JOURNAL
DISCOVER THE AMAZON WITH FIG
Our ambassador, Jessica (from Nomade Magazine), makes us discover the Amazon. A trip to the Amazon means adventure, heat and an extraordinary experience. After visiting the capital of the country, I had the chance to spend 4 days in the incredible rainforest of Ecuador near Tena. Despite all the physical activities and the changing weather, I remained comfortable at all time thanks to my choice of clothes. Since I know that I am not the only one who loves the outdoors and adventure travel, I thought it would be a good idea to share my 5 favourite clothes for this trip with you. IXU DRESS As my trip began in the mountainous Quito, I faced temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees. I wanted to wear something cute and comfortable to melt with the beautiful surroundings of the capital, that's why I chose the IXU dress that has kept me warm thanks to its long sleeves. I felt comfortable walking through the different streets of the old city and I loved the convenience of small zip pockets hidden inside larger pockets on each side below the belt. This dress is a real favourite! FIZ TUNIC AND OTH PANTS To reach my host family's home in the Amazon, I had to take a bus for a 5:30 trip to get to Tena and then a taxi. I easily get cold when there is air conditioning in transport so I thought it was perfect to wear the FIZ tunic and the OTH pants on the bus. Both garments are made from very soft materials and offer a style that is both casual and stylish. I also appreciated the flexibility of my clothes that made dealing with my travel bags easy and efficient. I also wore these pants several times in the evening once in the Amazon to avoid mosquito biting my legs. WUU SHORT AND GAX TOP Once settled in the jungle, I was fortunate to experience a variety of activities such as hiking in the forest, climbing waterfall and rafting. For each of these activities, I had the pleasure of wearing the WUU shorts and the GAX shirt for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of these 2 pieces, despite being soaked from head to foot 90% of the time. I even sometime thought to be protected from the water until I felt its effect on me. I had no trouble swimming at the bottom of a waterfall and walking in the forest for over an hour afterwards. It is also with great satisfaction that I enjoyed a delicious meal between two rafting descents dressed in the same clothes without the urgent need to change. At the end of the day, I just rinsed off my t-shirt and shorts and hung them outside for a quick drying. I hope these recommendations will guide you for your next adventure trip preparation. It is always reassuring to know that it is possible to live in different situations comfortably thanks to a good selection of your clothes.
Read MoreSEDUCED BY SENEGAL
Land of sea and desert, Senegal is a jewel in its purest state (and our inspiration for the SAFARI collection!). This former French colony will seduce you by its nature and the richness of its culture. Read this week’s article by guest blogger, Marie-Claude, a seasoned traveller who also goes by the name of La Cavaleuse. By guest blogger Marie-Claude Racine, La Cavaleuse Still fairly unknown to tourists, Senegal is a destination where the sun is omnipresent all year. Indeed, it is one of the countries with the highest amount of sunshine in the world. Why should you choose Senegal as your next destination? For its authenticity, for a chance to make memorable new encounters (because warmth and hospitality are a given in Senegal) and as a first introduction to Africa. Intrigued? Keep reading. SHELL ISLAND Made entirely of shells, the island of Fadiouth, located South East of Dakar, is truly breathtaking. A diverse flora has been growing on its shores for hundreds of years. Although Fadiouth might look like a natural phenomenon, it is man made. The island is composed of millions of small shells that were fished a long time ago and abandoned after fishermen emptied them from the molluscs living inside. Still, this mysterious island is absolutely magical! BIRD ISLAND Located in the delta of Sine-Saloum, Bird Island is heaven on earth for bird and animal watchers (myself included!). Although I visited the island after the migration period, it was full of birds of all kinds. Seagulls, royal terns, egrets, pelicans... I definitely felt like an intruder! Imagine finding yourself among hundreds of birds flying around you. It's a show you're lucky to see once in your life, and one I’ll never forget! RIDING A CARRIAGE IN THE WILD Yes - you read correctly! It is near Palmarin that I got to sit in the back of a small buggy to observe hyenas in their natural habitat! This quiet means of transport is frequently used in Senegal. It is the perfect vehicle to admire nature without disturbing its inhabitants. Our journey took us through magnificent salt mines and baobab forests. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to see the hyenas, but we did come across a nice couple of jackals! " Warmth and hospitality are a given in Senegal! " PRACTICAL INFO - Currency: The CFA franc- Languages: The official language is French, but there are many other local languages, including one of the most common, Wolof - Best time to go: November to May - In my suitcase: The NOV top, which offers optimal sun protection- Lodging suggestion: I really enjoyed my stay at the luxurious "Les collines de Nassau", in Palmarin. Camping or sleeping in a hut with a straw roof is also possible with a tour company. Look into Les aventuriers du Saloum.- Fun fact: always take a moment to greet the people you meet. Missing this step could close many doors!
Read MoreIN AND AROUND TULUM
Mexico has so much to offer, in terms of beach, nature and culture! For those who are less fond all-inclusives, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Our marketing manager, Caroline, shares her top 5. 1. ENJOY TULUM’S WHITE SAND BEACHES Located 2 hours South of Cancun, Tulum is best known for its eco-resorts, boutique hotels, open-concept restaurant and bars, and, of course, its white sand beaches. There are two ways to experience Tulum : by the ocean and inland. By the beach is where you’ll find stylish and expensive resorts, yoga studios, smoothie bars and trendy eating spots, all niched in a luxurious vegetation. You could also choose to stay in the town of Tulum, which is much more low key and affordable - and a 20 minute bike ride from the beach. At first glance, the town unveils very little, but walking around, you’ll discover an eccletic mix of fancy restaurants, as well as lively taco joints and unpretentious BNBs. A totally different ambiance then Tulum-beach, but a much more authentic one. In terms of actual beaches, Tulum does not disappoint. The sand is fine, the water is warm and palm trees abund! Most hotels have their own private beaches and long chairs, which you can use for free if you eat and drink for a minimum. Otherwise, there are a number of beautiful public beaches to choose from! At night, you’ll be able to dine under string-light strewn palm trees, to the sound of the waves or some trendy DJ. " In Tulum, you’ll find stylish and expensive resorts, yoga studios, smoothie bars and trendy eating spots, all niched in a luxurious vegetation. " 2. GET LOST IN THE COLOURFUL STREETS OF VALLADOLID Far from all the resorts and hords of tourists lies Valladolid. This somewhat sleepy town is best known for its colourful façades, its lively town square, and infamous cathedral, which dates back to the 1500’s. It’s a great place to wander, take photos and perhaps taste your very first tamales. We recommend stopping by Casa de Los Venados, the house of a mexican folk art collectioner, who lets visitors explore his humble abode for a small fee. Tours are at 10 am daily. 3. BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE ENIGMATIC CHICHÉN ITZÁ From Valladolid, you can also visit the infamous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Although the number of tourists and souvenir vendors on the site can be a bit overwhelming, it's kind of a mandatory stop. Go early, bring water and sunscreen and by all means, get a guide. It’s the only way to really understand the magic of this place! 4. SWIM IN A CENOTE Cenotes abound in the Yucatan peninsula. Visitors can choose from underground caves, deep water holes or shallow tuqrquoise waters in a lush setting. There are some very touristy cenotes (like Cenote Ik Kil, which held the 2014 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series), and some hidden ones. Ask around, and make sure to bring some snorkle gear. It’ll open you up to an underwater world! 5. TAKE A NAP IN A HAMMOCK OVERLOOKING LAGUNA BACALAR Laguna Bacalar is a huge turquoise lagoon, located completely south of the Yucatan Peninsula (not far from the Belize border). This freshwater lake, which looks just like the ocean, is 42 km long. Far from the crowds, it is a relaxing place, where you can enjoy nature, swim in calm and clear water and watch the most beautiful sunrises! This is where our trip ended, at the charming Rancho Encantado - a green oasis, with spa, restaurant and swimming pool, overlooking the huge turquoise lagoon that is Bacalar. We highly recommend the hammocks at the end of the dock – best spot to really disconnect! PRACTICAL INFO - Currency: Peso- Language: Spanish, but English is commonly spoken. - Best time to go: Mexico's dry season runs from November to April. It’s also its busiest.- Getting around: Collectivos (big vans for locals and tourists) are a great way to get around. They are inexpensive and fairly quick. We also relied on buses to travel over longer distances. .- Suggested accommodation: I really enjoyed the Secret Garden, in the village of Tulum, a green oasis, with little bungalows that can fit 2 to 4 people. Great bang for your buck! - Restaurant suggestion: Antojitos La Chiapaneca. This unassuming taco joint in Tulum Pueblo has THE best tacos Al Pastor and a tasty salsa bar. - In my suitcase: The AXA dress, UV protective, quick-drying, and highly comfortable
Read MorePORTUGAL FROM END TO END
Portugal is a destination with many possibilities: beaches, breathtaking scenery, nature walks, water sports, vineyards and much more. It's also our inspiration for the VOYAGE 2018 collection! Driving from the North to the South can be done in less than 8 hours. Our Production and Sourcing Coordinator, Marie-Christine, did just that last September. Her top 5, below. 1. PORTO This historic city is known for its orange-coloured roofs and, of course, for its port. After a stroll in the old district of Ribeira, cross the bridge and head to the wine cellars of Porto. You can visit many world-renowned cellars, including CALEM and FERREIRA. 2. LISBON The largest city in Portugal, Lisbon, has many different and attractive neighbourhoods to discover, the most popular ones being Alfama and Bairro Alto. From here you can take the train to visit castles and monuments like Sintra, Evora and Belém. I also recommend Tram 28 to see the main attractions of Lisbon. 3. DOURO VALLEY The majestic Douro Valley is a two-hour drive from the city of Porto. It is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world! There are plenty of vineyards to visit, but my personal favourite was without a doubt Quinta do Popa. 4. THE ALGARVE It is in this region that you can admire the infamous cliffs of the Algarve and relax on stunning beaches. In Lagos, exploring Ponta da Piedade is a must! 5. GERÊS You must absolutely visit the Peneda Gerês National Park, in Northern Portugal. Make sure to reach the top for a splendid view! You can browse this park by car (1 day) or plan a hike. " Portugal: our inspiration for the Voyage 2018 collection! " PRACTICAL INFORMATION - Currency: Euro- Language: Portuguese. English and French are spoken in more touristy places.- Best time to go: From June to the end of September. To make the most of the beaches, go before September 1st.- Suggested accommodation: Excellent value at the BO - Almada 346 in Porto.- Restaurant suggestion: You must absolutely taste the natas from Pastéis de Belem, a typical portuguese pastry.- In my suitcase: BEL skirt
Read More5 TIPS TO MAKE TRAVELLING EASY
Plan your next trip wisely with these savvy travel hacks! PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP A big part of your budget goes into your plane ticket. Most of the time, having flexible dates is the best way to benefit from the lowest prices. Picking your destination according to promotions can also lead to significant savings. Several websites such as Yulair and YUL Deals can help you find the best prices for flights leaving from Montreal. However, if you have a specific destination and schedule in mind, a mobile application like Hopper is worthwhile. It’s free, and will recommend the best moment to book your flight for a given destination and time. We’ve also heard that plane ticket prices can vary based on demand, and previous searches can affect the price you are seeing. Try emptying your cache before booking. It might help! PACKING Packing can be a real challenge and there are many theories on how to maximize space (i.e. the rolling vs. folding debate). One thing remains useful in all circumstances: packing cubes. They can help you organize your suitcase and save space. You will also gain in speed and efficiency in the process, promise! In terms of clothing, don’t overdo it. Go for versatile pieces, that are easy to dress up or down. IN TRANSIT Bringing a book is essential to any trip, but to change things up a bit, we recommend downloading podcasts in advance. It’s an excellent way to kill time in airports, bus and train stations, or on the plane. Once they’re on your phone, you won’t need an Internet connection to listen to them! They can also replace music when driving over long distances. To find inspiration, check out the “Featured” section of your Podcast application, and if you’re a fan of detective and investigation stories, try Serial! WHICH WAY IS IT? « Downloading maps in advance from Google Maps is a useful trick. » Google Maps’ plans have become a valuable resource to navigate any city, especially when away from home. Since data can be very expensive outside your own country, and Wi-Fi isn’t always available, downloading maps in advance from Google Maps is a useful trick. You will be able to find your way anywhere, without paying for data! For more details on how to do it, click here. Certain phone companies also offer interesting international plans, which allow you to use your phone just like you would at home, for $5 or $10 /day. Make sure to check what your provider offers! AT THE HOTEL Always bring earplugs! If what was supposed to be a quiet hotel is louder than expected, you will be relieved to have them to cancel the noise. Pack them in your cabin luggage so they are easily accessible if needed on the plane, train or bus!Bon voyage!
Read MoreISLAND HOPPING IN THE PHILIPPINES
Do you often dream of being alone on a desert island? With more than 7000 exotic islands, the Philippines is THE place to make that dream a reality! Quick overview, by Laurie, FIG ambassador. Constituting the 3rd largest archipelago in the world, the Philippines have a wide variety of landscapes and activities to offer. Rice terraces, lagoons, volcanoes, beaches and megacities, there is something for everyone! The best way to travel between islands is by boat or plane, so it is recommended to do a bit of research in advance and plan an itinerary that is not too busy. For example, visiting three main islands is probably enough for a one-month stay (ie the visa duration for most nationalities). No matter which region you visit, English is spoken fluently by locals and you’ll find accommodations that are suitable for all budgets! LUZON " Rice terraces, lagoons, volcanoes, beaches and megacities, there is something for everyone! " Home to the capital, Manila, this island is a good entry point to the country. If you’re feeling adventurous, just take the night bus that connects Manila to Banaue to find yourself in the middle of beautiful rice terraces. Lovers of the sea will opt instead for Donsol, where they can swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. SIQUIJOR Offering a mix of tranquility and adrenaline, this small island can easily be discovered by motorcycle. Do not miss the turquoise waters of Cambugahay Falls and take the plunge at Salagdoong Beach! SIARGAO Not only my favorite spot in the Philippines, but worldwide, Siargao will charm you with its natural pools, lagoons with emerald waters, surf spots for all levels and laid-back, surfer lifestyle. A great place to disconnect! INFO PRATIQUE - Currency: Philippine Peso- Main languages: Filipino (Tagalog), English- Best time to go: February to May (dry season and fewer tourists)- In my suitcase: The WON tank top- Lodging suggestion: Tori's Backpackers on Siquijor Island- Restaurant recommendation: Baha Bar on Siquijor Island, located right on the beach, with a huge terrace and live shows!
Read MoreAMSTERDAM BOUND!
Often called the Venice of the North, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its canals, its bicycles and its unique architecture, this city has something to please everyone. Marie-Michèle Doucet, FIG ambassador and founder of the travel blog “Entre 2 Escales”, had the chance to visit this wondrous city last summer. Below, 5 reasons to discover Amsterdam. BIKING Biking in Amsterdam is a must! With more than 767 kilometers of bike lanes, the city seems to have been designed for cyclists. Rent a bicycle and explore the streets on your own, or choose from one of several companies that offer guided tours of the city. THE JORDAAN NEIGHBOURHOOD The highlight of my stay in Amsterdam was without hesitation my stroll in the Jordaan district. Located in the west part of the city, it is home to the Anne Frank House and adorable little shops and cafes. Did you know that the name Jordaan comes from the French word "jardin" and was brought by Protestant refugees who settled in the neighbourhood in the 17th century? GOURMET DISCOVERIES When you think of Amsterdam, you don’t necessarily think about its gastronomy. Yet the Dutch capital hides many culinary treasures. First there is the infamous apple pie from Winkel 43 in the Jordaan district. Perhaps the best I have tasted so far. There are also several good restaurants to note: Buffet van Odette *photo on left* (Prinsengracht 598), Kees (Weesperzijde 44) and Foodhallen (Bellamyplein 51), an indoor food market/resto. THE RIJKSMUSEUM In Amsterdam, the weather changes constantly, so a visit to the museum is the perfect option to escape the occasional shower. The Rijksmuseum, nicknamed the Louvre of Amsterdam, is by far the most popular with tourists. Located on the Museumplein, it offers 80 galleries and more than 8000 works of art, including an extensive collection of Dutch paintings (from Rembrandt, Van Gogh and the likes). THE HORTUS BOTANICUS If you need a little break away from tourists, I recommend a stop at Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam Botanical Garden. I completely fell in love with this place which is home to more than 4000 types of trees and plants. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, it was founded in 1638. Here, you’ll find a greenhouse of palm trees, that dates from 1912 and a huge heated section with 3 different tropical climates. PRACTICAL INFO - Currency: Euro- Language: Dutch (a lot of people also speak English)- In my suitcase: The PIX top!- Best time to go: In the spring, to see the tulips- Lodging suggestion: The Student Hotel Amsterdam City. READ THE ADVENTURES OF MARIE-MICHÈLE ON HER BLOG, ENTRE 2 ESCALES >>
Read MoreHIGHLIGHTS FROM HOKKAIDO
The island of Hokkaido, in Northern Japan, is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Many Japanese and international visitors flock here to savor the region’s alpine landscapes and soak in its serene, geothermal springs. Our ambassador, Lara Dalinsky, had a chance to visit this idyllic island. Her favourite spots, below! SAPPORO Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, makes a good gateway for exploring more of the island’s northerly sites. It’s easy to spend a leisurely day sightseeing the city’s TV Tower, Clock Tower, municipal parks, and markets. The city is busy with fun events all year long, from the Sapporo Snow Festival to the Odori Beer Garden in summer. OTARU AND NIKKA WHISKY Otaru is a harbor city on Hokkaido’s western shore that’s a one-hour drive from Sapporo. The city is known for it’s charming canal district that is lined with warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, bars, and shops. Connoisseurs of fine spirits should visit Nikka Whisky’s Yoichi Distillery just half-an-hour away. Admission is free and English speakers can take a self-guided tour of the facility, sample whisky, and pick up souvenirs at the gift shop. NISEKO It’s a two-hour, winding drive from the airport to Niseko (or up to a four-hour drive in the winter). This district is most famous for its mythical, dry powder snow and ski resorts. Though sleepier in the summer, it’s a convenient base for discovering the area’s parks, lakes, and onsens hot spring facilities. LAKE TOYA During warmer months, a full day can be dedicated to lazily driving the perimeter of Lake Toya, Hokkaido’s water-filled caldera. Stop at any points of interest – scenic overlooks, hot springs, and parks – that capture your fancy. Stroll the Toyako Sculpture Park for waterfront views among large-scale pieces of art. After seeing the lake up close, get an aerial perspective from atop Mount Usu on the side of an active crater. FURANO AND BIEI Furano is two-hours northeast of Sapporo. The area is a quieter ski alternative to Niseko during the winter. In the summer, the landscape transforms into patchworks of colorful flowers like poppies, lilies, and sunflowers. But the most popular attraction are its fragrant hillsides covered with lavender. Nearby Biei is famous for its mystical Aoiike Blue Pond, an eerie aquamarine body of water that engulfs dead birch trees. PRACTICAL INFO: - Currency: Yen- Language: Japanese- Best time to go: Winter and Mid-summer- Lodging suggestion: Kimamaya Hotel- Other: People drive on the left-side of the road
Read More