Enjoy this week’s list of insights, travel tips, and good reading from travel blogs around the world. Check out the downhill ice skating races in Quebec City, get some tips so you can speak like a Newfie and find out where the power outlets are, even in coach.  Contemplate a visit to one of the fabulous spots highlighted in the link to architectural tourism. Then sit back and enjoy a good travel movie.

Crashed Ice is Back in Quebec City
A Newfoundland Language Lesson: using the Word “B’y”
3 Reasons Why You Want to Use Seat Guru Before You Fly
Architectural Tourism: 13 Can’t Miss Sights and Structures
Follow up: 10 More Travel Movies to Get you Going in 2010

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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Great Barcelona Architecture

My husband and I often travel in September after our kids are back in college and the mayhem of our summer winds down. In 2009, in celebration of Bob’s 50th,  we decided to visit Barcelona. We spent 6 nights in Barcelona and will definitely return. From the perspective of an architect/landscape architect, which is how I view the world, Barcelona is one of the most magical and aesthetically pleasing cities I’ve visited. Like most of Europe, it is a city for walking and walking we did. There is very good public transportation (buses, subway, taxis), and bikes can be rented easily, but in order to really see the city we walked.

Barcelona Architecture

Upon arrival we spent a few hours strolling along the famous pedestrian boulevard, La Rambla, where colorful and creative costumed street performers model for money and notoriety, with a backdrop of vendors selling their varied wares. Heading in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea gives you at once an open view to the beautiful expanse of reflective water, and an eyeful of architectural history as you see buildings from the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Parks and buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi were a big draw for us so we spent many days visiting Park Guëll - a public park containing amazing structures, sculptures and water features all tiled in mosaics of fantastical designs and patterns; Sagrada Familia - the most impressive structure in all of Barcelona, is the imposing “new” cathedral still under construction after 128 years, but open for touring - be sure to take the audio tour to learn of hidden treasures and meanings; Casa Botella - a private residence designed inside and out with curvilinear windows, arched ceilings, and decorative mosaics throughout; and La Pedrera - an apartment building turned office located on the second major artery called Passeig de Gracia - audio tour a must here, too.

Other architectural gems and museums we visited include Palau de Musica. We  toured the building and saw a show - incredible to be in this beautiful space when it’s alive with sound. I nearly had my camera confiscated as I surreptitiously (I thought) snuck some snapshots of the stained glass ceiling! You’ve never seen anything like it. The Picasso Museum houses the largest collection of his works and is arranged in a timeline. Though I studied his work in college, this was the easiest way to truly see his talent and how it grew and changed over the years. The Barcelona Cathedral was under construction when we visited, though the areas we were allowed to visit were beautiful and gothic in design with exquisite wood carvings and murals on many of the walls and ceilings. If you plan to visit many of the sites I have mentioned you may wish to purchase the Art Ticket at your first stop. It will save you money and you’ll avoid the long ticket and entrance lines.

Spanish Paella

If you’re a foodie like me, then visit Mercat de Sant Josep - La Boqueria off La Rambla - the city’s major open air food market. Really a must-see, lovely, but always crowded! And speaking of food, the touristy restaurants serve tapas, tapas, tapas - small dishes of local treats such as goat cheese stuffed figs and dried tomato with melon, along with personal pizzas and tasty vegetable dishes. Potato frittatas are also a favorite, and wash down well with local beer. Tapas 24 was a wonderfully lively restaurant located just off Passeig de Gracia and near both La Pedrera and Casa Botella. The best selections and freshest food we had anywhere, and served to us by a young woman, Marie, who we met in a bar the night before! In addition, and worth the walk, are many restaurants near the water serving the delicious local specialty of seafood Paella.

Lastly, I highly recommend treating yourself to a morning or afternoon at the Arabic Baths . You will not regret this time of pure relaxation. We had the most magical experience in this spa designed from an ancient aqueduct that runs beneath the city. It was clean, beautiful, pampering and gorgeous. In a grotto-like setting you can have a massage or just soak your weary bodies in cold, warm and hot baths all lit by candle light. Like I said, magical!

Written by guest blogger, Sandy Clinton, my amazing landscape architect and foodie friend. Do check out her portfolio!

Amazing Barcelona Architecture

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Travel tipping etiquette is one of the biggest dilemmas every traveler, rich or poor, encounters. Who should you tip? How much? What should you give so you don’t appear cheap? Has it actually been added to the bill anyway?

Every country is different so know before you go. Make a point of loading up on small denominations of the local currency and carry a wad of $US1 bills when you head off to poorer countries.

Alphabetically here is a mixed list of countries and their tipping practices.

AUSTRALIA  
Up until recently no restaurant tipping was necessary but now add up to 10% on a restaurant bill in the larger cities if service is good. If a service charge has been added no extra tipping is needed.
Taxi tipping varies from zero to 10% so you’ll need to be the judge. Use the bigger number in larger centers and change from your fare will probably suffice in smaller towns.

CANADA
Add 15% of your restaurant bill before tax as a tip. Service  charges with large groups are usually added anyway so no additional tipping is required.
Tip taxi drivers 10-12%.

ENGLAND
In restaurants add 10-15% IF it hasn’t been added as a service fee.
Tip taxi drivers 10%.

FRANCE
Service charges are added to restaurant bills already but if service is excellent leave a few extra Euros on the table. Look for the words servis compris (SC), service et taxe compris (STC) or prix nets/toute taxes comprises (TTC) which means that prices include service and value added tax. In a bar where you’re standing you might want to leave some small change.
Tip taxi drivers 10%.

GERMANY
Service and taxes are included in the menu prices in Germany. However adding another 5-10% is still considered by some to be proper etiquette as is rounding up to the closest Euro. The level of service will help you make the decision. Don’t leave the tip on the table; tell the server how much you want to pay BEFORE you pay, including the extra tip.
If you want water ask for bottled water as you will be deemed a rude patron if you ask for tap water only.
Round up to the nearest whole Euro for a taxi tip.

HOLLAND
The service charge is included but tip another 10% for exceptional service.
Add one Euro as a taxi tip.

IRELAND
Check to see if a service charge has been added to your restaurant bills. If it hasn’t then tip 10-15%. 
You don’t need to tip taxis but you can round up a fare or add a Euro or two if desired.

ITALY
Service is normally included in your bill as is a cover charge or coperto. Tip if you have really enjoyed the food and the service - up to 10%.
Cab drivers don’t expect but do appreciate tips - so if they’ve been particularly helpful add a little extra.

JAPAN
Tipping is not expected on any level with respect to restaurants or taxis.  

MEXICO
In restaurants tip 15-20%. Most service people do not get paid well and depend on tips so be generous.
Taxis have a monopoly on the local transportation business and build a tip into their rates - which tend to be on the high side already. Only tip if you’ve received an extra service.

NEW ZEALAND
Tips are not the norm but a tip for exceptional service of 10% is appreciated.
You don’t need to tip your taxi driver but do consider rounding up to the nearest dollar.

SPAIN
There is confusion even among the guidebooks about tipping in Spain. Some say it’s common to tip 5-10%, others say leave only the small change. I’d say keep a few Euros handy and be prepared to discreetly put them on the table.
Taxi tipping is rarely done but if they’ve helped you alot give them 1-2 Euros.

SWEDEN
A service charge is already included in the bill so tipping isn’t necessary. If you’ve had a fine dining experience and exceptional service then add another 5-10%.
Round up your taxi fare and make sure you’ve given the equivalent of a few dollars as a tip.

SWITZERLAND
Service charges are added already in restaurants and bars so extra tipping is not actually required. However, giving a little extra when service is good is still appreciated - a few Swiss francs would suffice.
Don’t tip taxi drivers unless they’ve made a special effort and then a few Swiss francs should do the trick.

UNITED STATES
Servers are not paid well so plan to tip 15% at a minimum and 20% for exceptional service. If you’re part of a large party the tip may have been added, in which case no additional tip is required.
Tip taxis 10-15% depending on how helpful they were to you.

A guide to tipping guides and staff at tour companies will be the focus of another blog.

Leigh McAdam
www.hikebiketravel.com

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The Chilkoot Trail backpacking guide has just been released as a free download.

The Chilkoot Trail, which begins on tidewater in Alaska and climbs up over mountains in British Columbia, presents a unique backpacking opportunity, as this is a trail rich with history. It was the main trail used in the famous Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800’s, one of the biggest gold rushes the world has ever seen. An international crowd of literally tens of thousands, fuelled by dreams of riches, used the Chilkoot Trail to chase the gold in the Yukon. Most suffered incredible hardship, many never even made it and only a few got rich. Today on the trail you’ll find plenty of reminders of their epic journey.

Highlights of the trail include:

• fantastic scenery
• an international trail with the boundary at the summit of Chilkoot Pass
• Klondike history and artifacts
• a great adventure
• a historic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route between Bennett, British Columbia and Skagway, Alaska
• the very real possibility of encountering bears (for better or worse)

This is a fantastic summer trip which SHOULD be booked now so that you get the campsites and the dates you want. Go prepared and you’ll have a great adventure.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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Olympic Flame in Vancouver

This post Olympic thank you letter has been making the rounds but if you haven’t read it yet - do. Brian Williams from NBC pays tribute to Canada in a most respectful and heartfelt way that I suspect resonates with most of us. Thank you Mr. Williams.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

PS If you’ve been receiving double posts I apologize. The problem should be resolved by the weekend.

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Enjoy this week’s list of insights, travel tips, good reading and photographs from travel blogs around the world.

10 of the World’s Best Desserts
Kindle for Travelers
Eco Travel: The Green List
The Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010
Work it baby, work it - as it relates to global tourism spending

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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Photo of Cradle Mountain from the beaches of Dove Lake

What was the highlight from my entire year in Australia? Tasmania.You read that last part correctly and why was it a highlight? - the countless hikes available throughout the glorious and beautiful State that is Tasmania.

The National Parks of Tasmania were my focus and Cradle Mountain in particular did not disappoint.You may have heard of this Park, home of the infamous 65 km Overland Track, which takes a fit hiker 5 to 6 days to complete. You’ll need to book in advance to prevent over-crowding at campsites.

I didn’t have the gear for a multi-day hike, but there were still plenty of day hikes to choose from in the Park. I was there for three days and did three different routes.

On the first day I wanted to tackle the Summit. I started at Dove Lake and walked halfway around to the very steep and strenuous Face Track. This hard climb is well off the usual route to the Summit and is notable for its isolation and quiet beauty. The track passed the beautiful Lake Wilks and brought me to a cliff side portion that had chains to assist with the climb. Take your time in this section.

I continued to walk along the base of Cradle Mountain, to the Kitchen’s Hut, the beginning of the Summit Track. The track took a total of 2.5 hours return, with the last section requiring some bouldering and climbing over large rocks. During the ascent, fog rolled in and the weather changed quickly, a common occurrence in the Park. Beware of the false summit and be prepared for some tricky footwork in the last section leading to the top. Once on top look for the monument which contains an elevation plaque (1545 m/5069 ft) and a directional table that highlights other featured landmarks of Tasmania. A stunning landscape greets you at the summit - on a clear day. You’ll see the spectacular Mount Ossa (highest peak in Tasmania), Barn Bluff and Dove Lake.

Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain from the trail to Lake Rodway

The descent was simple enough providing you were careful with footing. I continued past the Kitchen’s Hut (which is like a fork in the road for the Park) toward Crater Lake. After a stop at Marion’s Lookout, I continued down a very steep path. I don’t know how I managed to take the two steepest paths available for the Summit Route, but I did. Trust me; there are easier ways to the summit - via Lake Lilla and Crater Lake.

My second day involved a spontaneous decision to run around the Dove Lake Circuit. I needed a break from the Summit climb so a quick run would be just the thing for me. It was a very easy and flat 6 km, with only one moderately steep hill. It offered great views of the Ballroom Trees, little marshes and the Honeymoon Islands.

On my final day, I decided to take a route less travelled - the trail to Lake Rodway via Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson. It ended up being a great decision. Along the way, I reached a lookout, though the fog prevented a scenic view. I waited and was rewarded in the end with one of my favourite shots of the Park - Dove Lake below and the awe-inspiring spires of Cradle Mountain looming above;  then the sheer size and elevation of the Park became strikingly apparent.

I continued along on a route that lead behind Cradle Mountain, past a small pond called the “Artist’s Pool”, framed nicely by the native Pencil Pine trees that are prevalent throughout the Park. With its twisted trunk and sharp features, it is a tree that stands out among the rest and makes Tasmania seem even more rugged and exotic from any other place you’ll visit.

Hiking to Lake Rodway was easy with only a few strenuous sections. Once you reach the Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut you’ve reached a point where if you continue, you’ll meet up with the main Overland Track. I turned back and retraced my steps to a path that lead me along the Twisted Lakes and Lake Hanson/Hansons Peak trail. These were two of the highlights. Taking gorgeous photos of the lakes was easy with Cradle Mountain situated perfectly behind. What was even more surprising was the view that appeared from the other direction of the mountain! -a valley so extensive and untouched. It is a side of the Park that I am sure not many travelers see. The path was very steep and strenuous in places, especially the ascent to Hanson’s Peak, but well worth it for the view. The trail is clear and well marked, but a little rougher (lots of rocks, roots and mud) than the other trails around the Park because it’s not as popular.

Throughout the Park, there were visible trailheads and plenty of signage to locate the various trails. The weather is variable but regardless of a little fog, or even a little rain or snow, Cradle Mountain is a Park that will still be nothing short of beautiful, rugged and memorable for whoever takes that first, easy step to the beach of Dove Lake, or the many steps to the Summit and beyond. It was a great National Park and made me hungry to explore and experience the rest of what Tasmania had to offer.

Cradle Mountain National Park
FEES: Daily: $12/person or $24/vehicle (up to 8 people)
HOLIDAY (8 WEEKS): $30/person or $60/vehicle (up to 8 people)
**If visiting for educational purposes, the fee can be waived, but an application form will need to be filled out and approved beforehand**
Best time to visit: Spring to autumn, though summer has the clearest days and the best views

Summit Track:
6 - 8 hours return with 600 m change in elevation
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with climbing over boulders required to reach the summit. Follow the red paint marks on rocks, steel posts and on trailhead markers
Trail Conditions: Ice and snow is a common sight in the winter and spring months, so careful footing and proper footwear is required.
Prerequisites: Dress in layers. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as a map.
Note: Well worth the view once the Summit is achieved.

Dove Lake Circuit:
6 km, 1 - 2 hour circuit,
Difficulty: Easy with one short, moderate hill.
Trail Conditions: Flat boardwalk for a majority of the circuit with the rest consisting of gravel.

Lake Rodway: 5 hours return; add 2 more hours to hike via Hansons Peak
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Trail Conditions: Clear and well-marked, but rough and muddy sections possible.
Prerequisites: Dress in layers and be sure to have the proper footwear as the trail is rougher. Bring plenty of water and snacks.

Blog kindly provided by Robyn Waher, a recent University of Toronto Civil Engineering grad who has just taken a job that involves travel to Dawson City, Yukon Territory.

On the Summit with Mt Ossa in the background

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Are your palms sweaty? Is your heart racing? Whose body odour is that?? You must be:

1. trying to find a cheap flight
2. attempting to get to the airport on time
3. pulled into a little room for interrogation by customs agents
4. dealing with lost baggage
5. about to get on a 10 hour flight over water.

Airports, airlines, air tickets, air travel… it’s all stressful. Click on the links below for extremely useful tips to make your next trip as hassle free as possible.

Booking a Flight the Frugal Way
The World’s 18 Strangest Airports
9 Tips for Dealing with the Most Stressful Travel Disasters

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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Climbing Stawamus Chief in Squamish in late March

It hasn’t been a hard winter in the Pacific Northwest but it doesn’t mean we aren’t all looking  forward to longer days, especially now that we have a hint of spring in the air. It continues to rain alot in March so this list includes indoor and outdoor activities. Sometimes it’s the simple act of changing your scenery for a day or a long weekend that makes you feel that all is right in the world again. Also remember that accommodation rates are particularly low in March or April.

1. Pick a hike you’ve never done before. This year hikes that might not normally be available till late April or even May could be open now. I did the Grouse Grind (still officially closed)  twice in February and snow and ice was an issue only on the last 25 feet of the trail. These conditions are similar to what I’ve seen in May in other years. There are websites covering the Vancouver area, Seattle area , Washington State, and Oregon  that should provide some inspiration.
2. Take a surfing lesson in Tofino on the west coast of V ancouver Island named last week as the best surfing town in North America.
3. Head to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival , 60 miles north of Seattle. It will be open at the end of March, a week earlier than usual. You”ll find over 300 acres of blooming tulips.
4. Skiing isn’t over yet especially if you hit the higher elevations.  Head to Whistler for some downhill skiing, the Callahan area for cross country or find tickets to see the Paralympic Games running from March 12-21st.
5. Try biking from inn to inn through British Columbia’s Gulf Islands or Washington State’s San Juan Islands. Download your free guide from my website for both of these trips. Dress in layers and surprise yourself with how enjoyable it feels to be on a bike in March.
6. Spend a weekend in Seattle. Visit Pikes Peak Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Check the Seattle Events site before you leave home.  You’ll find five festivals occurring in the month of March including the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.
7. Head to Ashland, Oregon, 285 miles south of Portland. Here the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has already opened for the season and you’ll have the town to yourself.  The 6th annual choclate festival begins this weekend too.
8. Tofino and Ucluelet celebrate the return of the Gray Whale during its annual migration. Head to the Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 6th-14th.
9. Take a culinary tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown every Saturday through March and end with a lunch.

Also for those of you with a twitter account, consider following me @hikebiketravel where I post travel deals as soon as I hear of them.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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The horticultural Olympics, aka the Chelsea Flower Show, occurs yearly in the last full week of May in London, England. The Chelsea Garden Show is the gardening equivalent of a couture fashion show. You’ll find innovative garden design, gorgeous flowers, superb people watching opportunities and enough inspiration to send you home ripping up your garden to emulate what you’ve just seen.

The show accepts 160,000 visitors over 5 days but the first 2 days are reserved for Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) members only. It’s worth joining so you can see the gardens at their peak. I was there in 2005 and an uncharacteristic heat wave caused the sort of headaches that the lack of snow has caused the winter Olympics organizers. Planning a display garden can take a solid year and forcing plants to bloom out of season is fraught with failure. You’ll see the designers patting their sweaty brows just like the Olympic athletes. They’re in a pressure cooker too - just a different sort but the rabid British press can be just as biting in May as it’s been in February.

Tickets are available for a whole day (8am-8pm) or part day (3:30pm-8pm). Public whole day tickets are 45 pounds ($Cdn72) and half day tickets are 25 pounds ($Cdn40). There are onsite cafes to rest weary legs where you’ll find traditional scones with clotted cream, tea and other British goodies. I recommend visiting for the full day, especially if this is a once in a lifetime trip. Get there early before the crowds so you can really get close to the popular show gardens. Save the indoor pavilion for last unless you have a  fondness for new flower varieties and best of blooms displays. The outdoor garden displays are far more inspiring.  

The Chelsea Garden Show is visited by the Royals in headgear, obsessive, Latin speaking English gardeners but also by the public at large because it is truly a magnificent show. Tickets are for sale online now and they typically sell out by early April. If you have a London trip on the horizon then I highly recommend including the horticultural Olympics in part of your plans.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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