-- K. DONALDSON, TORONTO
A: Quebec City enjoys celebrations year-round and this year is no exception. There will be all types of parties and celebrations, many of which are free to attend.
For instance, Cirque du Soleil -- cirquedusoleil.com/en/events/chemins-invisibles/show.aspx -- is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has a special performance for Quebec City only. Dubbed, Les Chemins Invisibles (The Invisible Paths), this free travelling street event continues through Sept. 7.
Shows are held nightly Wednesday through Sunday in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood and begin simultaneously at three locales. Choose from the "Brumes tribe," which will meet at Saint-Dominique between Saint-Roch and De la Reine; the "Brasiers tribe," at the corner of Dupont and Saint-Vallier East; and the "Sables tribe," which will be at the corner of Leperon and Saint-Vallier East.
Robert Lepage, who brought his amazing multimedia show to the old Bunge grain silos of Quebec City's waterfront for last year's 400th anniversary, is returning with his 40-minute production Image Mill. Considered the world's biggest outdoor architectural projections ever made, this free stage show will be presented each summer for the next five years. You can view The Image Mill now through Sept. 7.
Now in its 15th season, the Loto Quebec International Fireworks Competition -- quebecfireworks.com -- is holding its astonishing pyro-musical competition at the historic Montmorency Falls Park through Aug. 12. Spectators can see top-ranking fireworks teams from England, South Africa, Italy, Spain and Canada.
For a taste of New France, the SAQ New France Festival (nouvellefrance.qc.ca) runs Aug. 5-9. Among the period re-enactments with music and dance you can view "Giants" -- large puppet mannequins with costumed performers breathing life into them through the streets of Old Quebec.
For more Quebec City events, visit quebecregion.com/now or call 1-877-BONJOUR ext. 655.
Q: Our family has never really travelled and I'm not quite sure how to tackle this subject. Airports are totally foreign and booking hotel rooms has never been done before. So I'm hoping you could give some practical tips for this newbie travel family.
-- S. HYNES, HAMILTON
A: Finding the right vacation fit for you and your family can be daunting. But some travel experts have made this task simpler.
Although it's a U.S.-based group, you may find the United Sates Tour Operators Association's online quiz -- ustoa.com -- helpful. Under the "Travel Wise/Finding the right vacation fit" heading there are five questions that can help determine your family's needs. These include: What is important to you? How much activity do you want? And are your expectations realistic? There is also a quick 15 question self-help test called the "Vacation Personality Quiz." This association also provides downloadable brochures on topics such as how to select a tour or vacation package.
Another suggestion can easily happen over dinner one night. Take a poll to see what sparks your family members interest. You might be surprised. If you find too many options are coming at you, take time to reflect and see movies or read books with this destination or travel theme in mind.
Often watching travel programs or even blockbuster films that were filmed at the location could help. When The DaVinci Code movie was released in 2006, it prompted a whole surge in tourism for these locations. Some tour operators even designed DaVinci Code itineraries highlighting spots caught on celluloid.
Travel agents are also a wealth of knowledge. You can always drop by a travel agency, review brochures and sit down with a travel consultant.
ILONA@MYCOMPASS.CA
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