through again as usual. It is too cold and snowy to travel now, but like many others, I am thinking of some nice low cost vacation getaways.

Ever thought to yourself: “This place would be so much better without all the tourists and the inflated prices”? The weather may be perfect, but traveling to a popular spot during tourist season means lots of people, plenty of waiting and higher prices.

It’s a really cold overnight here in northern Ontario. The cold weather does not bother me too much, but there are times when I think of getting away to a destination with a warmer climate…at least for a few days. According to Elizabeth Rogers, of 50Plus.com, there are some awesome options for those planning to travel in 2010. I wish you save and happy travels.

Wondering where to go on your next trip, or simply daydreaming about far away destinations? There’s no shortage of exciting places to go – and settling on a destination isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for some inspiration, the global team at Lonely Planet has picked its favourites for the year in its Best in Travel 2010 guide.

Like millions of other people, one of my favourite parts of the Christmas season is going to the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I am especially grateful to be able to take my children. We are not able to attend the festival each year, as it simply too far away from where we live, but each trip is worthwhile and appreciated.

It’s the season for winter wonderlands, according to Jennifer Grunden of 50Plus.com, and Niagara Falls delivers its own unique twist with its Winter Festival of Lights. It’s not a small undertaking — over one million visitors come each year, injecting enthusiasm and much-needed tourism dollars into the area. Along the way, there is a lot to take in and enjoy.

I will make full disclosure up front: I have an overwhelming fear of flying. I have mentioned this in previous blog posts as well. I have not overcome this fear, despite numerous attempts, but I will keep trying. I mention this because this blog post deals with overcoming air travel stress. My stress is actually from my fear of flying, not the stress of air travel. However, I realize millions of people travel by air each year. I hope the following article, by Everett Potter of Forbestravel.com, provides some helpful information.

Take a deep breath and try these stress-busters.

A good friend of mine recently visited the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. She told me of an awesome Lego Castle Adventure Exhibit, which will be on display through 3rd January, 2010.

The exhibit was created by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in conjunction with toymaker Lego System, Inc. The plastic coloured Lego building blocks have been a favourite of children for many years.

The family-focused exhibit includes a suit of armour, a dragon and models of castles made out of Lego blocks. Activities include jousting using foam-rubber lances and, of course, Lego building. My friend tells me the exhibit is definitely worthwhile, for both children and adults.

The capital city of the great country of Canada is Ottawa. Ottawa is a very visitor-friendly city.
Ottawa’s galleries and museums see tons of spectacular traveling exhibits every year. But what about the mainstays? Read on for a look at a few of the best permanent collections Ottawa, Ontario has to offer.

What world treasures and irreplaceable sites should you try to see — before they disappear?

Only one of the “Seven Ancient Wonders of the World” is still around today. Of the noted ancient architectural feats undertaken from about 2700 BC to 270 BC, only the Egyptian Pyramids at Giza have survived the ravages of time, fires, earthquakes and conquests.

The ancient Greeks and Romans are said to have initiated the original “Seven Wonders” list, as an early travel guide of sorts. Keeping this in mind, what world treasures and irreplaceable sites should you try to see — before they disappear?

Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is the oldest city in Canada. Quebec City is a lovely, historical city.

One of the beauties of a Quebec City vacation is that the city’s compact nature allows you to stay in any number of architecturally and atmospherically distinct regions while remaining steps away from all major attractions and restaurants. As such, the best way to experience the old-world charm of the city is undoubtedly on foot.

It all starts on the water. Visitors to a city steeped in a colourful seafaring past won’t be surprised to learn that the most popular excursions involve the ocean, the navy, and other things maritime.

Conveniently, most of the city’s attractions mingle on the waterfront, within easy walking distance of each other. After arriving in town, head down to the waterfront, where you’ll find the headquarters for most tour operations, on sea or land. In the Historic Properties is The Red Store Visitor Information Centre with pamphlets, maps and details about every inch of the province.