Rocky train ride in B.C.

Whenever my Australian boyfriend brought up the idea of going on a trip through the Rockies, I balked. After all, I had already been there, done that.

I have visited Banff, oohed and aahed at countless snow-capped mountains and dodged throngs of tourists snapping photos. What more was there to experience?

As I discovered during a recent train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper - lots.

While I initially accepted the opportunity to undertake a Rocky Mountaineer trip merely to appease my significant other, upon arrival, I soon realized I was in for a treat.

Booked for the train company№s luxurious Gold Leaf service, we were cheerfully greeted by all staff and entered our travelling car with red-carpet service.

Feeling somewhat like a rock star, we then got to see where we would be spending the next two days - a spacious dome coach with plush seating, oodles of leg room and plenty of window space to absorb all the scenery.

As the train pulled out of the Rocky Mountaineer Station, we toasted our voyage with orange juice and sparkling peach cider.

From there, things just got better.

We descended into the dining area for breakfast and were handed menus with selections such as buttermilk pancakes and eggs benedict.

After ordering, a basket of warm croissants were brought to the table so we had something to munch on. Coffee, tea and juice were provided at regular intervals as we gazed out the window at the unfolding vista.

After stuffing ourselves silly with a delicious meal, we were then offered beer, wine and cocktails upon returning to our seats. Though it was only 11:30 a.m., I happily accepted a glass of white wine.

Hey, it's 5 p.m. somewhere in the world, right?

The rest of the day continued on in this pleasant fashion: There was fabulous food, more pampering and our knowledgeable attendants regularly shared interesting tidbits on our surroundings.

Oh, and the view wasn't too shabby either. Stunning vistas that included crystal-clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls and numerous wildlife sightings - we sighted osprey, bald eagles, bighorn sheep and black bears - are made all the more enjoyable when you're treated like royalty. The Gold Leaf service can be considerably pricier than the more bare-bones Red Leaf service option, but what you get in return is a getaway with no reason to lift a finger.

Rocky Mountaineer expeditions currently run until October. For pricing and departure dates, visit rockymountaineer.com.

Edmonton’s Capital EX on $25In Ontario, the Nissan LEAF is eligible for a $8,500 Incentive

Bigger, bolder vacations at sea

Royal Caribbean International is no stranger to making waves -- not only at sea but also in the cruise industry.

Readers may recall the splash made by RCI's newest ship, Oasis of the Seas, the largest ocean liner afloat when it debuted in December 2009 with a capacity for 6,296 guests and 2,394 crew. The first in a series of Oasis-class ships, this big beauty will be joined by sister ship Allure of the Seas in December.

Innovations on board include the first park at sea, a zip-line over an open-air atrium, loft-style multi-level suites and "neighbourhoods" like the "Boardwalk."

"Firsts" at sea are not new for RCI, which kick-started the trend to bigger, bolder ships about 10 years ago when it launched its Voyageur liners. These cutting-edge vessels -- then the world's largest -- included revolutionary attractions such as climbing walls, ice rinks, a Royal Promenade of shops and restaurants and, later, FlowRider surf simulators.

With so many unique attractions afloat, the company can claim much of the credit for transforming the image of cruising from a somewhat sleepy holiday for seniors to a fun, active vacation for family members of all ages and abilities.

But as Royal Caribbean transitions to a newer fleet, what do "older" ships have to offer? A lot, as it turns out.

I recently sailed aboard Voyageur of the Seas -- which made its debut in 1999 -- for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary was port-heavy with only one sea day to devote exclusively to ship activities. It wasn't quite enough to experience everything the ship has to offer.

In addition to the now-famous ice-rink and climbing wall, other features of the 14-deck ship include the Johnny Rockets diner, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop, the Pig & Whistle pub, Optix teen disco, a solarium, three pools, six whirlpools, a basketball court, mini-golf, jogging and in-line skating tracks, a Peek-a-Boo Bridge where ship operations can be observed, many restaurants and bars, and the Skylight wedding chapel.

And despite being "small" by 2010 standards, Voyageur of the Seas can still be described as a small floating city. When fully loaded, she can carry up to 3,838 passengers and a crew of 1,176. (It is the largest ship I've sailed on.)

The daily ice shows continue to be crowd pleasers. These feature accomplished figure skaters who perform sophisticated ice-dancing moves -- axels, spins, loops, lifts, jumps and turns, etc. It's quite amazing how much the skaters can do -- not only because of the smaller ice surface but also because it's all being performed on a moving ship. There is no cost to attend ice shows but passengers must reserve tickets in advance.

I expected Voyageur of the Seas to look dated but -- aside from some pre-millennium colour schemes in some places -- RCI is doing an excellent job of keeping up appearances and rolling out features of newer ships where possible.

After more than a decade, it remains a ship where passengers will only be bored by choice.

Oh, I almost forgot. The glories of Italy and other ports await at the end of the gangway.

robin.robinson@sunmedia.ca

If you go cruising

In the Mediterranean

More information

For details on Royal Caribbean's European cruises, see royalcaribbean.com or your travel agent. If you have more time, consider a longer itinerary that will offer more destinations and more relaxing sea days. Adding a multi-day pre- or post-cruise tour will allow you to experience destinations in depth.

Another floating first

RCI recently announced a partnership with Dreamworks Animation SKG to create a new family program that will see animated characters from films such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda entertain little guests at character breakfasts, ice shows, etc. In addition, Dreamworks films will be screened in 3D -- another industry first -- in the ship theatre. There is no extra charge for the new family program, which will be launched with Allure of the Seas in December and roll out to the other Oasis class ships soon after.

Small ships set own course

Go inland in Mexico

Mexico's tourism secretary is encouraging people to head inland when they visit the country rather than sticking to just resorts.

As fabulous as our sun-and-beach destinations are, there are many sun-and-beach destinations around the world against which we must compete,” Gloria Guevara says. “However, when one considers the wealth of cultural, archeological and ecological treasures that a traveler can only discover in Mexico, I think it gives us a very strong competitive advantage.”

Guevara noted Mexico is home to 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 30,000 archeological sites. New tourist routes showcasing the likes of Mexican food, culture, history and art feature “charming towns,” colonial cities, ecological reserves and pre-Columbian sites.


OnStar, Google Partner to Expand Turn-by-Turn NavigationSave money on summer travel

Canada's top 10 culinary trails

If you love great food, follow these Canadian roads to the most delicious fare this country offers:

Flavours Trail, PEI

Canada’s smallest province is big on culinary experiences. For those who like to eat and do more, this is the place to pick apples, learn to shuck oysters and dig up your own batch of the island’s famous potatoes.

Butter Tart Trail, Wellington North, ON

Take flaky cups of pastry, top them up with a filling made with butter, raisins, sugar and nuts and you’ve got a quintessential Canadian treat. Along the country roads of the area, you’ll find more than a dozen varieties to sate your appetite.

Flavour Trail, Charlevoix, QC

Along the shores of the St. Lawrence River, farms and food artisans make the most out of the local agri-bounty, with everything from gourmet ice cream to clay-oven bakeries.

Chocolate Trail, Vancouver Island, BC

Nibble your way from Victoria (home to Rogers’ Chocolates, a local favourite since 1885) to Tofino for Clayoquot Blackberry Buttercream chocolates from Chocolate Tofino.

La Route des Cidres (The Cider Route), Montйrйgie, QC

Not far from Montrйal, this self-drive tour takes you through quaint villages where the region’s best makers of cider pour samples of the heavenly, apple-based beverage.

The Taste Trail, Prince Edward County, ON

Looking for the next hot culinary destination? This county, east of Toronto, is impressing serious foodies with its excellent wine, maple syrup and even award-winning hot dogs.

La Route des Fromages fins du Quebec (Gourmet Cheese Route), QC

Cheese, please! Go ahead and take a bite from delectable creations from over 70 of the province’s cheese artisans, spread over 12 regions.

Ontario Craft Beer, ON

From southern Ontario to the Ottawa Valley, beer aficionados can sip and sample at 25 microbreweries. Pack up your thirst, pick a designated driver and get exploring!

Thompson Okanagan Wine Tour, Thompson Okanagan, BC

Home to more than 100 wineries, this is the place for wining and dining. It’s a self-guided tour that takes you to large, well-known wineries, as well as small-batch boutique wineries. Just follow the burgundy and white signs, or at a visitor centre, pick up a map or rent a GPS that provides commentary and directions.

Icewine Trail, Niagara region, ON

The golden nectar produced by grapes frozen by Mother Nature is as well known around the world as fellow Canadian Cйline Dion. More than 20 wineries in close proximity give icewine fans a chance to see the beautiful vineyards responsible for such a sumptuous drink.

Exploring on two wheelsIn Ontario, the Nissan LEAF is eligible for a $8,500 Incentive

1 in 5 worry about leaving home

If you're nervous about leaving your home unattended while on vacation, you're not alone.

A new survey by Swinton Insurance in England shows 21% of homeowners worry about their homes when they're away on holiday. But the company says proper insurance will help you recover items that might be stolen.

The company also suggests asking a friend to stop by to pick up the mail, use a timer for lights so it doesn't look like the house is empty, lock all windows, let neighbours know you're heading out on vacation, set a house alarm and don't advertise the fact you're going to be away by posting holiday plans on networking websites like Twitter or Facebook.


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James Bond meets Jamaica

James Bond fans will be eager to check out Jamaica's GoldenEye Hotel & Resort when it opens later this year.

Owned by Chris Blackwell -- founder of Island Records and Island Outpost hotels -- the 21 hectare estate in Oracabessa Bay was once the home of author Ian Fleming.

The British navy-commander-turned-author penned all 14 of his 007 novels at the villa, which is named after one of his Second World War missions -- Operation GoldenEye. Fleming's original desk still stands in his former home, which for decades played host to writers, musicians and heads of state.

Set along a pristine coast with secluded beaches, gardens and a lagoon, the new resort follows the footprint of the original estate. Its 23 units include 11 new beach cottages, six new lagoon suites, Fleming's original villa, and five villas built previously by Blackwell that have been renovated.

The Fleming Villa accommodates groups of up to 10 in the original three-bedroom home and two new poolside cottages. These share a private swimming pool, media room and bar, sunken garden and access to the private Fleming Beach. Lagoon Suites, which appear to "float" over the lagoon, have direct water access from a private dock and a secluded garden with outdoor lounge. The one- and two-bedroom Beach Cottages open onto Low Cay Beach.

The resort strives to provide true Jamaican hospitality. Accommodations are outfitted with custom furniture made by local designers, bath products made from locally grown botanicals and a Logitech Squeezebox sound system stocked with music produced by Island Records. GoldenEye's two new restaurants -- Le Bar Bizot and The Gazebo -- feature local specialties. And Jamaican Olympic tri-athlete, Iona Wynter, is in charge of fitness-focussed programming such as bay rafting, triathalon training and Stretch & Snorkel classes. Other unique pasttimes include moon yoga, Jamaican dance, coral restoration and stargazing.

Regular rates start at $560 US per night and include full breakfast. Discounted rates and complimentary experiences will be offered during the opening period.

For more information, see GoldenEye.com. For reservations, call 1-800-OUTPOST.

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Edmonton's Capital EX on $25

EDMONTON - The mission was a simple one: head to Capital EX and see if I could have fun with a budget of only $25 - not including gate admission or parking.

Was it possible?

A few Capital EX-goers I spoke with didn't think so.

"You couldn't, it's just not possible," said Lyndon Furman, who had given himself a budget of $100 for the day.

"Not if you want to go on rides, it's too tempting," said Sean Zenowski. "This all costs money and $25 is not enough."

But Capital EX organizers were positive it could be done.

"We think you can find your fun regardless of your budget," said Sandra Pysklywyc, Northlands spokeswoman. "Once you're in the door, there's so much to do."

Pysklywyc was right about the last bit at least. The activities at the grounds were endless, but most cost a chunk of green to do.

I ended up spending $6 right off the bat on some carnival games in an attempt to win myself a stuffed Pikachu doll. It was a failed attempt.

Next I knew I wanted to spend some of my budget on carnival food: what's a trip to Capital EX without some mini donuts or a corn dog?

Five dollars and a ketchup and mustard-laced corn dog later, I was down to $14.

At this point the heat was kicking in and I knew that the single ride I could afford to take had to have some purpose.

Niagara Falls, the splashing water roller coaster, was an instant draw and, like most popular rides at Capital EX, would cost six coupons to ride at $1 per coupon.

But boy was I refreshed. With $8 left in my wallet it was time for a break and a search for some fun and free activities.

I managed to catch two free shows, Terrance B's entertaining hypnotist show at the Telus Stage, followed by a mesmerizing performance at Centre Stage by the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats. Both were completely packed with people.

A stroll through the Shop Zone was enjoyable enough, but on my budget - window shopping was the most I could do.

There were some free food samples though. I ended up getting a couple slices of free pizza at the Dr. Oetker stand by the Telus Stage and rumour had it there were smores samples at one of the ground gates.

Nearing the end of my day there was still a few dollars left to spend so, parched, $6 was spent on a large glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and with my final two dollars, I played another game in an attempt to win that elusive Pikachu.

Failed again.

Still with my $25, I had managed to play some games, eat and catch some entertaining acts.

While it's definitely not easy to have fun at Capital EX with a very limited budget, it isn't impossible. You just have to be a bit strategic.

The atmosphere, sunshine, free shows and, if you're lucky enough to find, free samples, are enough to keep at least a casual Capital EX-goer entertained.

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