News that has caught Chris' eye in the Travel World

Big Ben silent until 2021 (14 September, 2017)


If you are visiting London any time soon, don’t expect to hear the iconic gongs and chimes of Big Ben ringing out over the Houses of Parliament. The great clock’s bells will be largely silent for the next four years as extensive renovation is carried out in the Elizabeth Tower which house Big Ben. Additionally, much of the tower will be covered in scaffolding which will confound photographers trying to snap the classic view of the Houses of Parliament. The length of time that it’s taking to undertake the renovations has become a national topic of debate in the UK, with some newspapers carrying headlines saying that the Health and Safety Department has accomplished what even Hitler failed to do…and that’s to silence the sounds of Big Ben.


A celebration of Road Trips (7 September, 2017)


Road trips! Just the idea of the open road and a long journey ahead filled with possibilities is enough to get my travel twitch going! The freedom of an open itinerary, the prospect of unexpected encounters and above all, the sense of undertaking a trip with a goal at the end…all this contributes to the magic of a road trip.

A recent example for me was my journey along the Oregon Trail from Missouri to Oregon, with side trips to Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore. So I have no hesitation in recommending the latest offering from Lonely Planet called: ‘Epic Drives of the World’. The sub-title of this beguiling book is ‘Explore the planet’s most thrilling road trips’ – and that is exactly what the armchair explorer-reader does when leafing through this sumptuous book.

The writers at Lonely Planet have chosen 50 spectacular journeys from all over the world that will move you from armchair to driving seat in a flash of inspiration. Each is a gem, each hooked me with the yen to get up and go. From trails across the red heart of Australia to winetasting weavings in Alsace in France – I heartily recommend not only the purchase of this book, but test driving some of its contents! Read my Book Review here for more detail.


Active Ontario Festival (29 August, 2017)


If you are wondering what to do in the Toronto area this weekend, I suggest popping down to Ontario Place, which is welcoming guests to the Active Ontario Festival on September 2-4, 2017 over the long weekend. The free admission festival will get visitors moving by celebrating many ways to get active, and stay healthy.

Highlights include: performances by Dr. Draw whose violinist stylings venture from rock and classical genres into the electronic music culture, and Michael Morales whose alternative rap, bridges the gap between 90’s hip hop storytelling and modern production. A giant climbing wall will allow visitors to try out their rock climbing skills. There will be a full-size volleyball court where guests can learn the basic skills of ParaSport Ontario volleyball followed by live officiated games. Or bring your pup and indulge in a holistic and healing yoga class that uses instruction and simple movements for total relaxation. City Dance will be there, providing interactive dance classes complete with choreography and dance moves inspired from popular music videos.

And if you haven’t already discovered the new Trillium Park and the William G. Davis Trail located on the East Island of Ontario Place, come experience this bike-friendly park as a relaxing stop-over from your long weekend activities. Walk, jog, take your dog, or pack a picnic and enjoy the seven acres of public green space on the Toronto waterfront with splendid views over the cityscape. Full details are available at www.Ontarioplace.com.  


 


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