-- C. Blair, Scarborough
A: According to Google Maps, you can drive straight through from Toronto to the Outer Banks in just under 14 hours, but most people prefer to break the trip up over two days. Accommodations really depend on your preference.
Aaron Tuell, public relations director for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, says vacation rental homes are very popular and make up "about 80% of our lodging share on the Outer Banks. But we have a full range of accommodation types from camping, om and pop hotels, bed and breakfasts, condominiums and cottage courts."
Prices for vacation rental homes vary depending on amenities. For accommodation listings, visit the OBVB site at outerbanks.org.
The area has many free experiences. One of the best is a trip to Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head. The 172-hectare park is home to the tallest sand dunes on the east coast, which is part of a massive system that provides stunning views of the ocean and Roanoke Sound.
"It's one of the best places to see a sunset on the Outer Banks. And kids and adults alike love to run up and down the big sand hills, fly kites, and there's even a recreational hang-gliding school there operated by Kitty Hawk Kites," Tuell says. Entrance to the park is free but there is a fee for gliding lessons.
Another free activity is watching the commercial and recreational fishing boats come in.
"Our game fishing is recognized worldwide for blue and white marlin, various species of tuna, grouper, mahi mahi, red drum and striped bass. At various times of the year, when the fish are really biting, you can drive up to your closest marina and watch the fishing yachts come in and unload their day's catch on the docks. It's great for photos and helps you learn and appreciate our fisheries in North America."
See oregon-inlet.com.
Lastly, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (nps.gov/caha/index.htm) is truly breathtaking and parking is free.
"The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is 110-km-long and has three lighthouses you can visit for free," Tuell says. There are small fees to climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is the only seashore lighthouse open for climbing.
Other fun free activities along this coastal stretch include views of migrating waterfowl, seasonal sea turtle nesting, and fabulous photography.
"You can also enjoy a family bonfire on the beach, which is neat, providing you (follow) park guidelines. Far away from urban lights, the Outer Banks are an amazing place to see the Milky Way and other celestial displays."
Q: We haven't seen any good deals on Mediterranean cruises and were hoping you could help.
-- E. Ramos, Toronto
A: MSC Cruises has a great Upscale Upgrade deal if you looking for a little luxury without breaking the bank. Until Dec. 31, those who book a standard room on an eligible cruise aboard MSC Fantasia or MSC Splendida are upgraded to the MSC Yacht Club -- a sort of ship within a ship program that provides passengers with extras such as butler services, complimentary wines and spirits, and deluxe accommodations. The deal applies to select Mediterranean winter cruises sailing now through March 14. For details, see your travel agent or call MSC Cruises toll-free at 1-855-469-2582. Q: I recently heard about a new train service in Quebec. I missed the details and am hoping you might be able to identify the route.
-- W. Li, Markham
A: Cirque du Soleil got its start in Baie-Saint-Paul, a celebrated cultural hub in Quebec. One of Cirque's co-founders, Daniel Gauthier, is behind a new venture -- the Le Massif de Charlevoix train -- which operates luxury "rail cruises" from Quebec City through the gorgeous Charlevoix region. The new train is expected to open the area up for four-season travel. This winter it will stop at the base of Le Massif so skiers can get off. For details, see lemassif.com/en/train or call toll-free 1-877-536-2774.
Q: Has anything ever become of Guy Laliberte's space flight adventure?
-- S. Hassan, Brampton
A: When the Cirque du Soleil cofounder ventured into outer space sporting his clown nose, those familiar with his antics were wondering how the colourful impresario could possibly out-do himself.
Well, Laliberte has turned his "vacation photos" into a fundraising project. His stunning images of earth and space -- taken during his 11-day journey to the International Space Station in 2009 -- have been published in Gaia, a glossy 300-page book. All profits from book sales go to Laliberte's nonprofit organization One Drop. The group's mandate is to increase awareness of water issues and to encourage responsible water-management practices. See onedrop.org.
"My goal was to reach people with my photographs. I took the time to choose quotes from books and poems, written by more significant people than I, and juxtaposed them with my photographs. All the excerpts point to the same thing: Urging us to take care of the paradise where we live, Gaia, our Earth," Laliberte said in a press statement. The book can be bought online from the publisher at assouline.com, or chapters.indigo.ca and amazon.ca.
ilona@mycompass.ca
