Madrid offers everything from traditional fare to the latest in innovative cuisine. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Markets

Mercado de san Miguel: Built in 1916, this market has become a meeting place for foodies. You’ll find everything from salted fish at Casa del Bacalao to European meats at La Boucherie. At sundown, the market turns into a hotspot for tapas, which can be washed down with a glass of Spanish red at one of its wine houses (it’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends).

Mercado de San Anton: This new gourmet market was designed for foodies — with 14 food stalls on the first floor, and show-cooking stations and a bar for casual meals on the second floor.

Head to the third floor’s terrace restaurant, La Cocina, where you’ll find dishes inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine and fresh market ingredients. Sample some of the city’s best bellota ham, aged for five years — from pigs fed a diet of acorns and aromatic herbs — which is hand-carved right at the bar by a master carver.

Estado Puro. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Tapas

While in Madrid, do like the locals and tapear (go for tapas) — order calamari, cod and tripe. This time-honoured tradition still stands, whether in a traditional tavern or trendy bar, where small plates of food are served with a glass of beer or wine.

Some of the best traditional taverns can be found in the oldest parts of the city, including La Latina, Cava Baja, Cava Alta and Cava de San Miguel (also where you’ll find happening night life). Try La Camarilla, located in Cava Baja, with tapas based on the best products of the season in a casual atmosphere.

Gastrobars

One of the city’s trendiest gastrobars is Estado Puro, where the bar is covered with flamenco dolls encased in transparent panels. The food is a contemporary twist on traditional Spanish fare — try a deconstructed tortilla in a shot glass, or foie gras served like an ice cream sandwich. Or head to Iroco with its avant-garde décor of wrought iron and teka wood; try the cod with caramelized piquillo peppers and garlic puree.

Going for tapas in Cava Baja. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Traditional with a twist

La Capilla de la Bolsa in Madrid’s Literary Quarter was once, in the Middle Ages, the Chapel of Santa Cruz, and later became home to the Madrid Stock Exchange. The restaurant has maintained the building’s Baroque vault and original columns, allowing you to soak up hundreds of years of art history as you eat Mediterranean haute cuisine.

Or have lunch at the Café de Oriente, in the vaulted basement of this former 17^th century San Gil convent, with creative cuisine served in a candle-lit atmosphere.

Where to stay

The boutique Hotel de las Letras combines tradition with modern flair. Built in 1917, this newly renovated, modern space has retained its mosaics, marquises, staircases and original sculptures, and each room features high ceilings, oak flooring and natural light. Silk-screened literary quotes adorn the walls, playing homage to the world of literature. It’s located in the Gran Via shopping district, at the heart of the city’s Art Walk.

The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza houses more than 1,000 works of art spanning seven centuries.

If you go …

Madrid is one of the largest cultural centres in the world, and no visit is complete without going on an Art Walk, taking in everything from historical masterpieces to avant-garde art. Don’t miss the Big Three:

• Museo del Prado: Houses 4,900 masterworks by famous Spanish artists such as Goya and El Greco.
• Museo Reina Sofia: A temple to modern art with 17,000 works.
• Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza: One of the best art collections in Europe, it emphasizes early 20^th century avant-garde movements.

Copyright @ 2013 Chic Savvy Travels

Zapatillas Cays, Panama. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Not only that, but you can swim with sharks and dolphins (in the wild, not a man-made marine park), snorkel among starfish, and spot monkeys, sloths and red poison dart frogs. And, if it’s the right time of year, you can forgo a night of beer-drinking to watch green, hawksbill, loggerhead or leatherback sea turtles (the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is located here).

But the secret is out, and Bocas del Toro — on the Caribbean side of Panama, just 32 km from the Costa Rican border — is seeing its fair share of development, with foreign investors snapping up land and building fancy hotels and resorts. Its unspoilt beauty may not last, which is why I decided to go now.

Bocas del Toro is an archipelago made up of six main islands, surrounded by small islets and mangroves. Bocas, the main town on Isla Colon, the largest of the islands, was originally built by the United Fruit Company back in the early 1900s and today has a laid-back Caribbean vibe with colourful wooden houses on stilts in the water.

But it’s a party town, so if that’s not your scene, head over to Isla Bastimentos, just a 10-minute water-taxi ride from Bocas. Stay in the much quieter West Indian town of Old Bank, where you’ll hear Gali-Gali — a Creole language you won’t possibly be able to understand.

Playa Bocas del Drago, Panama. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Whether you’re based in Bocas or Old Town, you can hike, bike or take a water taxi to the area’s best beaches. Here are my top picks for adventure-seekers:

#1: Diving

In Bocas, you’ll find more dive shops than you can throw a stick at, offering a variety of diving excursions as well as PADI open water certification. There are literally dozens of excellent dive spots in the area, including: La Bacha (Wreck Dive), where you can see black coral; Cuevita (Little Cave), with caves and swim-throughs to explore; Punta Manglar, a great spot for night diving since there’s no current; Playground, where you can spot nurse sharks and turtles; and Hospital Point, where you’ll dive along a wall of coral. Just to name a few.

#2: Snorkeling

Some of the top snorkel spots include Crawl Key, The Garden, Old Point, Hospital Point and Starfish Beach. You can rent snorkel gear and go off on your own, or go on a full-day outing with one of the dive shops (around $20 to $30 per person with a stop for lunch at an overpriced restaurant on stilts in the water).

It’s worth paying extra for a snorkel trip that includes Zapatillas Cays, two remote islands surrounded by reefs inside the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park. With zero development here — only a park ranger, azure water and pristine beaches — this has got to be one of the prettiest places on the planet.

Playa de las Estrellas, Panama. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

Or, hop on a bus to Playa Bocas del Drago on Isla Colon, walk along the white sandy beach fringed by palm trees — where they say Colombus first landed in Panama — for about 20 minutes or so and you’ll stumble upon Playa de las Estrellas (hopefully when the boatloads of tourists aren’t there with boomboxes and beer) where you can snorkel among starfish.

#3: Surfing

With plenty of deserted beaches and pounding surf, Bocas is an up-and-coming surf destination — but this does depend on the time of year. When I was there (August), the conditions weren’t right for surfing, though with my reputation as “Accidental Jackass,” me on a surfboard any time of year is probably just not a good idea.

That being said, if conditions are right, beaches with great breaks include Wizard Beach and Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos; Silverbacks is known for 25-foot waves only suitable for advanced surfers (from December to January). On Isla Colon, head to Bluff, Dumpers or Punch.

Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth heading to Red Frog Beach, with its sugary sand, to spot the red poison dart frog — a strawberry-coloured frog no bigger than your thumbnail.

Zapatillas Cays, Panama. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

#4: Sea kayaking

There are plenty of sheltered inland bays with clear, glassy water where you can paddle between islands, head to remote beaches or explore coral gardens (bring along your snorkel gear). You can rent a kayak from a dive shop or your hostel/hotel; mine cost $6 an hour. While I was kayaking, I only saw one boat, and heard nothing but wind and waves — not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

#5: Hiking

If you have the time (and inclination), you can organize a trek on the mainland through the primary rainforest of the Parque Internacional La Amistad — a bi-national park that straddles Panama and Costa Rica, and is home to the elusive jaguar.

If not, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking in Bocas del Toro. At the Ngobe-Bugle community of Bahia Honda on Isla Bastimentos, you can go on a guided hike through the jungle as part of a new eco-tourism project (I paid $20; the proceeds go toward supporting the community). A guide can also help you spot wildlife — I saw sloths, monkeys, pelicans and red poison dart frogs — and prevent you from getting lost, which is a real possibility in the dense jungle. It’s hot and humid, and can get quite muddy, so wear hiking boots and bring lots of water and insect repellent. And don’t forget your bathing suit, in case your jungle trail spills out onto a deserted beach.

#6: Lying in a hammock and drinking beer

With a steady temperature of around 30 degrees year-round in Bocas del Toro, there’s nothing like a little hammock time and an ice-cold cerveza to recover from all this activity.

Getting there: You can fly into Bocas (you will literally fly right into the centre of town); Air Panama and Aeroperlas connect with Panama City, while Nature Air connects with San Jose, Costa Rica. Overland, you can catch a boat from Almirante (close to Changuinola) for about $5 — be prepared to get wet.

Copyright @ 2013 Chic Savvy Travels
Photo Copyright @ 2013 VH Media

Skating in Parc La Fontaine in Montréal. Photo Credit: iStock

Dog-sledding
Everyone has dreamed of dog-sledding, right? Écorécréo and Expédition Hautes Laurentides offer 30-minute dog-sled rides for $65 (adults) and $55 (children) at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Montréal Ice Hotel
Ice, ice baby! Even if you don’t stay in one of the 25 hotel rooms made of ice, visit the Snow Village for a drink at the Jägermeister Ice Bar or eat in one of the two restaurants (Laval Amarula or the Pommery).

Snowshoeing
If you’re looking for a little adventure, an evening snowshoe on Mont Royal is a must. Rent outdoor equipment (including snowshoes, skates and cross-country skiis) and hire knowledgeable guides at Les amis de la montagne in the Lac aux Castors pavilion.

French-Canadian Fare
Be sure to sample quintessential French-Canadian fare in and around Montréal, such as poutine, hot chocolate from Cacao 70 and maple taffy (on snow!).

Ice Skating
There are several places to strap on some skates in Montréal — it’s the home of Rocket Richard, after all. Parc La Fontaine and the Old Port both have beautiful outdoor spaces. Too cold (or too warm) to skate outdoors? Atrium Le 1000 has a great indoor arena.

Inspired to head to Montréal? Check into the Montréal Marriott Château Champlain — fantastic views, helpful staff and a great location (steps from the train station and the subway).

Jennifer Foden Wilson is a magazine editor and freelance writer who has written for Canadian Living, Outpost Magazine and DreamScapes.

Stopping to feel the golden red sand in our toes and jump in the dunes, before a traditional Arabic dinner under the stars. Photo by Kristen Marano

While her emails oozed of enthusiasm, my less exciting days shortened. After a 15-hour flight, I arrived in the United Arab Emirates. Driving from the airport to our rental apartment seemed like driving on the Gardiner Expressway in Toronto surrounded by tall buildings. But, despite this, Dubai and Toronto are not the same. Toronto doesn’t sit on the Persian Gulf or offer beautiful beaches.

For the next 10 days, we went to the top of the tallest building in the world, rode the sand dunes in the desert, stepped inside one of the world’s largest mosques in Abu Dhabi — an hour’s drive from Dubai — and had drinks at the world’s only seven-star hotel, The Burj Al Arab.

You might be thinking, this girl is a baller. I’m not. This is the art of Dubai — you can do unusual activities like this — firsts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I saved up for it. And you should, too.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that everyone should experience. Here are my top five suggestions if you make it one day:

Hundreds of SUVs drive into the Arabian desert in late afternoon on deflated tires to move easily through the dunes. Photo by Kristen Marano

Go dune bashing in the Arabian Desert:

Think M.I.A. Bad Girls’ video — you’re out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by golden red sand. We drove straight into the desert climbing the sand dunes — vertically and horizontally — for 30 minutes. We stopped to jump in the sand dunes, rode camels, met a falcon, got henna tattoos, and had a beautiful, authentic Arabic dinner in a large tent under the stars.

It’s a travel highlight of any trip I’ve taken, and there’s nothing like staring up at twinkling lights in the desert. Arabian Adventures puts on a good and affordable tour.

Visit Burj Kalifa, the tallest building in the world:

We stopped on the 127^th floor of this 828-metre tower to take in 360-degree views of the city. For comparison, Toronto’s CN Tower is 553 metres. It’s a short tour once you’re at the top of Burj Kalifa, but it’s worth the elevator ride. Buy your tickets online in advance to save half the fare you’ll pay in person.

Shop the gold souks in Old Dubai:

While shopping the gold souks, Kevin Oulds and Erin Bury of Toronto get outfitted by the shopkeeper. Photo by Kristen Marano

Old Dubai is a very different experience than new Dubai. You won’t see fancy cars; you’ll see people riding bikes. It’s a necessary visit to understand how people live day-to-day away from the tourist rush.

During the 18^th century, Old Dubai was a fishing and trading village. Today you’ll find gold and textile souks, shop windows full of gold jewelry and streets lined with pashminas. Bring dirhams and bargain for half the price that sellers start at. My favourite finds: beautiful hand-woven scarves, a colourful carpet straight from Kashmir and big, chunky, gold animal bangles.

Take an abra ride on Dubai creekside:

The creek cuts through the centre of the city and workers take abras (small wooden ferries) to get to the other side. Tourists can rent an abra with a driver for 30 minutes to an hour at a low fare. Stop at the restaurant near the ferry dock to get a carved coconut with a straw. Watch this video to see what it’s like.

A taste of dessert at Al Qasr Hotel’s champagne brunch: pistachio-crusted cone with cookies-and-cream gelato, macaroons and fresh custard donuts. Photo by Kristen Marano

Champagne brunch at Al Qasr Hotel, Jumeirah Beach:

This is the most gluttonous affair of my indulgences. Al Qasr Hotel hosts an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday.

The hotel patio is lined with food stations from every culture — Spanish tapas, Indian and Thai, to meat and cheese platters, seafood and sushi, and more. Drink stations are dedicated to fresh mojitos, Hennessey and Caesars.

And, dessert is a little kid’s dream — shelves of gourmet donuts, macaroon trees and gelato with pistachio-crusted cones. The list goes on, and so does the champagne. The brunch is $150 Cdn per person. Take a free boat ride along the river out back the hotel after brunch. Ask for a spot on the patio and book in advance online.

TRAVEL TIPS:

• Apply for your visa through an agency, not the embassy. Canadians need a visa to enter Dubai, even if you’re only visiting for a week. Pay a few extra dollars and get an agency to apply for you. You’ll get your visa quickly versus facing a backlog — this happened to me. And, if you fly through Emirates Airlines, they’ll help you get your visa.

View from the top of Burj Kalifa — the tallest building in the world. Photo by Kristen Marano

• Take a direct flight, if possible. Dubai is 15 hours from Toronto, and nine hours ahead. Book early to get a good price. On my way home, I flew through Amsterdam and Boston, and I’ll never do it again. By Dubai time, I was traveling for two days with layovers in both cities.

• Bring sweaters and shawls, so you can cover yourself if needed. If you’re visiting a mosque, women will be required to cover everything from their head to ankles. Sweaters are also ideal for night temperatures during the winter, when it averages around 16 degrees.

• Tipping is not required, unless you feel like it. It’s not common at restaurants or with taxi drivers.

• U.S. dollars are not widely accepted. Purchase dirhams (local currency) before leaving. Money is also available using your credit card at ATMs, but there’s a $5 surcharge, depending on which bank you’re with.

Kristen’s curiosity about people, things and places makes her a born traveler. With food and fashion always on her mind, Kristen’s take on a good trip often involves doing as the locals do, from wandering side streets to checking out the local markets and discovering a city’s up-and-coming designers. Kristen is a Toronto-based writer who also contributes to TorontoStandard.com.

Historic Valencia. Photo courtesy of Turismo Valencia

This historic city has been around for more than 2,000 years and still retains elements from its Roman, Arabic and Christian rulers. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets and take in the Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Or hit the beach — Valencia has 7 kilometres of beaches, with plenty of eateries and drinking holes along the promenade in Las Arenas and Malvarrosa (locals say this is the best place for paella, a traditional dish made with saffron-flavoured rice).

Tapas: Bodega Casa Montana is a centuries-old tavern in the El Cabanal neighbourhood, with a well-stocked cellar featuring Spanish wines. Pass through the packed tavern and duck underneath the bar to find private rooms at the back. The menu features rustic tapas with local ingredients — the anchovies come from Santona (in season) and the sardines come straight from the boats in Castellon. Try the tavern’s classic tapas, including michirones (cooked fava beans) and codfish croquettes.

El Café de las Horas, Valencia.

Cocktails: El Café de las Horas is a charming literary café that’s well worth a visit, not only for its décor — mosaic floors, glittery chandeliers and a starry ceiling — but also for its unique selection of cocktails. Try the Rose Tea Royale, made with rose tea, rose essence and cava (the Spanish version of Champagne), along with some cold tapas.

And forget sangria! Try the local drink, Agua de Valencia, which, as it turns out, is a lot stronger than agua. Here’s how to make it: Combine cava (or sparkling wine, if you can’t find it at home) with vodka, triple sec and splash of orange juice.

Paella: Thirty per cent of the rice produced in Spain comes from the surrounding Albufera Nature Reserve and town of Sueca. Try the promenade or the village of El Palmar to taste the Valencian version of paella; Restaurante La Lola offers a variety of gourmet versions. Look for Valencian rice in delicatessens and markets to take home (you’ll pay about 2.50 euros for a sac, compared to about $15 in Canada).

Wine: The region has close to 18,000 hectares of vineyards, producing red, rosé and white wines from about 80 different wineries. Try Mistela, a local favourite made from the Moscatel grape, which has a sweet taste. Bodegas Gandia is one of the largest wine-makers here and offers tours around its Hoya de Cadenas winery.

Caro Hotel, Valencia.

Where to stay: The former Palace of the Marquis of Caro opened to the public this year as the swish five-star Caro Hotel, which incorporates historical elements — including the remains of a 12^th century wall that once surrounded the city — with ultra-modern elements. This boutique hotel offers 36 individually appointed rooms, and serves up contemporary (and reasonably priced) Mediterranean fare in its Alma del Temple restaurant.

Getting there:
• Fly into Manises Airport, located 8 km from the city centre. The airport is connected to 19 other Spanish cities, as well as 34 European and two intercontinental cities.
• The new AVE high-speed train covers the 391 km between Valencia and Madrid in an hour and a half. There are about 15 high-speed trains per day, from 32 euros.

Tips:
• Pick up a Valencia Tourist Card from any tourist information office around the city, which combines unlimited travel on public transport with discounts at shops, restaurants and museums. Also, the VLC Menu allows visitors to sample Valencian fare from a variety of participating restaurants for 15 euros per adult. For more info, visit turisvalencia.es.

Copyright 2012 @ Chic Savvy Travels

Teva Fuse-Ion water shoes with Jstep and Spider Rubber outsoles. Photo courtesy of Teva.

As much as I love shoes, when it comes to travel, they add a lot of unnecessary weight to your backpack or suitcase. They’re heavy, bulky and usually a waste of space — especially if you only wear them once or twice on your trip.

But I’ve also found myself in situations — say, on a hiking trip — where I ended up with dinner plans at a swanky restaurant, with only the hiking boots on my feet and a pair of flip flops in my pack.

So I’m always on the lookout for multipurpose gear — and thankfully, these days, we’re seeing high-performance technical gear that doesn’t make you look like you’re wearing high-performance technical gear.

I recently tested out a pair of Teva Fuse-Ion water shoes to see if they made the cut. Technically, these are water shoes, and I’ve never wake-boarded or paddle-boarded in my life, and would probably end up in a full body cast if I ever tried.

But the Fuse-Ions are designed to be multipurpose, and I’ve found they’re the perfect pair of shoes for traveling, even if you’re not a wake-boarder: They’re lightweight with a collapsible heel; while they have laces and look like a sneaker, you can slip them on and off (like a pair of slippers) and flatten them out (so they’re easy to pack).

They’re also made with a water-repellent technology called ion-mask from P2i, as well as Teva’s Drain Frame technology, which sheds water like a sieve.

The Teva Fuse-Ion water shoes use water-repellent ion-mask technology from P2i. Photo courtesy of Teva.

Of course, I had to test this out, so I walked around in the pouring rain, jumped in a few puddles and even splashed around in the Mediterranean Sea.

The result? The water literally beaded up and rolled right off the shoes. When I completely submerged my feet in the sea, however, my socks got wet, so while the water drained out and beaded off, I still had to walk around in wet socks with grains of sand stuck to them. Recommendation: Don’t wear socks in the sea.

Since the Fuse-Ions are designed for water sports, they’ve got great grip. Teva claims its Jstep and Spider Rubber outsole will stick to a grease-covered aluminum ramp. And while I couldn’t find such a ramp, the Fuse-Ions provided a “sticky” grip while navigating the steep cobblestone streets of Montmartre in Paris, in the pouring rain — streets that actually ripped a wheel off my suitcase and subsequently wore a hole in its hard shell.

Oh — let’s not forget they’re cute. I wore mine (in “grey morn”) walking around Paris with sundresses and capris (they also come in red and black). I also wore them in Mexico — they made great “beachwear” shoes, easily transitioning from beach to bar, and even the hotel weight room.

Needless to say, they’ve become a staple on my recent travels. Of course, if your trip involves a specific outdoor activity (sans water), then I’d advise taking shoes appropriate to that activity. If you’re trekking in the Himalayas or hiking up the side of a volcano, you definitely want comfy, worn-in hiking boots with ankle support.

Otherwise, a multipurpose shoe is a great way to reduce weight and bulk from your bag — and the Fuse-Ions look good, too.

Copyright 2012 @ Chic Savvy Travels

A display of the Northern Lights over Jökulsárlón Lagoon in Iceland. Photo Credit: iStock

It has also expanded its roster of Local Living tours, designed to bring travelers close to the land and its people by embedding them in local life. Guests stay in one place, live like the locals and actively explore the region. Launched last year, the program was expanded to include 23 new trips for 2013.

Here are a few picks:

• Perfect for nature enthusiasts, hikers and shutterbugs, travelers on the seven-day Iceland adventure explore the country’s geothermal features and hot springs, and witness calving glaciers, crystal-clear rivers and crashing waterfalls. Active options include ice snorkeling, whale watching, whitewater canoeing, glacier hiking and caving.

• The seven-day Ecuador jungle tour immerses travelers in the lush scenery of the Amazon rainforest where they live with a local family, learn Quichua traditions and experience life in the jungle first-hand. Participants visit an animal rescue centre, hone their blowgun skills, take part in a jungle cooking class and artisan crafts sessions, and experience a shaman healing ceremony.

• On the eight-day San Gimignano tour, guests savour the gastronomical delights of Tuscan cuisine, visit Chianti and Brunello vineyards, discover medieval highlights and embrace their inner artist wandering the Tuscan countryside.

Another bonus? Starting Jan. 1, 2013, all departures are guaranteed.

Winter, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida.

It all started in a movie theatre.

A tale of love for an injured dolphin

One wintery Sunday afternoon, Tristan and I spontaneously popped in for a matinee showing of Dolphin Tale. Not knowing much about the story, I figured I was in for two hours of sugary-sweet, Disney-esque pain, but was instead surprised by an inspirational story of empathy, courage and love.

Based on real events, the movie highlights a team of specialists at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as they rescue a beached and injured dolphin caught in a crab trap, rehabilitating the animal who eventually has to lose its tail and learn how to swim again.

While the movie was unexpectedly enjoyable, what was most surprising was what happened after the credits rolled: the uncontainable interest and affection my son had for Winter the tail-less dolphin and (spoiler alert!) why it was so important for her to get her prosthetic tail.

As the topic of choice during walks to school, at the dinner table and anywhere he could find a captive audience, it soon became apparent that Tristan’s interest in Winter and her plight wasn’t fleeting. It was when he ripped the tail off his plastic toy dolphin in a tribute to his real dolphin hero and insisted on daily check-ins on Winter via her webcam that made the decision to see her for ourselves a no-brainer.

The big day

Located just across the harbour from Clearwater Beach, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has been rescuing marine life — and teaching people about it — since 1981.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

In addition to its star attraction, the CMA is also home to other rescued dolphins, sea turtles and otters. Like Winter, most of the animals were rescued and transported to the aquarium for care and rehabilitation.

This means the animals on exhibit change from time to time, and instead of the choreographed shows you expect to see at some animal-centred attractions, the CMA entertains with educational presentations.

The building itself is quite modest (although it’s currently in the midst of a capital campaign to expand its facility) and we started the tour by winding our way through the Sea Cavern and Shipwreck Alley, an underwater expedition where we watched nurse sharks, fish and other dolphins frolic in the clear waters.

Tristan could barely contain his excitement as we made our way upstairs to the dolphin tanks, where it was easy to pin-point Winter’s home — since it was surrounded by tourists and locals alike. Everyone was respectful, taking turns to ensure each person got a glimpse of the star attraction. When it came time for Tristan’s turn, he smiled and waved to Winter like an old friend.

After a suitable amount of time watching Winter navigate her tank, she came to the surface and waited, her eyes fixated on us as we said our goodbyes. As we walked away, Tristan re-iterates one of the best-known quotes from the movie as he looked back for a final glance, “Winter is our family, right Mom?”

“Of course,” I told him.

View of the Gulf at the the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort.

“Good, so let’s come back and see her tomorrow.” And we did.

Where we stayed

Located just minutes away from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort quickly became our home away from home. Just two years old, this resort is located on the sands of Clearwater Beach, overlooks the Gulf of  Mexico and boasts luxurious amenities and activities suited for the whole family.

To fuel us for the day’s adventures, SHOR restaurant served up a breakfast buffet with everything from waffles and oatmeal to eggs, pastries and fresh fruit. When it came time to escape the heat, the property’s pool was a welcome retreat and even more so when our frozen, tropical drinks were served to us poolside from the swim-up bar.

While my husband and Tristan splashed in the pool, I snuck away for some much-needed pampering at the hotel’s on-site Sandava Spa, where my masseuse used precise pressure to remove any knots and sent me into a mode of pure relaxation.

Sidebar: If you go

• The Clearwater Marine Aquarium features animal interaction programs, boat tours and other marine life presentations, so reserve early. Children ages 12 and up also have the option of becoming “Trainer for a Day.”

• Free with admission, take the trolley to Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure and see rebuilt scenes and props from the movie.

• Afterwards, don’t miss out on a ride on the Sea Screamer where dolphin sightings are guaranteed. You’ll even see a celebrity house or two during the two-hour tour.

• Hungry? Don’t leave Clearwater without stopping at The Island Grill. A must-visit while in Clearwater, this resto serves up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood available in the city.

Rachel Naud is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor specializing in lifestyle topics, from health to beauty to travel. She is a regular contributor to Postmedia News, the Calgary Herald and Canadian Real Estate magazine, and has also been published online at Chatelaine, Glow, Wish, Elevate and Oxygen.

Hassle-free travel

If you’re flying to an unfamiliar city, the CheapOair mobile app can help you find flight and hotel deals. With a new Live Chat option available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a helping hand is available to sort out any flight delays or lost hotel reservations — particularly useful when traveling solo.

Eat like a local

Want to avoid the tourist traps and eat like a local? The LocalEats app allows you to search through a list of restaurants that have been reviewed by local food critics — whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to have a glass of wine over a good book or a sociable pub where you can meet the locals.

Subway savvy

Getting around a city that has a complicated subway system can be stressful, especially when you’re alone and there’s no one around to help you get on the right train. The Metro Mobile App allows you to type in your origin and destination to find the shortest way of getting around — without wasting time asking strangers for directions (which can be a problem if you don’t speak the same language).

Fun at the fair

If you’re looking to absorb the local culture, the Goby app will help you find nearby fairs, flea markets and other local events to get off the beaten path.

Converting currency

Looking to splurge on that pair of designer shoes in Paris? The XE Currency App lets you know exactly how much you’re actually spending — in any country or city. This app can help you keep your budget on track and know exactly what you can and cannot afford. (But maybe you’ll buy the shoes anyway.)

Speak easy

When traveling to a foreign country where you may be unfamiliar with the language, it can be frustrating without a familiar face by your side to communicate with. But with Google Translate, you can plug in a question or comment and select the language you wish to translate to, and within seconds the app interprets it — making it easier to communicate with the locals.

Taxi to the rescue

When you’re traveling solo in a new city late at night and in need of transportation to a destination too far to walk, the TaxiMagic app can help. You can book a taxi ahead of time, which will pick you up at your exact location and take you to your desired destination at any time of day.

I love traveling with my dog Maggie, but I prefer taking her on road trips instead of airplanes. Here we are laughing on the waterfront of Kingston, Ont.

Often I can’t hold back the tears when saying goodbye to my pal Maggie-the-dog. She’s my buddy, my sidekick, the strange furry friend who has never let me down. So, to feel the weight of her disappointment on my shoulders right there along with my backpack is excruciating.

Being a travel lover and dog owner are two worlds that don’t always gel. Maggie is easy to cart around on road trips, but bringing her to faraway destinations, such as South Africa or New Zealand, is not very realistic. She always gets well taken care of, don’t get me wrong, but that still doesn’t smother the guilt.

Should Fido be flying with you, Cheapflights.ca advises proper preparation. “Preparing ahead, from organized feeding schedules to vet visits, is a strategic way to guarantee you and your furry friend will be fine 35,000 feet in the air.”

It’s important to check with the airline ahead of time to find out exactly which animals they are willing to fly. In other words, Titan-the-tarantula may need to stay back on your journey.

The cost of flying pets can quickly add up, so compare the fees between boarding and flying. Airlines have different rates. For instance, Air Canada charges a start rate of $105 per direction for checking a cat or dog in the baggage compartment. Smaller airlines, such as Porter and WestJet, typically charge a lot less at $50.

While vaccination records aren’t always required by airlines, particularly on domestic flights, it’s still wise to have them updated. Pay a visit to your vet before traveling and pack current medical records for your pet. A health certificate may be required by the airline, so check ahead.

Quick tips

• Airlines often put a cap on how many animals can be booked on a flight. Book early to ensure a reservation and confirm it 24 to 48 hours before departure. For example, American Airlines allows a total of seven four-legged flyers per flight, two in First Class and five in Business and Coach.

• Do a transit practice run with your pet, suggests Cheapflights.ca. For urban dwellers, this one is easier: “Take your pet for a ride on the subway or other modes of public transportation to familiarize it with both the movement and the crowds.” The better familiarized your pet is with the process, the easier it will be. Also, using sedatives to calm your pet isn’t recommended, as the combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal.

• Purchase a kennel/carrier that gives your dog or cat enough room to move around and stretch out. Check the dimensions permitted by your airline and be sure to provide food and water dishes, along with Live Animal stickers, upright arrows, bedding and other necessities. If your animal has a beloved toy or blanket, put it in the container with him as well.

• Don’t forget ID tags. Can you imagine the horror of getting separated from your pet? It’s too unbearable to think about, yet it happens. Include information on the carrier, such as the flight number, your contact number and your pet’s name, and make sure your pet has proper ID tags on his collar.

• And, of course, don’t forget to pack food and water for your pet.

Copyright @ 2012 Chic Savvy Travels

The Cookies are a fab group of women who, just a few years ago, were drowning in consumer debt.

Being the smart gals they are, after getting inspired by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, they formed a money group and got to work tackling their bad cash issues.

Today, they’re living grander than ever — with their finances under control.

Turns out, facing their debt was a good money-making career move. The Canadian-born Cookies have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, The New York Times, New York Daily News, CNN, The Today Show and Money Magazine, among many others.

Over here at Chic Savvy Travels, we hear often — too often — sentiments such as “I’d travel more if only I had the money.” Well, we’re bringing you the pros to help get you en route to seeing through those life-long travel dreams once and for all.

Read Tanya Enberg’s advice-packed Q&A with the Smart Cookies. We hope you learn as much as we did from our Q&A with these smart — and super-savvy — dames!

Chic Savvy: Do you have any tips or, better yet, financial secrets for not just saving money, but doing it faster?

Smart Cookies: We often look at our account in the early months of the next year wondering where all our money went. If you’re trying to save in 2011, the biggest thing you can do is get yourself organized once and for all. Our first Smart Cookie tip is to get all of your accounts in once place, online, and manage your budget and savings goals in one place.

Chic Savvy: Where do the Cookies go online to get organized?

Smart Cookies: Our favourite online personal finance site is money.strands.com. You can import all of your bank account information to one centralized place, and it can help you create budget plans for spending. A site like this can help you figure out what spending habits you can change to save. But it’s also helpful to set up an automated savings accounts. Whether it’s to your RRSP, TFSA or short-term savings, pay yourself first and have the money deposited automatically from your checking account.

Chic Savvy: I know a ton of folks who want to take a big trip so badly, they book it on their credit card and decide to worry about it later. I know this isn’t a recommended approach, but can you tell our readers why this will bite them in the buttocks later on?

Smart Cookies: We have been there, done that! Buying on a card often feels like a way to get what you want, but think of it like this: If you put a $2,500 trip on your credit card, and you paid the minimum payment ($62.50) at 18% interest, it will take you 17 years to pay it off and you would pay 204 months of your life to be rid of your debt. In that time, you will pay $3,173.22 in interest. Meaning you paid $5,673 for your trip.

Chic Savvy: Any tips on how to plan these dream trips with better money smarts?

Smart Cookies: You’ll enjoy your travels so much more if you carry with you the peace of mind that you didn’t go into debt to fund your trip. We really believe in automated savings accounts, so set up one of those for your trip! Most online savings accounts will let you nickname your account. So you can set up a savings account called “My Dream Trip to Paris,” so each month a portion of your pay cheque is automatically deposited. It’s easier to save this way and you’ll be more likely to save if you work toward a goal, not just a number. Online savings accounts are also wonderful because they will plot your progress and see what your progress is via charts.

Chic Savvy: What are some small ways we can save for our dream getaways on a daily basis? Little suggestions for things we can do differently, spend wiser and perhaps items we can cut out completely?

Smart Cookies: If travel is your priority then give yourself permission to save up, book your trip and savour every minute of it! If you’re a travel junkie, then travel is what we Smart Cookies call your “rather factor.”
Meaning, there are other expenses that might not be necessary or mean as much to you as your travel.
The Cookies like to keep a “rather factor” card in their wallets … every time you open your wallet to make a purchase, you can be reminded that you’re saving for a trip. Maybe you realize that your vacation is more important than your daily coffee run. What else would you be willing to give up? For example, could you do without a car if it meant you could take a dream vacation? While saving for their dreams, two of the Smart Cookies got rid of their cars, opting instead to take transit and use services like Zipcar.

Or something as simple as paying for fees. The average person pays $500 in bank and ATM fees a year. Think of what that money could get you on a trip? Make use of services like billshrink.com to lower your gas and cell phone bills. Over the course of the year these costs add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Chic Savvy: Are any of the Smart Cookies travel junkies? If so, what have you learned about smart, budget-friendly travel? Any tips for finding better deals? Making better plans? Resources travelers should be taking advantage of?

Smart Cookies: Let’s face it, we all like traveling. There is something in each of us that sees a movie shot in Italy and thinks, “I’d like to go there!” The Smart Cookies are the same way, and we have come up with some Smart Cookie-approved tips for saving money while traveling and even making money while traveling.

When traveling on a savvy budget, the basic room package is usually what we book, but why not try asking for an upgrade? Smart Cookie Angela has a nice letter template that she sends to hotel managers a few weeks before traveling that nicely asks if she could be upgraded to a nicer room. What’s the worst that can happen? The manager tells you “no” and you still get to enjoy your vacation.

On the other hand, you can make some money while you are out traveling and sometimes the money you make with these tips can pay for part of your trip, like Smart Cookie Katie did. Katie decided to rent out her apartment while she was traveling and the money she made paid for her trip in full.

Chic Savvy: Lastly, how do you feel about travel reward cards? If you approve of using them, what should travelers look for in a card? Are there any surefire ways of knowing that a credit card is a raw deal all around?

Smart Cookies: Travel reward cards are a great way to go, but only if you pay off your balance every month. All five of us use an American Express Gold Card and love it. Here’s why: There was a sign-up bonus of 15,000 points, which equated almost instantly to a flight, making the annual fee worth it immediately. With a charge card, you have to pay the balance off every month. This is different than a credit card, which can get you caught in an interest cycle. Paying off the balance can keep you out of debt and save you from the cycle we discussed earlier.

Thank you to the Cookies for taking the time to share their money smarts with Chic Savvy Travels!
You can find the Cookies on Facebook and on Twitter @smartcookies.

Copyright @ 2012 Chic Savvy Travels

Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain. Photo Credit: iStock

1. The best of beach bar culture
When the sun is shining, Barceloneta is the place to be — a white sandy beach lining the Mediterranean Sea (and only 10 minutes from the city centre). Even if you don’t fancy a swim, it’s worth checking out the chiringuitos — the much-loved beach bars that are as much a part of Spanish culture as flamenco and all-night partying. While there are upscale versions, a true chiringuito is basically a shack in the sand where you can find paella and ice-cold cerveza.

2. Discover your inner foodie
Barcelona’s La Boqueria has been around since the 1200s and has evolved into one of the world’s top food markets — offering up the best food products from Catalonia, from fresh fruit juices to delectable chocolate croissants to fish straight from the ocean. This food haven is a short walk from Las Ramblas — try a few savoury tapas and a glass of wine while browsing the stalls. Tip: It’s crowded, so watch your wallet.

3. Get bohemian in ethnic Raval
One of Barcelona’s oldest districts, El Raval attracts a bohemian crowd to its hip restaurants, art deco cafés, boutique shops, bookstores and medieval monuments, as well as the Museum of Modern Art. Head to Marsella, one of El Raval’s most distinctive bars dating back to 1820, for a drink — supposedly Dali, Picasso and Hemingway all came here. The drink of choice is absinthe, served with a spoon, a sugar cube and a lighter.

The “Marilyn,” from Pretty Ballerinas.

4. Shoe fetish
Some of Barcelona’s hippest shopping districts include Paseo de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya. For shoe fashionistas, check out Castaner (Mestre Nicolau 23) for designer espatrilles. Or head to Pretty Ballerinas with its concept store on Las Ramblas with a collection of seriously stylish flat shoes. Tip: Stores close for two hours daily during siesta.

5. Go gaga for Gaudi
Antoni Gaudi, one of Spain’s most celebrated artists, has left his mark all over Barcelona. His Gothic-like vision can be seen from Parc Guell to the towering cathedral Sagrada Familia (well worth a visit). His unique, distinctive architectural style includes the use of curved construction stones, twisted iron sculptures and coloured tiles in mosaic patterns.

Where to eat
Barcelona is experiencing an evolution in dining with the rise of bistronomias, a combination of bistro (traditional dishes) and gastronomia (haute cuisine). This means contemporary cuisine with fresh, local ingredients at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Barcelona’s La Boqueria market.

Some of Barcelona’s bistronomias include La Mifanera, Cinc Sentits, Hisop, Alkimia and Embat (most can be found in the trendy Eixample district). One that’s getting a lot of attention is Gresca from up-and-coming chef Rafa Pena, a Barcelona native, who heads Spain’s bistronomic movement (octopus carpaccio with butifarra negra, anyone?).

Contrary to popular belief, tapas are not a traditional Catalan way of eating, but more tapas bars are opening up in Barcelona. Try Bar Canete, an Andalusian-style tapas bar with a focus on fish and shellfish — you’ll also find a bustling atmosphere and a kitchen in full view. Or try Tickets, the newest resto/bar by famous chef Ferran Adria, with “tapas from the sea” and “tapas from the land.”

For authentic paella, visit Cheriff in the Barceloneta neighbourhood (C/Ginebra 15). And if it’s a Michelin-star experience you seek, head to uber-trendy Dos Cielos.

Menu del dia
Like the rest of Spain, Barcelona restaurants offer up their best menus at lunch. You can get a menu del dia (lunch of the day) at a local eatery, which typically includes a starter, main course, dessert and drink for between 8 and 12 euros (meat-eaters should try botifarras, the locally made sausage). Eating out is a major pastime and important social activity, so the whole city shifts into low gear between 2 and 4 p.m. Many restaurants close on Sunday and Monday (though there’s always something open in the touristy areas).

Copyright @ 2012 Chic Savvy Travels

South Crater, Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and want a chance to experience Mordor for yourself, check out the Tongariro Crossing — considered New Zealand’s best day walk — or continue on to do the Northern Circuit over four to five days.

This is a challenging trek, where you’re walking on volcanic rock and ash, and much of the track is undefined — you have to look ahead for the next marker to find your way.

While a moderate level of fitness is required, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes as you trek through glacial valleys, across lava flows and past brilliantly hued crater lakes and cascading waterfalls.

If you have limited time, the Tongariro Crossing can be done in a day, or you can continue on to do the Northern Circuit, a 41-kilometre trek that takes four to five days depending on your pace.

Start from the town of Whakapapa on New Zealand’s North Island, where you’ll trek through red tussock and mountain hebe in the Mangatepopa Valley before trudging up the steep and jagged Devil’s Staircase to Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. Here you’ll pass the South Crater and Red Crater, with sweeping views of the Oturere Valley and an optional poled route to the Tongariro Summit.

You’ll then pass the Emerald Lakes, so-called because of their brilliant hues (caused by minerals washed down from the Red Crater), as you make your way to Ketatahi Hut for the night or carry on another two hours to reach the Ketetahi car park.

Oturere Valley, Northern Circuit. Photo by Vawn Himmelsbach

If you’re trekking the complete circuit, over the next few days you’ll descend into the Oturere Valley, walking past dramatic lava formations, to reach the Oturere Hut beside a cascading waterfall.

From here you’ll pass through glacial valleys and beech forests to Waihohonu Hut, with views of Mt. Ruapehu in the distance (the largest volcano on the North Island). Then you’ll climb the Tama Saddle, with an optional side trip to the Tama Lakes, before heading back to Whakapapa.

Before embarking on this trek, contact New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, or DOC, to buy a hut or campsite pass for each night of the trek (online or in person) — this guarantees you a bunk for the night in each of the back-country huts.

The huts are equipped with gas stoves for cooking, sinks for washing your dishes and rainwater to refill your water bottle, as well as outhouses. Hut passes cost NZ $32 per night in the peak season and NZ $15 off-peak, while camping is NZ $14 per night.

Other than that, though, you’re on your own. You’re responsible for carrying in your own food, cooking utensils, toilet paper and sleeping bag, as well as carrying out all your garbage.

It’s isolated, so the DOC recommends bringing a personal locator beacon or mountain radio with you (particularly during the winter) — don’t count on getting mobile-phone coverage. Manage your risk by checking the track conditions and weather forecast before heading out, and make sure you have waterproof/windproof gear and well-worn-in hiking boots — not to mention enough food to last you an extra day or two in case you get stuck out there during inclement weather.

Copyright @ 2012 Chic Savvy Travels