We may have just celebrated the arrival of a new decade, but for those of us who remember a simpler time of VHS tapes and Game Boys, another year around the sun can bring back feelings of nostalgia. If it hit you hard this new year, here are a few hotels that will bring you back to your Kris Kross jumping, VIBE magazine reading, Lauryn Hill miseducating good old days.

The Curtis Denver — Denver, Colorado

Nothing says throwback like a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a glass of cold milk. Guests are greeted at The Curtis Denver with this timeless indulgence at check-in, but if that doesn’t take you back to your childhood, then the retro video games and Barbie and Marge Simpson-themed rooms surely will. The hotel’s Five & Dime store brims with treats from the past and each guest floor is designed to reflect a pop theme from TV to music to art or sports and beyond.

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Arlo NoMad — New York City, New York

Arlo Nomad, near Murray Hill, contains 250 thoughtfully designed rooms combining custom furniture with efficient storage spaces and a range of playful touches. In short, this hotel has bunk beds. Whether you loved them or hated them as a kid, bunk beds are certainly a nostalgic and playful touch that brings back memories of a simpler time.

Hotel Preston — Nashville, Tennessee

Pet fish, lava lamps, and board games for the win. Hotel Preston takes playful accommodations to the next level. The hotel aims to give you an experience that is “delightfully uncommon and filled with warm Southern hospitality.” Enjoy the evening in your suite playing your favorite childhood board games with your personal wet bar always within reach.

RELATED: A Day In Black-Owned Nashville

The June Motel — Prince Edward County, Ontario

The June is “a throwback to the good ol’ days.” Targeting millennial women, this Instagrammers paradise is decorated with pastels, floral wallpaper, and neon signage. The super-hip, 16-room, roadside motel is located in Canada’s wine country and features plenty of wine-inspired amenities to go with your nostalgia.

Right after the holiday season is when you will find some of the best travel deals!

The first month of the year is a great time to kick off some of those destinations on your New Year’s Travel Resolutions because of the flight deals and discounts on accommodations – which means you’re saving money altogether.

Another thing to love about January is that it’s a low travel season which means attractions won’t be as crowded.

After doing some digging, here some of the best destinations to travel this January under $300 round-trip!

Puerto Rico

Even after the New Year,  there’s a lot happening in Puerto Rico in January. One of the biggest celebrations on the island, Three Kings Day, begins on Jan. 2 and will continue through Jan. 6.

In mid-January, the Festival de la Novilla de las Fiestas will be held in San Sebastian.   

The festival, which honors the female cow, features a parade of live bands, kids, floats, and decorated cows.

Flights to San Juan can be found for less than $115 round-trip this January, according to Skyscanner.

Nicaragua

A trip to Managua, Nicaragua is perfect in January because of the optimal weather and low humidity.

There’s so much to do in the country’s capital city but we recommend getting all those outside activities out the way.   Why waste good weather?

Head to the Masaya Volcano for a night tour or try the unique experience of sandboarding at Cerro Negro Volcano.

Right now, there are a few flight options that are less than $300 round-trip from various cities.

Canada

If you’re looking to travel somewhere cooler then this is for you.  Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal are all Canadian destinations that you can purchase for less than $300 round-trip from various cities, according to Skyscanner.

A flight to Toronto, for example, is starting off at $156 round-trip.

Spain

January is a great time to visit those crowded places in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, and Park Guell.

These stunning architectures are typically over-crowded during the peak travel season.

Those of you on the East Coast can head to Barcelona for as low as $223 round-trip this January.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos is a vacation for those of you looking to escape the post-holiday blues in January.

The weather averages about 80 degrees this time of year and there are at least seven hours of sunshine each day.   

Flights to the island are rather cheap considering it’s considered high season for travel.   Round-trip deals can be found for as low as $206 round-trip, according to Skyscanner.

Pantone has announced it’s color of the year for 2020 and it’s evoking major wanderlust. 2019’s color was coral and next year’s is also giving ocean vibes. 

Classic Blue has been declared Pantone’s Color of the year for 2020 and according to Pantone, the “solid and dependable blue hue” was inspired by our need for calm and clarity and “re-centers our thoughts.”

As humans, we are a lot happier around blue waters which, by the way, is scientifically proven to provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation. 

You can spend your 2020 catching Pantone’s color of the year around the world, by visiting these destinations bursting with classic blue. 

Coral Bay – Australia 

Coral Bay is part of the Ningaloo Reef which stretches 1.7 million acres.       

The amazing thing about Coral Bay is you can see the contrast of the deep blue seafloor to the lighter blue of the edge of the Coral Bay of Western Australia. 

Great Blue Hole – Belize

When visiting this area, you can scuba dive or snorkel in the hole to see the blue up close and personal. 

The hole is 136 feet deep and is surrounded by lighter waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

Havana – Cuba

Walking through Old Havana, you will be able to spot classic blue everywhere. From buildings to cars, Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 is in plain sight. 

Yellowknife – Canada

If you want to experience the Northern Lights, this area in the Northwest Territories of Canada is an ideal location. 

Make your way to Yellowknife between mid-November to the beginning of April to see the classic blue sky. 

Jodhpur – India

Jodhpur, the old town of Rajasthani, is painted in various shades of blue. Explore the streets of Jodhpur to find endless buildings painted in classic blue. 

Positano – Italy 

Blue and white are the main colors found in this beach town. Head to Fornillo or Marina Grande beaches to relax and take in the beautiful deep blues around you. 

Trinity Sergius Lavra – Russia 

Drive an hour outside of Moscow and head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trinity Sergius Lavra. 

The onion domes of the main church are painted in classic blue with gold stars. You can spot other shades of deep blue on over 50 buildings throughout the monastery. 

Santorini – Greece

Santorini is probably the most you’ll spot Pantone’s color of the year for 2020. From the doors to the roofs to the Aegean Sea — classic blue just pops differently here. 

If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and have concerns about your safety when it comes to international travel, the 2019 LGBTQ+ Danger Index was recently published by Asher and Lyric, a website that promotes health and safety advice for international travelers. Featuring a study of the world’s most and least dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ travel, the report reveals the “good, the average and the utterly grotesque.”

RELATED: Here Are The Essential Resources For LGBTQ Travelers

According to the website, “instead of relying on hearsay and anecdotes from other travelers, we took a deep look at LGBTQ+ rights, country by country. We’ve gathered data from a variety of trusted international sources to create a ‘LGBTQ+ Danger Index’ that will help you find the worst (and safest) countries for LGBTQ+ travel.”

The report takes into consideration a range of concerns including protection against discrimination, hate crimes, illegal same-sex relationships, and more. Weighing these issues, the list ranks 150 countries from least to most safe.

“To measure LGBTQ+ safety abroad, one cannot look only at data on whether or not same-sex marriage is legal and if anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination laws are in place. It also depends on the general attitude of the culture, minutiae of the legal system, and oppression of LGBTQ+ rights. These issues can affect everything, from your ability to show public displays of affection to being able to share a hotel room bed to the capacity at which you can use dating apps without being caught by the local police,” says the Asher and Lyric website.

RELATED: Sydney Celebrates LGBTQ Pride With Permanent Rainbow Crosswalk

Sweden and Canada top the list for the safest countries, with legalized same-sex marriage, worker protections, protections against discrimination, and the criminalization of violence.

Here are the top 10 safest countries for LGBTQ+ travelers, according to the 2019 index:

1. Sweden
2. Canada
3. Norway
4. Portugal
5. Belgium
6. United Kingdom
7. Finland
8. France
9. Iceland
10. Spain

Although this list acts as a helpful guide, it is important to note that you should always take precautions while traveling, learn local social customs, and check travel.state.gov for more details on LGBTQ+ safety before you leave home.

A new decade is upon us and many of you are considering packing your bags and testing out the expat lifestyle. The most difficult part of the process is often trying to decide where to go. If you are looking for a little guidance, InterNations has revealed its 2020 list of the best countries for expats and you may be a bit surprised by some of the results.

The annual Expat City Ranking reveals how expats rate life in 82 cities around the world, and here are the top 5 results.

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1. Taipei, Taiwan

For the second year in a row, Taiwan’s capital claims the top position as the best city to live in as an expat. Almost all expats (98%) are satisfied with the local transportation (vs. 70% globally), and a vast majority (94%) are happy with the availability of healthcare in the city (vs. 73% globally). Around seven in ten expats appreciate the local cost of living (71% vs. 43% globally) and are satisfied with their financial situation (69% vs. 57% globally). 

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur it is voted the world’s easiest city to get settled as an expat. Three in four expats (75%) feel at home in Kuala Lumpur (vs. 64% globally), and 69% are happy with their social life (vs. 55% globally). Close to four in five (78%) are satisfied with the local cost of living (vs. 43% globally), and 75% find housing affordable (vs. 36% globally).

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City takes the third spot, with close to nine in ten expats (87%) saying that it is easy to find housing (vs. 50% globally), and 77% being happy with their financial situation (vs. 57% globally). Expats are particularly happy with their jobs in general (79% vs. 64% globally), the local career opportunities (68% vs. 51% globally), and their working hours (75% vs. 62% globally). 

4. Singapore

Every respondent in Singapore (100%) rates their personal safety positively (vs. 81% globally), and the vast majority (88%) is also satisfied with the political stability (vs. 61% globally). expats find it easy to get used to the local culture (77% vs. 62% globally), to make new friends (58% vs. 45% globally), and are happy with their social life (67% vs. 55% globally).

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5. Montréal, Canada

More than three in five expats (62%) rate the affordability of housing positively (vs. 36% globally), and almost four in five (79%) say it is easy for expats to find housing (vs. 50% globally). Almost two-thirds of expats (65%) rate the local career opportunities positively (vs. 51% globally). Montréal also ranks third in the Work-Life Balance subcategory.

The newest cannabis store coming to Toronto is mirrored after a 1950s diner and people are already calling it a “date night hangout spot.”

Award-winning cannabis brand, Superette, opened its first legal retail store in Ottawa last April, surpassing its $7 million dollar mark in just five months.

Their new shop’s design was inspired by a neighborhood bodega while adding a nostalgic, retro twist that many haven’t seen before. This storefront will be located in Rosedale, an area described as “one of Toronto’s bougiest neighborhoods.”

Superette offers a variety of cannabis products including cannabis oils, pre-rolls, dried flowers, marijuana paraphernalia, art, apparel, and more. The brand wanted to create a familiar shopping experience at an affordable price without feeling obnoxiously trendy. Prices range between $6-$15 per gram.

The 1950s aesthetic is everywhere, down to the red leather vinyl booth seating, brown paper bags, chrome stools, and retro menus made from recycled materials.

There’s also a game room, deli, and pong table.

Superette also encourages visitors to freely touch, smell, and sample from 30 different scent pods. If customers need assistance, they have red baskets that mean, “I’m Good” and green baskets marked “Let’s Talk” to alert trained staff.

For those who already know what they want, they can order from the express line at the counter.

The store is located at 1073 Yonge St, which was previously the location of the flagship store for Canadian outdoor-inspired apparel brand, Roots.

Superette has yet to announce an official date for the grand opening, as the store won’t receive its license to sell until this upcoming summer in June. In the meantime, Superette’s Ottawa location in the budding Westboro neighborhood is open daily at varied hours available on their site.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience living like one of the characters from “Frozen”, now is your chance. There are winter wonderlands popping up across the U.S. and Canada, perfect for a fairytale-esque escape. 

Ice Castles has been in business since 2011 and has been curating winter experiences worth traveling for.

According to Ice Castles, “Although Ice Castles has grown significantly since then [the very beginning], our mission remains the same — to create happiness, laughter, and unforgettable winter memories.”

What started off as the founder, Brent Christensen building his own mini ice castle at his house in Utah has transformed into six stunning locations. The Ice Castles are located in Dillon, Colorado; New Brighton, Minnesota; North Woodstock, New Hampshire; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Midway, Utah; and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

When visiting these locations, you can expect interesting mazes, light shows and more. As a result of the various climates of each location, the construction and curation of each castle are unique.

Ryan Davis, Ice Castles CEO, tells NBC: “Mother Nature is our primary architect, and we are always amazed by what she allows us to create each season. Our crew in Colorado has been working hard over the last few weeks laying out the castle’s design so we can build a unique, winter experience that is fun for people of all ages.”

Although there is no official opening date as yet, you can head to the Ice Castle’s Instagram account to see what’s in store. 

It’s hard to avoid the constant apocalyptic news of climate change and its effects on our environment and way of life. From threats to sacred Native American land to wildfires destroying entire neighborhoods, more places on earth are quickly becoming endangered.

According to CNN, the World Monuments Fund added 25 culturally important sites to its 2020 World Monuments Watch list of threatened heritage sites with historical significance.

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“We often take our most treasured heritage sites for granted,” said Bénédicte de Montlaur, the fund’s CEO to CNN. “Sometimes it’s not until they are put at risk that we realize the importance they have in constructing our identities as individuals, communities, or citizens of a country.”

A few monuments on the 2020 Watch List include Mam Rashan Shrine in Iraq, a Yazidi shrine destroyed during a genocidal campaign; threats to the significant rock carvings on Easter Island at Rapa Nui National Park in Chile; and the San Antonio Woolworth Building in United States, a significant site of the African American Civil Rights Movement in Texas, which is being threatened by a redevelopment plan.

The World Monuments Fund’s mission is to bring awareness to cultural heritage at risk. Through their sponsors and donations, they have raised over $400 million to provide financial and technical support for the preservation, restoration, and long-term stewardship of the most beloved historical sites in the world.

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The full 2020 Watch List is below:

1. Koutammakou, Land of the Batammariba, Benin and Togo

2. Ontario Place, Canada

3. Rapa Nui National Park, Chile

4. Alexan Palace, Egypt

5. Notre-Dame de Paris, France

6. Tusheti National Park, Georgia

7. Gingerbread Neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

8. Historic Water Systems of the Deccan Plateau, India

9. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, India

10. Mam Rashan Shrine, Iraq

11. Inari-yu Bathhouse, Japan

12. Iwamatsu District, Japan

13. Canal Nacional, Mexico

14. Choijin Lama Temple, Mongolia

15. Traditional Burmese Teak Farmhouses, Myanmar

16. Chivas and Chaityas of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

17. Anarkali Bazaar, Pakistan

18. Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru

19. Kindler Chapel, Pabianice Evangelical Cemetery, Poland

20. Courtyard Houses of Axerquía, Spain

21. Bennerley Viaduct, United Kingdom

22. Bears Ears National Monument, USA

23. Central Aguirre Historic District, USA

24. San Antonio Woolworth Building, USA

25. Traditional Houses in the Old Jewish Mahalla of Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The desire to get inked up abroad is the latest trend among travelers, according to a recent report from Hostel World – a global hostel focused online booking platform.   

Out of the more than 1,000 Americans surveyed, Hostel World’s research found that every two in five have attained a tattoo while traveling.

The reason?  Because they are tired of the basic souvenirs.

“For many, globetrotting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates lasting memories. But many people have moved on from fridge magnets and keyrings as travel souvenirs,” Cathy Thomson, global head of customer experience at Hostelworld, said. “In an always-on society where you can easily share live updates on the go, it’s no surprise the next generation are seeking more permanent mementos that they can wear on their skin as a badge of honor. Their personal tattoo can unlock their stories of unique experiences.”

According to the report, 40% of travelers between the ages of 18 and 35 have admitted that they have commemorated a trip by permanent souvenir imprinted on their body. More than half of tatted travelers admitted to planning their design and tattoo artist ahead of time.

So where are the most popular places Americans are getting tatted?

1. Mexico

2. Canada

3. The UK

4. Spain

5. Italy

And it’s not just a trend among Americans. The phenomenon is global.   More than 60% of Australians and 50% of Brits have expressed keen interest in getting a tattoo next time they travel. 

Inspirational quotes are the most common tattoos seen while traveling, according to the report.  Other popular tattoos include a current or former partner’s name; a tattoo adaptation of local culture or religion; and song lyrics.   

Hostels around the globe have been quick to respond to this trend by providing on-site options for tattoo infatuated guests, according to Hostel World.  The Yellow, a popular hostel in Rome is popular among travelers, and there are hostels in Denmark, Sweden, Cambodia and Nepal that offer tattoo parlors. 

Toronto is the largest and most visited city in Canada. Its multicultural landscape is also home to many black-owned businesses. If you are planning a trip to this fascinating city, here are a few spots to check out while you spend 24-hours supporting the community.

Morning

Start your day with Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The Nutmeg Spot offers authentic Grenadian style cooking and flavors. Head there for breakfast on the weekend and enjoy deliciously light fry bakes, served with your choice of salt-fish or smoked herring.

Get your body moving with a high-intensity cycle class that is equal parts challenging and fun. Cycle N’ Tone has revolutionized the definition of working out by combining indoor cycling and boot camp classes with the hottest soca, dancehall, reggae tunes, and more

RELATED: Here Are The World’s 50 Coolest Neighborhoods

Afternoon

Yamz Vegan Food makes delicious patties, wraps, and plates using all organic ingredients sourced locally and seasonally.  They are known for their variety of patties that are made from organic spelt flour, soy-free vegan butter, turmeric, aluminum-free baking powder, and Himalayan sea salt. 

If you happen to be in Toronto between February 12 to 17, 2020, be sure to check out some of the highlights at the Toronto Black Film Festival. The festival is all about discovery and will showcase the most outstanding and most powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues.

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Evening

Head to Toronto’s west end for a taste of African BBQ. Open seven days a week, The Suya Spot features three nights of live music from Toronto’s top resident and guest DJs.  Suya, their most popular menu item, is a spicy meat skewer which is a popular food item in West Africa. Their Suya is marinated for 24 hours in a rub called tankora and grilled over an open flame for the richest flavors.

Everything from social media to politics has an impact on travel trends. Intrepid Travel has reviewed the latest travel data to forecast which destinations will be popping up on everyone’s travel bucket list in 2020.  Here are the top choices so you can start booking your new year travel early.

British Columbia, Canada

One of North America’s top spots for whale watching, Quadra Island off the coast of British Columbia is going to be a popular destination to take in the stunning views and diverse wildlife.

RELATED: Top Expat Destinations And How To Choose The Right One For You

Montenegro

Montenegro is a Balkan country on the Adriatic Sea. This charming country is full of medieval villages, coastal churches, and a beautiful national park.

Benin

With the local government prioritizing tourist travel, we can expect to see more travelers booking flights to this West African country located between Togo and Nigeria. A trip to this French-speaking nation is bound to be filled with visits to palatial ruins and temples of once powerful kingdoms.

Sri Lanka

Following the devastating tsunami and deadly Easter attacks, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is starting to make a comeback. This island country in the Indian Ocean of South Asia has a great deal to offer travelers including historic monuments, breathtaking views, and friendly locals.

Israel

With a recent expansion of the international airport, Israel has experienced a sizable increase in travelers this year which is only expected to grow through 2020. This biblical Holy Land on the Mediterranean Sea has everything from gorgeous beaches to legendary nightlife.

RELATED: Foodie Paradises: The Top Culinary Destinations Around The World

Cuba

Recent restrictions on travel have actually boosted American interest in Cuba with Intrepid Travel reporting a 19 percent increase in web traffic searches about the island nation. There are still ways to visit Cuba and we can expect to see an increase in tourism as people flock to the island to experience its vibrant cultural scene.

A new study by The Economic Intelligence Unit has revealed the top 10 safest cities in the world.

After ranking 60 destinations across the world for the 2019 Safe Cities Index in terms of their digital security, health security, infrastructure, and personal safety, Tokyo tops the list with an overall score of 92 out of 100.

Coming in at second, Singapore, and Osaka, another city in Japan, ranking as the third.

Related Post: These Are The Most Dangerous Countries For Americans To Travel To

The only city in the United States to make the top 10 list was Washington DC, but Chicago almost made the list with its ranking of 11.

The top ten safest cities in order:

1. Tokyo, Japan

2. Singapore

3. Osaka, Japan

4. Amsterdam, the Netherlands

5. Sydney, Australia

6. Toronto, Canada

7. Washington DC,

8. Copenhagen, Denmark,

9. Seoul, South Korea

10. Melbourne, Australia

“In each area, leading cities got the basics right, be it easy access to high-quality healthcare, dedicated cyber-security teams, community-based police patrolling or disaster continuity planning,” a highlight from the report reads. “Even among the leaders, the weaknesses of those not in first place tended to vary from city to city. Those who want to improve need to get the basics in place and then consider their own specific situations.”

While The SCI report has always taken into account digital, infrastructure, health, and personal security as contributing factors to compile the SCI Report, 2019 is a little different than previous years as the world deals with the impacts of issues such as climate change and terrorism.

The 2019 version also reflects “urban resilience,” a concept that measures a city’s ability to absorb and bounce back from “shocks.”

“Rather than trying to create a fifth distinct pillar of security, the index now measures new areas within the other four of particular relevance to resilience such as disaster-risk informed development policies,” according to the report.

With lower temperatures and moderate prices, Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip. If you are looking for some travel inspiration, here are a few top spots to consider.

Québec, Canada

You will see the most vibrant Fall colors in Québec between mid-September and early November when the season is at its peak. Head to Mount Royal Park and the Montreal Botanical Gardens to witness nature’s spectacular show.

RELATED: Here Are The Cheapest Fall Getaway Destinations In The U.S.

Big Sur, California

While driving through Big Sur, you can expect to see stunning views of redwood forests and pristine coastline that come alive during the fall months. The drive alone is a destination in itself, but be sure to venture onto a hiking trail or even down to one of the beaches that you will have all to yourself.

Sardinia, Italy

A fall getaway to Sardinia means ideal weather and much less crowded white sand beaches along the Mediterranean. The fall festival season is also full of Italian traditions and the opportunity to mix with locals without the bustle of tourist season.

Cairo, Egypt

October is a great time to visit Egypt. You can look forward to fewer crowds, lower prices, and more comfortable temperatures. Shorter lines will make sight-seeing much more enjoyable at otherwise highly trafficked areas like the pyramids at Giza, ancient mosques, and local markets.

Lanai, Hawaii

Nine miles off the coast of Maui sits Lanai, the smallest of the inhabited islands of Hawaii. October temperatures average in the 70s with very little rainfall allowing you ample time to explore the many beaches, forests, and rugged terrain.

RELATED: Frontier Airlines Adds New Routes This Fall, With An Emphasis On Pheonix

Bali, Indonesia

Fall is your chance to experience the quiet Bali. With fewer crowds, the low season may bring rain, but it also brings lower prices and a much more tranquil experience. You can expect around 12-15 rainy days in October and temperatures maxing out around 80 degrees.

Toronto is a dynamic Canadian city that has a lot to offer visitors. It’s impossible to enjoy the entire city in just 24 hours, but here is a quick guide to get you started.

Morning

Breakfast at eggspectation

You’ll have a tough time choosing between eggspectation’s exclusive dishes: crepes, soups, salads, omelettes, pasta, steak, chicken, seafood, sandwiches, or their famous Eggs Benedict and fresh squeezed orange juice. Freshly prepared with high-quality ingredients and attractively presented, this is the best spot to start your day.

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Morning Bus Tour

Take advantage of a free hotel pick up with a bus tour with City Sightseeing Toronto. The bright red, double decker busses offer 20 stops along its route allowing you to hop on and off throughout the day. The popular Double Decker City Tour includes stops at major attractions such as CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario, the Theater District, Chinatown, and many others.

Afternoon

Lunch at Frank’s Pizza House

Established in 1965, Frank’s Pizza House is one of the best and oldest pizzerias in Toronto, as well as a local favorite. Frank’s Pizza House is a family business that has been operated by the Taverniti family since 1992.  Head here for lunch and grab a slice of pizza or one of their signature pasta meals.

Canoe the Rouge River

The Rouge National Urban Park is the largest urban park in North America. There’s almost 50 square miles teeming with wildlife and plant species – plus an urban campground. The gentle Rouge River is ideal for canoeing and a great way to spend the afternoon exploring the outdoors.

Evening

Dinner at Piano Piano

According to the website, Piano Piano is the Italian restaurant you always wished was just around the corner. Sophisticated and fun, Piano Piano serves deeply satisfying food that comes in just the right size. The menu features traditional Italian fare that’s been elevated to its most delicious self.

Lula Lounge

Lula Lounge is Toronto’s home to live Cuban, Brazilian and world music. Any day of the week you can enjoy reggae, jazz, hip hop, classical, funk, Brazilian, world music, dance and more as well as test your moves at a dance class with the help of a live band.

RELATED: The 13 Best Cities for A Girls Trip

Coda

If you have the stamina, head to after-hours-club, Coda open until 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. According to seetorontonow.com, you can expect to find a cavernous dance floor decked out with a state-of-the-art sound system and populated by a crowd of energetic EDM lovers.

Check out Toronto’s calendar of events to help plan the timing of your trip.

Trains aren’t just an affordable and convenient option for getting around while traveling, they also offer a great way to see the stunning landscape of a new country. The popularity of train tours is on the rise and here are few worth checking out on your next getaway.

Coast Starlight, Amtrak, U.S.

This 30-hour ride takes you from Seattle to Los Angeles, passing through charming areas like Santa Barbara and Portland along the way. The adventure includes onboard dining options while you enjoy views of the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, the Pacific Ocean and more from panoramic windows. Depending on your travel dates, seats start around $98 per person and $351 to $1,405 per room for sleeper cabins.

RELATED: How To Spend 48 Hours In Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley Wine Train, U.S.

Yes, you read that right, Wine Train. If you want to combine wine tasting with sightseeing through Napa’s picturesque countryside, then this 3-hour excursion is just for you. The train’s wine list features 40-plus kinds of wine, which can be sampled by the glass, by the bottle, or in wine flights. This one-of-a-kind indulgence will cost you about $150 per person.

Winnipeg-Churchill, VIA Rail, Canada

This two-day, two-night outing starts in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and ends in the remote town of Churchill. You can expect to see unforgettable views along the way and Churchill offers visitors the chance to kayak with beluga whales during the warmer months. This adventure will cost you around $160 per person.

Machu Picchu Train, Inca Rail, Peru

One of the easiest and most scenic ways to get to and from Machu Picchu is to ride the MachuPicchu Train. The train departs from Ollantaytambo, Peru and travels for about an hour and a half through lush mountains and rainforests before arriving in Machu Picchu. One-way tickets start around $54 per person depending on the day and time of your travel.

RELATED: Top 10 Reasons To Visit Peru

Copper Canyon, Mexico

During a ride on the nearly 406-mile-long Copper Canyon railway, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains’ expansive Copper Canyon. The train runs from Los Mochis to northwestern locales, such as Creel and Chihuahua. Rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $100 to $313 per person.