A guest post by Vinay Shingornikar. Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a truly unique city in myriad aspects. This bilingual city is home to rich heritage, nature’s pristine beauty, remarkable architecture, spectacular festivals, astounding attractions, scrumptious cuisine, fun activities…and much more! Mentioned below are the top unique attractions and activities that differentiate Ottawa from […]

Ten things to do in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of my favourite holiday destinations. The immense harbour, the towering trees of Stanley Park and the breathtaking mountains just a short drive away form a spectacular backdrop for Vancouver’s gleaming skyscrapers. Vancouver’s location, hemmed in by its magnificent harbour, Stanley Park and the majestic Coastal Mountain range, is truly spectacular. When strolling […]

My velvet escape travel tip: Vancouver
“My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. I’m lucky! I live in […]

This could happen to you
Vancouver, 6th January 2000 I was in Vancouver with a friend to celebrate the Millenium there with some other friends. We’d had a great time and it was the day before our flight back to Amsterdam. Just like my previous visits to Vancouver, the day before my departure meant one thing: reclaim the VAT on […]

My velvet escape travel tip: Nova Scotia Atlantic coast
“My velvet escape travel tip” is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience. I have the good fortune […]

My velvet escape travel tip: Toronto
I’m very excited to launch the first post (of hopefully many!) of the brand new series: “My velvet escape travel tip“. This series is about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown of the guest writer. I’ve invited several blogger friends to kick-start this series. With this series, […]

Fabulous sunsets
It’s my favourite time of the day: when the sun sets and the ensuing twilight. A dazzling display of colour, then a serene interlude before the darkness sets in. Wherever I am, I always make it a point to stop for a moment if the weather is good and enjoy the sunset. They never cease […]

Plane Views: Vancouver to Portland (OR)
I just love looking at the view of our planet from above. One of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever seen was on a flight from Vancouver to Amsterdam in the summer. I couldn’t sleep so instead, I lifted the screen and I was totally bowled over. We were flying across the Canadian Arctic and […]