Saturday, July 30, 2022

QUEBEC, "THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE"

MONTREAL, "THE CITY OF SAINTS"
BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Canada is a wonderful vacation destination. Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!





City Attractions in Montreal

Centre Canadien d'Architecture (CCA)

The Canadian Centre for Architecture should be seen as much for its own architecture as for the fascinating temporary exhibitions on buildings, architects and architectural movements inside. Peter Rose designed the modern building, whose austere limestone facade contrasts with the adjoining Shaughnessy House typical of the residences of Montreal's wealthy elite at the turn of the century. The area behind the museum is the CCA sculpture garden, designed by Melvin Charney.
Opening Times
Wed-Sun 1000-1700; Thurs until 2100.
Admission Fees
Yes (except for Thursdays after 1730).
Telephone (514) 939 7026.
Website http://www.cca.qc.ca
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

Built in 1771, this is the city's oldest church; it contains original Édouard Meloche frescoes and has a small museum devoted to the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys (Canada's first saint). The tower affords excellent views of the port and surrounding streets.
Opening Times
Tues-Sun 1100-1530 (Nov-mid Jan and Mar-Apr); Tue-Sun 1000-1730 (May-Oct).
Admission Fees Yes
Telephone (514) 282 8670.
Website http://www.marguerite-bourgeoys.com
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Galerie René Blouin

This gallery never ceases to boggle the mind. Contemporary Canadian artists exhibit their work to the astonishment of art buffs and critics alike.
Opening Times
Tues-Fri 1000-1730, Sat 1100-1700.
Admission Fees No
Telephone (514) 393 9969.
Website http://www.galeriereneblouin.com
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History

In the western end of Old Montreal, Pointe-à-Callière, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, tells the story of Montreal from its earliest days - with high-tech displays in the stunningly modern Eperon Building, and archaeological remains in the portions of the museum below place Royale (including the city's original sewers) and under the renovated Old Customs House.
Opening Times
Tues-Fri 1000-1700, Sat and Sun 1100-1700 (early Sep-late Jun); Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat and Sun 1100-1800 (late Jun-early Sep).
Admission Fees Yes
Telephone (514) 872 9150.
Website http://www.pacmusee.qc.ca
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Montreal Science Centre

A popular trip for families, the Montreal Science Centre has a constant fresh rota of exhibitions and programmes. Learning through interaction is the name of the game, with hands on workshops, special events and fun activities. There is also an IMAX cinema should the little ones demand easy entertainment.
Opening Times
Daily 1000-1700 (early Jun-early Sep); daily 0930-1600 (early Sep-early Jun), IMAX daily until 2200.
Admission Fees Yes
Telephone (514) 496 4724.
Website http://www.montrealsciencecentre.com
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal (Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art)

Adjoining the plaza at the Place des Arts, the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Arts is Canada's only museum devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The museum's permanent collection is on display in one wing, on a rotating basis - the collection of works by Québécois artists, such as Jean-Paul Riopelle and Paul-Emile Borduas, whose expressive canvases typify the Automatistes of the mid-20th century, is particularly strong. The other wing features temporary exhibitions focusing on one or more artists. A small sculpture garden makes for a quiet retreat.
Opening Times
Tues and Thur-Sun 1100-1800, Wed 1100-2100.
Admission Fees Yes (except free on Wednesdays 1800-2100).
Telephone (514) 847 6226.
Website http://www.macm.org
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No

 Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal (Montreal Museum of Fine Arts)

Since it was established in 1860, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has been at the forefront of promoting Canadian and international art. The permanent collection is split between the original beaux-arts building, which houses Canadian, Inuit and First Nations art, as well as decorative arts; and the postmodern structure opposite where European masters, prints and drawings and decorative arts are exhibited. In the tunnel connecting the pavilions are galleries showcasing contemporary Canadian artists and a small collection from ancient cultures.
In 2000, the museum received the Liliane and David M Stewart Collection as a gift, comprising some 5,000 items of decorative art dating from the end of the 1930s onwards. The whole collection of the former Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts, one of the most important in North America, thus entered the museum. The museum also has a reputation for hosting outstanding temporary exhibitions.
Opening Times
Tues 1100-1700, Wed-Fri 1100-2100, Sat-Sun 1000-1700.
Admission Fees No (forpermanent exhibitions). Admission is half price on Wednesdays 1500-2030
Telephone (514) 285 2000.
Website http://www.mmfa.qc.ca
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Dating back to 1829, this cathedral is the city's most iconic building. It was the first gothic-revival church to be built in Canada and its handsome twin towers house an 11 tonne bell nicknamed "Jean-Baptiste". Adding to local lore, French-Canadian chanteuse, Celine Dion was married here in 1994. The Basilica's vast size, its extraordinary craftsmanship, fine works of art and chapel are impressive, particularly the latter considering the fact it had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1978. With over 350 years of history, the Parish of Notre-Dame boasts a wealth of trivia, tales and urban legends.
Opening Times
Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1530, Sun 1300-1530.
Admission Fees  Yes
Telephone (514) 842 2925.
Website http://www.basiliquenddm.org
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Oratoire St-Joseph (St Joseph's Oratory)

Found on the northwest side of Mount Royal, ‘Joe's Place' is a magnificent Roman Catholic basilica which was begun in 1924 by Brother André, a celebrated healer, and completed in 1967, after his death. The 97m-high (318ft) dome is one of the largest in the world and there is room for 10,000 worshippers beneath it. The votive chapel and crypt are worth investigating and there is a good view over the city from the terrace.
Opening Times
Daily 0700-1900 (until 2200 when there is an evening service). Hours for individual parts of the complex vary and tours are available daily from 1000-1700.
Admission Fees No
Telephone (514) 733 8211.
Website http://www.saint-joseph.org
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Montreal's largest park comprises two islands (Ile Ste-Hélène and Ile Notre-Dame) and was the site of the city's monumental Expo 67 World Fair. Today, the islands are a great spot for exploring on foot, bicycle or rollerblades. Half of Ile Ste-Hélène is taken up by La Ronde amusement park. Elsewhere on the island is the Stewart Museum, located in Montreal's only fort. It recalls the region's martial history with costumed guides and re-enactments. Nearby, a geodesic dome contains the Biosphère - a museum devoted to increasing awareness about river and water ecology. On Sundays throughout the summer, groove to the beats at Piknic electronic, a hedonistic outdoor dance party featuring the best international and local DJs and terrific views of the city.
Opening Times
Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees No
Telephone (514) 872 6120.
Website http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Parc Olympique (Olympic Park)

The Olympic Park was the site of the 1976 Olympic Games. The unique and costly (over C$1 billion) Olympic Stadium is now the venue for concerts and features a sports centre with four large swimming pools. Half-hour guided tours are available and visitors can also take a funicular (cable car) ride up the world's tallest inclined tower (175m/575ft). Nearby, the former velodrome is now a major and extremely popular attraction - the Biodôme de Montréal is a recreation of five ecosystems under one roof. Visitors can move from a tropical rainforest to a polar world, with stops in a Laurentian forest and St Lawrence marine environment en route.
Opening Times
Funicular: daily 0900-1700 (until 1900 mid Jun-early Sep). Park: Tues-Sun 0900-1700 (early Sep-late Jun); daily 0900-1800 (late Jun-early Sep).
Admission Fees Yes
Telephone (514) 252 4141.
Website http://www.rio.gouv.qc.ca
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Space for Life

Canada's largest natural science museum complex, Space for Life, offers four different attractions. The newest opened in spring 2013; the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium housed in a $48million building featuring two silver cones pointing skywards like telescopes. Inside, in the Chaos Theatre, visitors can journey into space against the backdrop of a Philip Glass symphony soundtrack. The planetarium also contains a permanent exhibition of meteorites and interactive terminals, videos and multimedia games. Also on the site is a Biodôme where you can learn about flora and fauna in five different ecosystems, an Insectarium offering a diverse and colourful collection of insects, butterflies, moths and spiders, and the Botanical Garden covering 73 hectares (180 acres), which includes a Chinese garden, Japanese garden and a Tree House displaying information on Quebec's forests.
Opening Times
Varies.
Admission Fees Yes
Website http://espacepourlavie.ca/en
Disabled Access Yes
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)

Located near the St Lawrence River, Old Montreal is the site of the original fortified city. The buildings and streets date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and have been carefully restored. The area is filled, throughout the summer, with tourists who come to stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the boutiques and restaurants or simply soak up the joie de vivre among the street entertainers and pavement cafes in the former marketplace of place Jacques-Cartier. A tour on a horse-drawn calèche makes for an especially romantic way to see the sights.

Opening Times
Daily 24 hours.
Admission Fees No
Website http://www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No

Vieux-Port (Old Port)

The Old Port was once one of the most important trading ports in North America. With most shipping activity now taking place downriver, this area has been transformed into an excellent recreation and exhibition area, filled with walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers on the riverside promenades between the Clock Tower and the locks at Parc des Écluses. The Montreal Science Centre , on King Edward Pier, is a science and entertainment centre geared towards a family experience, with exhibitions, the Immersion Movie Game (interactive video game on a giant screen) and an IMAX cinema.
Opening Times
Daily 1000-1700 (early Jun-early Sep); daily 0930-1600 (early Sep-early Jun), IMAX daily until 2200.
Admission Fees Yes
Telephone (514) 496 7678 or (514) 496 4724 ,1 877 496 4724.
Website http://www.oldportofmontreal.com
Disabled Access No
Unesco World Heritage Site No


REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

No, I love Montreal... I think I love Montreal more than Montreal loves me... I love the food there.

 Kathy Griffin



Live Life and Travel to often!


Thursday, July 28, 2022

QUEBEC, "THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE"

MONTREAL, "THE CITY OF SAINTS"

BY CLAY LARROY

Across the America many couples are having wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a honeymoon to rest and recuperate.  Vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in Canada. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!




First-time visitors never fail to be surprised by Montreal; French-speaking with grand old buildings and a European vibe, it sits apart from other North American cities.
In fact, it really is like no other. Montreal combines old-warm charm and metropolitan energy, small-town warmth and friendliness with vibrant, cosmopolitan cool and bohemian vibes with lively, upbeat sparks. Unlike the modern sprawls sometimes associated with other Canadian urban centers, Montreal is anything but samey. In fact, it’s intoxicating diversity - when it comes to ethnicity, culture, language and cuisine - is what makes this city tick.
For gourmands, the city has plenty to offer; it claims to have the largest number of eateries per capita in North America. Food and drink are celebrated with gusto with a number of enticing culinary events throughout the year. In addition, the city's public markets are something to truly savor - tuck into delicious regional specialties like crepes and fried squid and ubiquitous maple food products as you browse countless stalls selling tantalizing treats.
When it comes to sightseeing, there's plenty to gawp at. Thanks to a relatively small downtown area and squeaky-clean public transport system, tourists can explore the city safe in knowledge that they won't get lost, or indeed hassled.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride (calèche) along the St Laurence River in Old Montreal and amble down to the buzzing harbor front replete with cyclists, roller-bladders, pedal boats and passers-by. Stroll to The Plateau where wrought-iron staircases, designer fashion boutiques, a thriving arts scene and snazzy nightspots pepper its funky streets. Pop over to Mile End, once the home to the city's Jewish and Italian communities, and now a cool district with quirky restaurants, cafes, shops and bars to explore. Spend some time in Downtown offering a fabulous mix of soaring skyscrapers and heritage buildings intermingled with quaint boutiques. Soak up the peaceful vibes in The Village, one of the largest gay districts in North America, where you can dine al fresco in the summer when the main drag, Sainte-Catherine Street, becomes pedestrianized. Sip a cappuccino in Little Italy, home to one of the city's best markets, the Jean-Talon Market, or escape from the urban hustle to Pôle des Rapides, a 21km-long (12 miles) recreational park just minutes from downtown where you can enjoy a lazy cruise along the locks of the Lachine Canal.

Meanwhile, Montreal is the gateway to some incredible natural surroundings - steal away to the Laurentians for a day or weekend trip to sample its golf courses, spa hotels and tiny mountain villages. Or head southeast to the Montérégie, home to orchards, vineyards and maple groves. Meanwhile, the Eastern Townships draw legions of cyclists, thanks to 500km (310 miles) of winding biking trails through unspoiled countryside and towns characterized by Victorian architecture.
Back in the city itself, plan your visit to coincide with one of the city's cultural or sporting events - from fireworks or food, to jazz music or chamber music, international tennis or the Grand Prix, there's sure to be something on to pique your 

REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

It was my dream playing for the Montreal Canadiens - it was my dad's team. 

Guy Lafleur



Live Life and Travel to create marvelous memories!


Tuesday, July 26, 2022

QUEBEC, "THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE"

QUEBEC CITY, "LA VIEILLE CAPITALE"

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  Canada is a close locations to take vacations. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Look at the article below for an enthralling perspective on Quebec City.

Mont Tremblant: More Than Just a Ski Hill

By Liz Bruckner
 
As far as winter destinations go, Quebec's Mont Tremblant is no one-trick pony. Sure, it boasts the biggest peak in the Laurentians and attracts downhill thrill-seekers from all across North America, but the mountain isn't just for slope lovers. In fact, during my short, day-and-a-half visit, I quickly learned -- with outdoor activities so plentiful, a village so charming and restaurants with food so delicious -- finding time to sneak in a few runs is harder than suspected. First up: dinner. After flying Porter Airlines directly to Mont Tremblant's adorable lodge-like airport on a Friday night, my fellow travelers and I are taken by shuttle to the Westin in the heart of the village. Famished, we pull up at chair at L'Avalanche where a smorgasbord of food awaits. Beef tartare, filet mignon, rack of lamb, ostrich and mushroom risotto are among the amazing offerings, and when the crème brule and chocolate-mess-gateau show up, it's all I can do not to stuff my cheeks. I manage to conjure up some restraint, then head back to my room to turn in for the big day ahead.

Bright and early Saturday morning, I depart for the bunny hill. Having only ever attempted downhill skiing once before, a lesson is very necessary. I venture up and down the two-level hill at least eight times, perfect my snow plough and even learn a thing or two about purposeful turns. After an hour, my instructor decides it's time to move onto bigger and better runs, so we head for the chairlift. To my surprise, I not only manage to get off the lift without taking anyone down, but the trip down the hill is also easier than I thought.

Next is ice climbing. By now it's afternoon, my belly is full, and the sun is shining. I head to the Activities Centre to gear up for my ascent of one of Tremblant's frozen cliff faces. With my ski boots still on, I follow another instructor up a small hill with an incline so steep I'm winded 30 seconds in. The path leads me to a few sets of snow-packed stairs, and I try not to tip over as I Frankenstein my way up them. Finally, we arrive. I gingerly add the spikes to my boots and set to work as the holder-of-the-rope while a fellow writer climbs up and down the cliff. All goes well, so I'm up next. I try to make every spiked kick deliberate and every pick jab stick, but still lose my footing a few times. Once I reach the top, I lean back as advised -- all of my spikes should be flat against the ice on the way down, my instructor says -- and pray the rope holds. It does, and I spend the next two hours shuffling up and down the frozen cliff. 

Adventure complete, I decide to take on skating, the one winter activity I've attempted more than once. I grab my skates and head for Saint Bernard's Chapel, the location of Tremblant's quaint outdoor rink. I underestimate my abilities on sharp skates, though, and quickly realize that slow and steady glides will win the race. I steer clear of the crowds and decide after a short 20 minutes that I should quit while I'm ahead. Tubing is next on the agenda, and my legs can't wait for the break. I head up to the top of the bunny hill and get in line to take a spin down. Riders are given the option of rocketing down on a GT or donut tube, and I choose the latter. We're also asked if we prefer to coast or spin, and again, I choose the latter. The combination of being launched down the hill and spinning uncontrollably makes me feel like a kid again, so I happily make a few return trips. To wrap up the day, dinner is at Aux Truffles, a five-star restaurant just seconds from the Westin. I try the daily soup -- a mouthwatering onion medley -- to start, and an unforgettable roasted guinea fowl stuffed with basil butter, goat cheese and honey sauce for my entree. I save room for a bowl of delicious walnut stew with maple ice cream, and chat with Martin Faucher, the incredibly personable owner and chef of Aux Truffles and call it a night. When morning arrives, I do the unthinkable and head to the chairlift. I make it down a few times without falling and realize on my first descent that the mountain has done the impossible by turning me into an outdoor winter enthusiast.



Though I didn't take in all the activities Tremblant has to offer -- dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and aerial games are just a few of the additional options available -- they're great reasons for me to come back. 
If you go:-Mont Tremblant's ski season typically runs from November to April. For information on rates, conditions or lessons for downhill skiing, skating, tubing or ice climbing, visit www.tremblant.ca.- 
Porter Airlines flies directly to Mont Tremblant from many locations, and to Montreal from all of its locations. Visit flyporter.com for information.- 
Le Westin Resort & Spa Mont Tremblant is a picturesque four-star resort located in Tremblant village. Visit www.westin.com/monttremblant for information.-
L'Avalanche  Bistro Lounge, www.avalancebistro.com-Aux Truffles Restaurant, www.auxtruffles.com

REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I am from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I was born there, and I am a twelfth Montrealer. 

Julie Payette


Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!


Sunday, July 24, 2022

QUEBEC, "THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE"

QUEBEC CITY, "LA VIEILLE CAPITALE"

BY CLAY LARROY

We lead such busy lives working, going to school, taking children to different activities that often we do not stop and talk to our children. We usually do not have time to sit around the dinner table and ask our children what they did today. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations and travel can be a most rewarding experience especially in Canada.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!



Tours & Excursions

Tourist Information Centers

Québec City Tourism
835 avenue Wilfrid-Laurier
Quebec City
Canada
(418) 641 6290.
Daily 0830-2030 (late Jun-early Sep); daily 0830-1830 (early Sep-mid-Oct); Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1600 (mid-Oct-late Jun).
Centre Infotouriste de Québec
12 rue Sainte-Anne
Quebec City
Canada
1 877 266 5687.
Daily 0830-1900 (late Jun-Aug); daily 0900-1700 (Sep-late Jun).

Excursions

Côte de Beaupré
The attractions east of Quebec City in the Beaupré Coast region include the Montmorency Falls - a waterfall half again as tall as Niagara Falls, although with less water. A cable car leads from the car park to the interpretation centre and a bridge over the falls. Further east, the enormous Basilique de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré has been drawing Catholic pilgrims for centuries; the cathedral is part of a complex including a museum and smaller chapels that mark the start of the Way of the Cross processional route up the hillside. Some 6km (4 miles) further on, three bridges are suspended across the Canyon Sainte-Anne, offering dramatic views of the 74m (243ft) waterfall located there.
 (418) 824 3439.

Ile d'Orléans
The rustic countryside of Ile d'Orléans is visible from Quebec City's Old Town and is accessible by the bridge 20km (12 miles) northeast of the city, off Highway 440. Many locals escape here for fresh produce from roadside market stalls and the many excellent restaurants in the island's inns. It is a pleasant place for visitors to drive around; the tourist office, located just across the bridge, can provide helpful advice.
Telephone:  (418) 828 9411.

Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park
The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park begins at the eastern end of Charlevoix and is an excellent place for spotting whales. From Quebec City, Croisières AML (tel: (418) 692 1159; www.croisieresaml.com) offers a coach-and-cruise trip. By car, it is a three-hour drive (plus ferry ride) each way to the pretty town of Tadoussac, where numerous companies offer whale-watching trips.
 (418) 235 4703.

Charlevoix
Around 60km (37 miles) east of Quebec City, the terrain changes dramatically as the Laurentian mountain chain meets the St Lawrence River. Amidst the forest-covered mountains are a couple of scenic provincial parks: caribou can be spotted in the Parc des Grands-Jardins, while the Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie has mighty ravines. Artists have found the scenery stimulating and their output is visible at the many galleries in the coastal town of Baie Saint-Paul, home to numerous restaurants and country inns.
 (418) 665 4454.

Tours

Walking tours
One of the classic routes to explore Quebec City on foot is to walk along the top of the fortification walls, with the option of continuing to the Citadel and along the Plains of Abraham; a partial tour is available from the Centre d'Interprétation des Fortifications-de-Québec. A number of thematic walking tours are also available: the Corporation du patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec covers the city's religious heritage, whereas Ghost Tours of Québec delves into the supernatural.
(418) 648 7016 ; (418) 694 0665 ; (418) 692 9770.

Bus tours
Nearly a dozen companies offer bus tours, with the basic city tour including Upper and Lower Towns, the fortifications and the Citadel, the Plains of Abraham and the National Assembly buildings. Most companies offer optional excursions and bus/walk or bus/boat combinations. Companies offering tours on a year-round, daily basis include Old Quebec Tours.
(418) 664 0460.
 
Boat tours
Boat cruises, which allow a magnificent view of the city, travel downstream to the Ile d'Orléans and beyond; departures are from the Bassin Louise, in the Old Port north of Upper Town. Les Croisières Le Coudrier offers sightseeing cruises, as well as dinner cruises and longer excursions. Croisières AML offers similar packages, as well as whale-watching trips.
(418) 692 1159 ; (418) 692 0107.
 
Other tours
The most romantic way to tour the city is in a horse-drawn calèche. These can be hired just inside the city walls near Porte St-Louis from Calèches du Vieux-Québec or other companies. Héli Express Tours offers helicopter flights over the city. Departures are from Jean Lesage International Airport. Taxi Coop offers private half-day tours that include Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Canyon-Sainte-Anne and the Montmorency Falls.
(418) 683 9222 ; (418) 877 5890 ; (418) 525 5191.

REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

We have a tendency in Quebec - and I include myself in this - 

to describe ourselves using the past. We're always nostalgic.

Robert Lepage


Travel  and create wonderful memories for your family!