Must See Markets

When travelling in foreign countries I always make time for markets – the straw market in the Bahamas, Covent Gardens in London, and Green Market Square in Cape Town South Africa all top my list (the list is long though).

In fact, my passion for markets is so strong, if I can’t make it to an outdoor market, a tour through the local grocery store also intrigues. Watching the locals shop tells so much about the culture; from the selection of local delicacies to the people watching, visiting a market offers unparalleled local insight. A stroll down the international food section of a foreign supermarket can be entertaining – observing what a country chooses to import from around the world. After being away from home for over a year, it struck me funny to see a package of Oreos in the Harrods International Food Halls, the familiar package was considered exotic and was priced accordingly. Back to the outdoor markets, here are just a few favorites.

Camden Town, London this open air market is a feast for the senses, located at the north of the city with stalls winding in and around canals, the setting has as much character as the goods being sold. The market offers a huge selection with plenty of dining options and pubs among the stalls. While London has a number of great markets, Camden tops my list in terms of variety of products and layout. Give yourself lots of time if you plan on visiting the markets of Camden, it takes a little while to get there from the centre of London and once you’re there you’ll want to have at least a few hours. http://www.camdenlock.net/

Both London and New York offer a lifetime worth of fantastic markets, but Bryant Park, in New York stands out as a must see market, especially at Christmas time. Starting in late November, Christmas stalls appear around the temporary outdoor skating rink. Fine Christmas crafts and creative gifts abound, all set among stalls of hot chocolate and candy apples. The little ones will enjoy the carousel here too. As for Christmas markets, I have yet to experience the European version (in particular I hear rave reviews about the German markets). These are on my bucket list; last December a group of our travel counsellors experienced many of these markets on a Christmas Market river tour, now that sounds like my kind of Christmas shopping.

Granville Island Market, Vancouver 

A quick water taxi ride away from Downtown Vancouver is a must see market that truly offers something for everyone. Granville Island is home to my favorite toy store.  When I commented to the owner on the originality of product he told me the selection was intentional, and all toys were powered by imagination not batteries. The market is described by some as a center for epicurean delight, and while this market is sure to please the pallet, there is great shopping and entertainment too.  http://www.granvilleisland.com/en/home

Cape Town South Africa

 is home to two must see markets. Green Market Square, in the heart of Cape Town, offers a wide selection of African Arts and Crafts (and amazing paintings too). Additionally, this market offers the convenience of a central location and is open daily. Green Point Market is considerably larger and located outside the stadium, choice abounds at this Sunday (and holidays) only market. Be prepared to haggle at both of these markets and you’re sure to come away with unique keepsakes of your African Adventure.

While the list could go on and on, I will close with one more market which tops my list, the Flower Market, Latin Quarter of Paris. This is a must see market largely because it finds its home amongst the hustle and bustle of a young and vibrant area of Paris. The Latin Quarter is home to several Parisian universities including the Sorbonne, and book stalls and cafes pepper the streets in alarming numbers (but can there ever been too many cafes or bookstores?). At the market itself you will find flowers from around the world in arrangements sure to inspire a hotel bouquet (unlike other markets you just can’t stock up on gifts here).

What tops your list of must see markets? What about eating Eating Al Fresco?   Where are your favorite outdoor dinning spots?  Help inspire my next entry by sending your suggestions.

Until next time

Melanie

Escaping Winter

It seems everywhere I go these days conversations turns to travel. Perhaps our active Canadian winter is partly to blame as people dream of warmer climes. Personally, I think people like to share stories from their travels as a momentary escape from the daily routine, the trip may only last a week but the memories are relived again and again. With travel, there is often as much joy in the anticipation as there is in the journey – many people spend months planning and years reminiscing (and let’s not under estimate the bragging rights associated with the holiday).

With our newly launched website, a weathered passport, access to over 300 travel experts 2009 is the year to launch the Maritime Travel Blog. I hear countless travel tips and insider advice from spending the days working with travel partners and agents. In this position, I am regularly asked for personal travel advice. One of the most common questions I am asked this time of year is by those people dearly in need of a winter sun getaway, but have not booked yet. The burning question on these folks minds is, do I book now or hold off for a last minute deal?

Over the years I’ve realized there are two camps of travel planners. Those who book early and take great pleasure from knowing their spot in the sun is reserved just for them. (These travelers also usually reap savings for booking early). And with each and every winter storm these are the folks that can brag about the number of sleeps until they fly away. These are the people that make you think, I should have booked early this year.

So what’s the benefit of the early booking? In addition to the savings and the joy of anticipation, there are a few other benefits; there is also better availability on dates and hotel choice. If you are hoping to get away over March Break or Easter or other holidays the earlier you book the better. Also for larger families and groups you’ll want to reserve early – requests like adjoining rooms are always best done with as much notice as possible. And here is a little insider secret, did you know you can travel first and pay later? Perhaps you want to book early, but don’t want to tie up cash; you can actually use our Travel First Pay Later plan, so you have the benefit of the travel booking without outlaying any cash until you come back.

For those travelers who are happiest to book at the last minute – there are a few tricks to finding the best deal. If you have narrowed down dates or destinations, share this information with a travel agent – they can watch for specials for you. Sign up for our Holiday Club newsletter we’ll send inspiring ideas and great savings directly to your inbox. In fact our Hot Deals page has a long list of great deals it is updated several times a week by gateway.

Until next time, happy travels – if you have a comment or a topic you’d like covered please send it along.

Melanie