December • 2023
globalheroes.com
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER ADVERTORIAL
Winter Wonderland, Close to Home: Your Ultimate Guide to Vaughan There’s a chill in the air and frost on the grass—winter is coming! Whether you’re planning for the holidays or diving straight into outdoor activities, Vaughan is the place to be this winter. Between holiday festivities, family-friendly activities, and indoor and outdoor attractions, Vaughan has everything you need for an enjoyable winter vacation just north of Toronto.
Flake Lake, live shows and holiday entertainment, millions of spectacular lights and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot trees. MCMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION:
Immerse yourself in the world of Canadian art at this renowned gallery. Discover exclusive exhibitions showcasing the finest works by PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS Canadian artists, providing a WITH EASE unique perspective on the counOne of the key advantages of try's rich artistic heritage, and stroll choosing Vaughan as your winter through lush outdoor trails. destination is the abundance of accommodations tailored to suit LEGOLAND® every need. Plus, these accommo- DISCOVERY CENTRE: dations are conveniently located Unleash your inner builder at this near some of the city's most cap- interactive indoor attraction. Build tivating attractions. epic creations, play alongside your favourite characters and check out THESE MUST-SEE Miniland, a miniature replica of HIGHLIGHTS ARE FUN Toronto made entirely from LEGO! FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY From exciting rides to hands-on CANADA’S WONDERLAND: LEGO experiences, it's a paradise Prepare to be dazzled at WinterFest, for both kids and adults alike. a spectacular holiday event at one of Canada's most beloved theme REPTILIA: parks. It's an immersive holiday Delve into the fascinating world experience for the whole family, of reptiles at this educational and complete with ice-skating on Snow entertaining facility, home to
THE MCMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION © PHOTOLUX
more than 250 reptiles, arachnids and amphibians from all over the world. Travel through jungles, deserts, and even the wilds of Canada, meeting some of the Earth’s most elusive and mysterious residents along your adventure. It’s a unique learning experience that’s fun for all ages. VAUGHAN MILLS SHOPPING CENTRE:
No winter getaway is complete without some holiday shopping, and Vaughan delivers on this front as well. Vaughan Mills, a premier shopping destination,
is a haven for those seeking the perfect gifts for their loved ones. With a vast array of stores offering everything from fashion to home goods, you're bound to find that special something. EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS:
This tranquil oasis offers beautiful outdoor walks amidst picturesque landscapes, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Winter is the perfect time to get on the ice, whether you prefer a friendly hockey game or a leisurely skate around the rink. Vaughan’s arenas and outdoor rinks offer drop-in activities and ice skating for all ages, while skating trails offer a fun and adventurous way to enjoy the ice. If you prefer snow to ice, swap the skates for winter boots and hit the trails. The Kortright Centre for Conservation offers more than 16 kilometres of hiking trails—the perfect opportunity for winter exercise with a view. Throughout December, Kortright is transformed into the Magical Christmas Forest, decked out with holiday lights and wintry cheer.
Who says winter has to be spent inside? Vaughan is home to countless family-friendly activities and Don't let the winter blues get you local businesses to make your down. Plan your perfect holiday winter great. Whether it’s skating, escape in Vaughan and discover a snowshoeing or cross-country ski- world of excitement, culture and ing, bundle up and head outdoors! fun. For more information and Enjoy the crisp winter air with to begin your journey, head to a visit to Sugarbush Heritage Park. visitvaughan.ca/winter
9 Essential Tips to Plan the Perfect Destination Wedding INCLUDE LOCAL LIFE Embracing the local culture and supporting local vendors can add a unique touch to your wedding. Consider partnering with reputable providers who understand the destination’s intricacies and can deliver an authentic experience that resonates with your vision, be it a dinner of regional cuisine or bouquets of local flowers.
For many, the allure of exchanging vows in a picturesque location while creating unforgettable memories with loved ones is simply irresistible. But it can add a few challenges to the already stressful and exciting wedding planning process. To help you turn your dream destination wedding into a reality, here are nine invaluable insights from Chelsey Briere, a seasoned wedding planner with HV Luxury Travel. START WITH A FEELING Whether it’s a tropical beach, a romantic European city or serene countryside, the destination sets the tone for the entire celebration. To choose the perfect location for your big day, consider factors like seasonal weather, accessibility and the overall atmosphere. MAKE A FRAMEWORK For a destination wedding, there are often extra expenses for travel and accommodation, and local arrangements that need to be made. Briere advises that couples set a realistic budget early on and
© COURTESY OF NEWSCANADA
GET YOUR LEGAL DUCKS IN A ROW There will be legal rules and paperwork you have to handle for a destination wedding, SECURE TRAVEL such as travel visas and getting INSURANCE the right marriage license. Consider purchasing travel To ensure the day goes off insurance that covers unexpect- without a hitch, complete all ed disruptions, such as flight necessary documentation well cancellations or adverse weath- in advance. Working with a er conditions. This can provide wedding planner local to, or peace of mind for both you familiar with, your chosen and your guests, ensuring your location can help make these wedding plans remain intact. legal details easy. consider enlisting a professional to help navigate through cost-effective options without compromising on quality.
CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT Hire a skilled photographer and videographer who are familiar with destination weddings. They can capture the essence of the location and the emotions of your special day, ensuring you have beautiful memories to cherish forever. ANTICIPATE GUEST NEEDS Ensuring guests have a fun, seamless experience is vital for a successful destination wedding. Clear and constant communication with guests is crucial. Briere recommends being transparent about costs
and logistics early on to help guests plan accordingly. She also advocates for setting up a wedding website or sending out detailed itineraries. These should include travel information, event schedules and contact details to keep guests informed and at ease. INJECT ADDED FUN Incorporating pre- or post-wedding activities can foster a stronger sense of community among guests. After all, it’s not just a wedding but a vacation too. Organize group excursions or activities, such as guided tours, beach parties or local experiences, to create cherished memories beyond the wedding day. ENJOY THE PROCESS Briere’s ultimate piece of advice is for couples to embrace the journey and enjoy the entire planning process. Destination weddings may present some hurdles, but every step can become an exciting adventure leading up to a magical wedding day you’ll cherish for years to come. —NC
stressfree give the gift of THERMEA .COM
