Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have heard that a few weeks ago the northern lights (AKA aurora borealis) were visible across most of Canada. While this might not seem surprising to you, the northern lights are typically found in hard to reach places. This comes off the heels of another cosmic anomaly: the total solar eclipse (hope your eyes don’t hurt). It’s sad to think that most people believe they won’t be able to see the aurora in their lifetime but we’re here to say otherwise. If you’re down for some adventure travel deep into calming nature, read on to see our guide for the best places and times to see the northern lights.

Related: Silent Travel is the New 2024 Wellness Trend

What Are the Northern Lights?

The aurora is a natural light display that typically appears in the most northern regions of the globe: Canada, Norway, Iceland, etc. Without getting too scientific, basically it’s the result of solar wind interacting with the Earth’s magnetic “sphere.” The change in particles and precipitation eventually end up becoming a gorgeous light show of reds, greens and blues. In Cree and Ojibway culture, the aurora is viewed as a sign from their ancestors. The aurora is a reminder to celebrate life and understanding that we are all bound by creation.

Where Can I See the Northern Lights in Canada?

Canadians are very lucky in that we’re able to view the aurora from a ton of different areas in Canada. The most common assumption is that the aurora is only visible in the territories, however that is far from the truth. Places like Winnipeg, Cold Lake, Manitoulin Island and Jasper National Park have a higher likelihood of seeing the lights due to location and minimal light pollution. Unfortunately, coastal cities like Vancouver and St. John’s are less likely to see the aurora due to the high percentage of overcast conditions. As for Toronto, well — there’s a laundry list of reasons why seeing the aurora would not be possible… but we still have hope!

Places outside of the territories most likely to see the northern lights:

• Jasper, AB
• Cold Lake, AB
• Banff National Park, AB
• Torngat Mountains National Park, NFL
• Moosonee, ON
• Manitoulin Island, ON
• Churchill, MB
• Winnipeg, MB

Most notably, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut provide optimal scenery to view the aurora — if you can handle the cold. Thankfully, there is an abundance of outdoor seasonal experiences you can enjoy hosted by local Indigenous peoples. Each experience offers a unique POV on the aurora whether you’re cozying up in teepees or trekking by dog sled. For the full list of Indigenous-hosted northern lights activities in 2024, visit Travel+Leisure.

When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

In terms of timing, seeing the aurora can vary. While it’s most common to want to see the lights in the winter, it’s actually possible to view them during all seasons of the year. For Ontarians and Albertans, the best time to see the aurora is during the fall when there is minimal cloud cover and cooler temperatures. For East Coasters, visiting Newfoundland and Labrador is ideal in the summer and is totally unique due to the natural landscape of that province. If you’re looking to visit the territories, each season has its own unique charm but of course, the winter would be the best time to capitalize on the incredible outdoor activities.

The king of construction and Rock Solid Builds, Randy Spracklin has been up to a bunch these days. From family time to good eats, and even reacquainting with painting. Next on his list? Opening up his new cafe — a venture Randy has been dreaming about for ages. Read on to learn more about our chit-chat with Randy and what he’s been up to.

How are Melissa and the kids doing? 

“Everyone is great. Grady’s now eight and in grade 2. And our big girl Rhiannon is five and in Kinderstart— that’s what we call pre-K out here in Newfoundland. Hard to believe it’s already been five years since we started filming the show. Time flies when you’re having fun. Melissa is super busy as always, keeping everything and everyone on track — from our business to the kids’ activity schedules. And the kids are already looking forward to baseball season! Time flies when you’re having fun.”

What have you been cooking most in your kitchen lately? 

“All kind of things. There’s nothing like a good feed of fish and chips. But baking is what I like to do most. I’ll bake whatever pops into my mind. I might see a video with a good pastry and I just have to try it. When I bake bread, I always remember my grandmother. I used to help her all the time. Right now, I’m really trying to master the croissant. Oh, and I want to start making sour dough so if you’ve got a solid recipe, please pass it along.”

What were your biggest accomplishments of 2023?

“I’m still humble — but there were quite a few. The show was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, and it was the first time I ever attended a big awards show. It was especially nice that the Old Man got to come along. Plus, I got to speak on stage at the home and garden show for the first time ever, and was so happy that the kids got to attend and see me on stage. We’ve also expanded our woodshop since we’re now doing full custom kitchens in house. Plus, I’m fixing to open a coffee shop and bakery in Brigus.”

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? 

“I’m definitely looking forward to opening up the new coffee shop, Vindicator Press. And on the construction side of things, we have a lot of interesting projects just starting up. I’m counting the days until spring so we can dive in. Also, we currently have a big housing crunch in Newfoundland, so we’re looking at building modular homes. The Newfound team can build everything right here on site and then ship them anywhere. So keep an eye out for that.”

Any plans to travel across Canada this year? 

“We went to Calgary last year with the kids and got to see Banff. And then visited Toronto and cheered on the Blue Jays. This year we’d like to check out Prince Edward Island and eventually explore more of BC. I love sightseeing and visiting bakeries.”

Have you had any time to pick up a new hobby since we last saw you? 

“I can’t say it’s a new hobby, but I’ve started painting again. As a kid I loved to draw and paint, and now the kids are in on it. Grady and Rhiannon are at the age to start picking it up, and we love having paint night. It’s so sweet to see them at work. I love it.”

If you could drop everything and do one thing right now with your family, what would it be? 

“That’s easy — we would travel. Jump on a plane or get in the car and just go. No plan, just all of us together, finding the next place to visit. Any day you can drop everything and spend the day with the kids, whatever you end up doing, that’s always the best.”

How has the rest of the cast been since last season? Any news to share across the team? 

“The team is doing great, everyone’s got a new story to tell. We all went on a weekend ATV trip last year and we’re definitely planning on doing that again.”

What is your favourite song at the moment? 

“I love all kinds of music, but you’ve got to love Newfoundland music. I’d say Rum Ragged, Ghost in the Fog is my favourite Newfoundland song. And my favourite Country song would have to be Luke Combs, Love you Anyway.”

Any movies or shows you’ve been hooked on recently? 

“We’re hooked on Home Improvement from the early 90s. I used to watch it with my Old Man back in the day and now me and the kids are into it. One night we were watching and I said to Grady, “Tim looks old.” Then I looked up his age on that season—and he was the same age as me right now! Too funny. I was Grady’s age when I first started watching it.”

Talking renos, are there any renovation trends that have caught your eye? 

“I especially love it when you take an old home and give it a modern twist. I see tons of old homes that I’d like to get my hands on. But the truth is, I just love taking any project and turning it into the homeowner’s dream. We kinda have a knack for that!”

Lastly, what is a game-changing home or life hack you think everybody should know about? 

“If you have dirty hands after a hard day’s work and soap alone won’t do the trick, mix together some butter and sugar and rub it between your hands and they’ll be clean in no time. Also, try mixing together some water and wood glue and brush it on wood knots to help keep them from bleeding through the paint. Works every time.”

Related: Catching Up With Nicole Babb

From Maui to Sicily, the troubled socialites of The White Lotus television series will embark on a new holiday from hell in the highly-anticipated third season. Aside from the incredible cast members in previous seasons, such as Jennifer Coolidge (R.I.P Tanya) and Aubrey Plaza — the one thing fans always look out for is where the next check-in location will be.

Like many others, we’ve speculated as to which hotel the next slew of guests will be visiting this go around. Each season has featured one standout location from Four Seasons Hotel’s roster — but more on that later. Read on to find out which hotel our would-be guests are checking into next.

Related: 8 Cleaning Secrets From Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Where Were the Previous Seasons of The White Lotus Filmed?

For two iterations now, Four Seasons has been the backdrop for the Emmy-Award winning series The White Lotus — are we even surprised? Four Seasons’ lineup of luxurious hotels span across the globe with each location showcasing a unique design, complementary to the local culture. The ongoing theme for the series has been coastal and tropical, which continues into season three.

In season one, the show featured the stunning Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, in Maui, Hawaii. At the time of filming, COVID-19 was ever present, making it challenging to have multiple filming locations. This set provided the perfect balance between material wealth and the calming energy of nature.

In the second season, Director Mike White turned to Sicily for the next stop. Filming at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, in Taormina, Sicily — the ideal setting for an Italian getaway by the Ionian Sea. This stunning hotel has seen a multitude of the rich and famous prance through its doors since 1896.

Related: Our Favourite Michelin Guide Hotels in Toronto

Where Will The White Lotus Season 3 be Filmed?

The question on everyone’s lips: Where is The White Lotus season three being filmed? After much careful consideration, the show has decided to take residency at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand. Set along a bountiful tropical hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, it is said this hotel reflects the true spirit of Thailand’s island life.

The hotel itself is based on traditional Southern Thai architecture, boasting a total of 71 rooms, 60 pool villas and 11 private residences. Every aspect of the design is intentional with indoor and outdoor spaces meant to emulate the natural surroundings. Curious to know what’s on the inside? Continue reading to see our favourite parts of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

An Inside Look at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Have you ever been to a 5-star hotel and wondered: how on earth can I replicate this experience in my home? Believe it or not, it’s easier than you think. From bedding to bathrooms, every small detail matters whether you’re staying at a hotel or lounging at home. We spoke with Four Seasons Hotel Toronto’s Director of Rooms Angelica Sanz Rincón to unveil their team’s cleaning secrets in bringing luxury to life.

What you should expect at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

“When staying at a five-star hotel, guests can expect pristine cleanliness, functionality and the sensation of arriving into a personal space that is flawless in every sense,” says Angelica. “Personalization is of the utmost importance because every guest has a different way of enjoying their day, routines and rituals.” Each experience needs to be tailored as relationship building with guests is at the heart of what defines luxury. “We will act upon what we know and set up the room according to the family and individual.” “Every hotel, luxury or not, will offer standard amenities for the guest to enjoy, but it’s signature unique amenities that set apart the luxury experience,” says Angelica. “We provide shampoo and lotion just like any other hotel; but the elevation of this given expectation is the distinction.” Four Seasons is known for partnering with a private label perfumery and developing signature scents that only can be experienced at the hotel.

5-star luxury cleaning secrets

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto team is (no surprise) incredibly meticulous with their responsibilities of maintaining a perfectly spotless room at the hotel. Lucky for us, they so graciously shared eight cleaning secrets that set them among the best of the best in hotel luxury.

1. Choose cleaning products that make sense for the appropriate surface area. Using the wrong one could shorten the life and beauty of your materials.
2. Take preventive maintenance measures to avoid corrective measures. The team runs periodic inspections from all angles and regularly scheduled deep cleaning to ensure the rooms are always functional and in top condition.
3. Clean the dust in air filters frequently. In big cities with heavy construction it’s essential to frequently change and clear our air filters to avoid the accumulation of dust on surfaces in the room.
4. Protect the bed and make it look picture-perfect. At Four Seasons, the bed is the most important feature — the showstopper! The team uses the most advanced encasements, linen protectors, machinery and products to treat linen.
5. Keep live plants in the rooms you spend the most time in. Well cared for plants remove toxins from the air and beautify the space.
6. Through the global Four Seasons for Good environmental approach, the team has removed all single-use plastics from their rooms without sacrificing luxury amenities. The rooms look cleaner and more refined. All plastics have been changed for alternative materials such as: glass, bamboo, cellulose etc.
7. The unique and luxurious look of a Four Seasons room is epitomized by the bed in the center. Each bed is made with the signature Four Seasons “foot pocket” bed tuck. The secret folding technique on the bed linen allows guests to comfortably tuck their feet once in bed and move around without pulling on the linen to come out.
8. Use a lint roller to get every last piece of debris and add a second layer of cleanliness. After the rooms are mopped, the lint roller picks up any minuscule debris.

Don’t forget to clean those hard to reach places! Angelica recommends keep a close eye on high-touch areas such as door handles, remote controls, light switches, phone buttons and any in-room tech. That way, you can maintain a new-room feel all around.

Bring 5-star luxury home

Living a life a luxury isn’t exclusive to just a hotel experience. The beauty about luxury itself is that it can be universally integrated into any given space with the right tools and resources. Angelica suggests adding spa elements to your home that make the experience unique to your guests. From a signature candle to bath products and sleep kits, your guest can feel right at home from the moment they walk through the door. A good night’s sleep is the most important part of a luxury stay. It appeals to all of the senses — from the sight and touch (crisp, ironed, soft cotton sheets) to the smell of the linens, and gorgeous ambient lighting to soften the mood. For a dreamy night’s sleep, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto has even launched a new luxury bedding line outfitted with the best in mattresses, linens and more. Interested in experiencing Four Seasons Hotel Toronto yourself? You can book your stay here.

A pro football player, real estate entrepreneur and financial educator walk into a room — you know they’re about to change lives. We sat down with the Mbaye brothers, Khadim, Mactar and Issa of Hoarder House Flippers to get the inside scoop on what they’ve been up to since the show. To no one’s surprise, this talented Montreal-based trio has been busy. From travelling the world to multiple business ventures and spending time with family, this team is all about living life to the fullest.

Lessons Learned in 2023

2023 was a big year for the Mbaye brothers — but amongst the busy schedules, they found time to reflect on what made this year so impactful for them. “I learned to focus on things we have control over, versus trying to control things that are out of our control,” says Issa. As a financial educator, Issa understands the ebbs and flows of the real estate market and applies those learnings to his own life. “I truly believe real success is not based on money or material things, it’s based on how we impact people,” says Mactar. “For me, it’s finding work-life balance,” mentions Khadim. “Finding time for yourself is so important in life.”

Khadim is Building a Dream

As a pro football player, Khadim knows all too well the value of sports and the impact it can have on someone’s life. In the past year, Khadim has made many trips to Senegal in hopes of developing a local football culture that will support and elevate young kids. “These kids deserve the opportunity to develop skills, have an education and succeed in life,” says Khadim. “When I was in school, sports made all the difference in my academic life and I don’t know where I would be without it.”

Since his first trip to Senegal back in 2022, Khadim has wrangled tons of donations and established a local community organization centered around football and youth. In 2024, his plans are to return to Senegal to continue his work with a few of his industry friends from both CFL and NFL. In between his trips to Senegal, Khadim has also been an active participant in mixed martial arts, with a goal to one day take on Ewan McGregor.

Mactar has Advice for Young Buyers

Some might say the real estate market moves at the speed of light, but Mactar moves faster. This past year, Mactar has been tirelessly working to grow his real estate business into a local giant. Though the market may seem tough for young buyers right now, he has some advice you’ll want to hear. “It’s always a good time to buy, believe it or not,” says Mactar. “Interest rates are high, which will work in your favour when you’re looking to negotiate.”

Mactar is a true entrepreneur and encourages people to take the risks when necessary. “At the end of the day, you’ll never regret investing in real estate,” says Mactar. “At some point, someone will always be willing to buy and likelihood of turning a profit is very high.” Though the markets of Montreal can’t be closely compared to Vancouver and Toronto, Mactar assures us that if you’re looking to buy, Montreal is a great place to start. In between selling homes, Mactar has casually taken up boxing — an inspiring endeavor for us, minus the early morning trainings.

Issa is Preparing for the Future

Ever curious about how to manage your money? Issa is a treasure-trove of advice. Since the show, Issa has been working non-stop to provide Canadians with the financial education they need to succeed. For those worried or curious about money, Issa has a couple helpful tips to put you on track. “Break the stigma — talk about money,” says Issa. “You need to become comfortable talking about money so you know how to handle any financial situation that comes up.”

Being patient and learning confidence is something that Issa works on in his daily life. “Just like the gym, you need to plan and work to develop your skills,” Issa mentions. “A healthy plan can look like a budget and a budget is a good starting place for financial planning.” Nothing comes easy or quickly, but practicing patience will help guide you to make confident and stable decisions. Issa has enjoyed practicing patience lately by challenging himself with the Rubik’s cube. So far, Issa has been able to solve the puzzle in under five minutes!

Travel Plans for 2024

Despite having incredibly busy schedules, the brothers have found time to plan some incredible trips for 2024. “After a long year, I’m finally going to Mexico for some rest and relaxation,” says Mactar. “My goal is to do more than a couple trips a year rather than one. I think I deserve it!” Khadim will once again find himself back in Senegal to work with his football initiative, while Issa will venture off to Japan for the first time! “Japan was my dream as a kid, I loved watching anime,” says Issa. While incredibly happy for Issa, Khadim was mildly jealous that he got to go first — we love a little healthy sibling rivalry.

Their Montreal Must-Try’s

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal, the trio has some expert local tips you should definitely consider doing when visiting. “Poutine at La Banquise is a must,” says Khadim. Without question, all three of the brothers agreed that this was the place to get the best poutine. Beyond this delicious delight, the brothers encourage visitors to check out the Biodome, Old Port, Plateau Mont Royal and the Olympic stadium for premium tourist pics.

Believe or not, TikTok is a gold mine of information — especially when it comes to cleaning hacks. Millenials and Gen-Z have taken the reigns on easy, accessible and affordable hacks that just make sense.

As the holidays close in, we’re not just looking for general cleaning hacks — we’re looking for tips on how to clean a Christmas tree, menorah and stinky leftovers. So while we love the holidays, it does bring an unwanted level of mess we simply can’t ignore. Read on for TikTok’s best cleaning hacks you need to try this holiday season.

Related: This Canadian TikToker is Spreading Mental Health Awareness Through Cleaning

Spritz on the Smell

With all the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking, sometimes we forget about our leftovers. After sitting in the fridge for quite sometime, leftovers can develop a pretty foul smell and sometimes even mould. This TikTok hack shows you how to mix common household bleach into a solution that both disinfects and eliminates the smell in one fell swoop!

Fruit Flies Begone

While we do love all the delicious fruit-flavoured desserts during the holidays, we could do without the fruit flies. These unwanted guests can run rampant in your home when left unchecked. This hack shows us how simply freezing your fruit is proven to be 100 per cent effective in avoiding these pests for good.

Christmas Tree Care

Stop! Before you toss your gorgeous Christmas tree, consider repurposing it instead. The excess bristles on the tree can create a beautifully smelling disinfectant that’s perfect for countertops, bathrooms and even floors.

Related: Are Artificial Trees More Eco-Friendly Than Real Ones?

Royal Flush

Want your bathroom to smell like a winter wonderland? This TikToker brilliantly thought of the idea to use a furniture pad and bottle of extract for your bathroom. This unsuspecting combination eliminates any unwelcome odors that might linger.

A Hanukkah Hack for the Ages

Struggling to clean your menorah? Not to worry, this TikToker (or rather his fans) have a solution! Though this creator’s attempt might have failed, the fans assured him that his method required a slight modification. With a bit more salt, and less juice — you too can clean your menorah with ease.

Related: DIY Wooden Menorah

Simmer Into the Season

At the start of every season, comes a new simmer pot recipe. If you’re a fan of wintery smelling scents, you’re going to love this holiday simmer pot. We’re not surprised this recipe went viral — it has all the fixings we crave like cinnamon, cranberries, orange and more. The best part? Any lingering smells in the kitchen or around the house will vanish just as quickly as Santa up the chimney.

All Wrapped Up

Amongst all the great tips we got from this TikTok, the Christmas light cleaning hack stood out to us. If you’re like us, wrangling Christmas lights is a bit of a hassle. This TikToker found a genius way of handling pesky string lights by tying them up to a coat hanger!

Baking Bliss

We know it and you know it — you’re going to be making a lot of cookies this holiday season. However, you’re not the only one who will be worn out by all the action. Your baking pans undergo tons of wear and tear in the oven — whether it be from oil residue or excess heat. Either way, this TikTok hack eliminates the concern of a dirty pan with only three ingredients!

You Might Also Like: We Found the Viral Home Depot Christmas Tree in Canada

Picture this: it’s January 2024 — blizzards, icy roads and frostbite are back again. However, those aren’t the only things that will send a chill down your spine. The aftermath of the holiday rush has sent you spiraling into a polar vortex of renter’s debt. Not to mention, the rising cost of food, transportation and entertainment — so you start to ask yourself: there has to be a better place for Canadians to live, right?

We can all agree that in terms of a global ranking, Canada is an overall good place to live. Universal healthcare, diverse job markets and well-maintained infrastructure are just a few of Canada’s great qualities. That being said, if you’re 35 and under — you’ve probably been feeling the pressure of the cost of living for quite some time now. It’s apparent that the costs of goods and services will not decrease — so is it time to look elsewhere?

To satisfy your wandering eye, we’ve compiled a list of countries that young Canadians will be looking out for in 2024 — not only to visit, but to live. Who knows, maybe your next home away from home is just across the pond.

Related: This is How Long it Takes to Buy a House in Canada: Study

Mexico

Does your dream home exist somewhere with tons of sun? Ours too. In the past five years, we’ve seen a significant increase of Canadians moving to Mexico — partly thanks to the introduction of the digital nomad visa. Aside from the gorgeous climate, Mexico is also culturally vibrant — with a sprawling food and arts scene. While that all sounds great, what are the living conditions like?

Depending on what city you’re looking to move to, Mexico has some of the most affordable housing in all of North America. Although cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca and Zapopan might be on the pricier side — they are nowhere near the cost of housing in Canada. Healthcare can be accessed by private insurance or the IMSS at an affordable rate.

Chile

If you’ve ever wanted to live in the fastest growing country in South America, here’s your chance. Chile is a gorgeous mountainous country spanning nearly the entire longitude of South America. With recent political reforms, sustainable technological advancements and investment in infrastructure, Chile has really made a turn for the better in the past decade.

According to International Living, Chile’s average cost of living in 2022 was well below $2,000. Average rent prices vary between $400-750 and the cost of groceries is much less than that of major Canadian cities. Not to mention, Chile’s culturally rich community means there is no shortage of events and festivals to keep you active. Visas vary but are not too complicated to obtain with the appropriate documentation.

France

France: the most-visited country in the world — and hailed as one of the most beautiful. France boasts excellent public services similar to Canada such as great healthcare, education and job security. Though it might be a fantasy to most, it’s important to know that accessing these services is not easy. Due to the shortage of healthcare providers, it does take quite a bit of time to find a medical practitioner, dentist and specialist —  especially in smaller communes.

If France is on the top of your list, know that there are a few visas you can apply for whether you’re in school or not. The holiday working visa grants you one year in the country and is a great way to explore the various regions without fully committing to long-term residency. Though rent in most major cities is similar to Canadian prices, the cost of living when it comes to groceries and everyday essentials is much more affordable by comparison.

Related: The HighAcre: Canada’s New French-Inspired Boutique Hotel

Spain

In 2024, is Spain calling your name? You’re not the only one. Dubbed the second most-visited country in the world, Spain’s gorgeous climate and delicious food has caught the ire of Canadians looking for a new home. The cost comparison of rent in Spain vs. Canada is stark. Canadians generally pay twice or triple the amount for a one bedroom apartment in cities like Madrid or Barcelona. However, with the increase in tourism and international buyers, major cities have become pricier in recent years.

Aside from affordable housing, Spain offers tons of cultural amenities — including an endless supply of cultural festivals. Spain has a few options in terms of visas. The North American and Cultural Assistant Program allows Canadians to live in Spain so long as they are teaching English. Beyond that, Canadians would need to apply for a work visa. Spain also offers a digital nomad visa for those who are looking to freelance as their main form of income. Best part? After 10 years of residency, Canadians can claim citizenship in Spain.

Related: Conde Nast Voted These 2 Canadian Cities Best in the World

Croatia

Winter is coming — perhaps for Canadians, but not for the residents of Croatia! Since the filming of Game of Thrones, people have been drawn to Croatia’s sunny shores more and more each year. From the warm climate, delicious food and stunning architecture — what’s not to love? With all that said, have you ever thought of moving here?

Croatia offers some of the most affordable housing costs in all of the Mediterranean. On average, a one bedroom apartment can range between $900-1,300 in major cities like Zagreb or Dubrovnik. Not to mention, the cost of groceries and entertainment being significantly less than its neighbours (Italy or Greece). There are tons of visa options, with the most common (and easily accessible) being the digital nomad visa.

Thailand

Without checking, we know Thailand has been on your bucket list to visit — but what about to live? This Southeast Asian country is a major hotspot for tourists all-year round. Thailand offers some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world — with the most delicious eats, too. Despite Thailand’s popularity, it is often overlooked as a viable place to live due to its population density and developing infrastructure.

That being said, Thailand is one of the most affordable countries to live in Asia. Rent, healthcare and public services are very affordable — making it much more accessible for someone just starting to freelance or working in a lower salary bracket. Thailand makes it relatively easy to acquire a visa as it is a one-time application that lasts about five years. The application fee is about $20,000 — which seems steep, but it grants you residency privileges to that of a local.

South Korea

Everyone has been talking about South Korea lately, and so they should. This fast-paced rising superpower has been making waves in the world of tech, finance and innovation. Talent from across the globe have been flocking to South Korea in hopes of finding their place in this sprawling economy — and you could, too.

While at first glance South Korea may look expensive, it isn’t so cut and dry. Indeed, there are aspects of South Korea’s cost of living that rival Canada’s — such as entertainment — however, relative to the rest of Asia, South Korea’s rent is significantly lower and access to food and healthcare is much cheaper than that of major cities in Canada. Acquiring a visa can take some time, but South Korea has improved its requirements for Canadians in recent years to make it more accessible.

New Zealand

If you’re willing to travel 20+ hours to the other side of the world for new housing, New Zealand might be for you. This Southwest Pacific island country is known for having clean air, stunning nature and welcoming communities. Though this is the least affordable country to live on our list, it may be worth a stretch to try something new.

New Zealand’s level of isolation does drive up the cost of goods quite a bit — making it just on par with Canada. However, the cost of housing is much lower with the average rental being $1,300 in major cities like Auckland and Wellington. There are a few visas you can apply for, with the easiest being the Working Holiday visa (allowing up to 23 months residency here).

When you think of the “best cities in the world,” do any in Canada come to mind? Canada boasts some of the most unique cities anywhere in the world – and the readers of Conde Nast Traveler seem to agree. From towering skyscrapers to picturesque mountain tops, over 500,000+ readers voted on their favourite big (and small) cities for the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

From a long list of qualifying cities, two Canadian hotspots made it into the top 10 most favoured cities across the world! But before we reveal what those cities are, it’s important to know what the readers were voting on. While there are many beautiful places to visit and/or live in Canada, some are just a step above the rest. Like you, the voters looked for a variety of things: food, culture, architecture, green spaces, accessibility and more. These two Canadian cities not only captured the essence of the local culture, but captivated the minds of passionate travellers from all corners of the globe. Read on to find out if your favourite Canadian city made the list.

Related: These Are the Best Canadian Cities to Raise Kids in 2023

The Best Small Cities in the World

Small cities hold just as much cultural significance as big cities — sometimes even more. This year, the voters were enamored by the sun-soaked shores of Dubrovnik, Croatia and the colourful streets of Porto, Portugal. Despite the heavy competition — Victoria, Canada was voted as the number one small city in the world. Not surprisingly, Victoria offers tons of natural and cultural amenities for the wanderlust in all of us. From a sprawling art scene to the picture-perfect coastal views, Victoria claimed the hearts of travellers looking for a piece of Pacific paradise.

Here is the full list of the best small cities, as voted by Conde Nast Traveler readers:

1. Victoria, Canada
2. San Sebastián, Spain
3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
5. Antigua de Guatemala, Guatemala
6. San Juan, Puerto Rico
7. Porto, Portugal
8. Bruges, Belgium
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Related: The Healthiest Provinces to Live in 2023

The Best Big Cities in the World

Big cities are our cultural hubs, economic drivers and so much more. Big cities like Paris, Hong Kong and Toronto often represent a country’s best qualities and most challenging circumstances. When voting, readers looked out for a city’s impact on global tourism, diversity of attractions and more. While popular cities like Copenhagen, Melbourne and Tokyo made the list, it was Canada’s beloved Vancouver that ranked number eight on the list of top cities. As Canada’s second largest city, Vancouver’s seaside splendor offers a ton of natural beauty coupled with a vibrant food and art scene.

Here is the full list of the best big cities in the world, as voted by Conde Nast Traveler readers:

1. Singapore
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Seoul, South Korea
4. Cape Town, South Africa
5. Sydney, Australia
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
7. Oslo, Norway
8. Vancouver, Canada
9. Melbourne, Australia
10.  Edinburgh, UK

For the full list of winners, visit Conde Nast Travelers’ website here. Which one of these incredible cities will you visit next?

Home decor trends come and go — and boy have we seen our fair share this year. It’s easy to mistake style for a trend (one feels very personalized, the other quite fleeting). Though there might be some overlap in execution, decor styles embody a piece of our personality that can only be expressed through our home. Whether you’re exploring the world of wabi-sabi or embracing your inner child, decorating your home should always be seen as an authentic and meaningful experience.

This year, many home decor styles have been gaining traction. Whether you gravitate toward them or not, these upticks in style interest often help us understand where the future of these looks are headed. For example, coastal decor is a style that has long resonated with homeowners. In recent years, however, the trend has deviated into more niche styles: coastal grandmother and coastal cowgirl. While these popular home styles might not reach mass market appeal quite like Barbiecore did, they still serve their purpose to reflect the trends and influences of our time.

Read on for the most popular home decor styles we’re seeing everywhere this year.

Related: The Top Paint Colour Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2024

Bohemian-Style Decor

Whether you love it or hate it, bohemian-style decor is making another comeback. This free-spirited and eclectic aesthetic has gone through waves of popularity since the late ’60s. Often criticized for its lack of aesthetic cohesion, young renters on TikTok have found interest in this style for its comforting and quirky nature.

If you’re looking to include bohemian-style decor in your home, there are a few things to consider. Bohemian decor centres around warmth and comfort — the inclusion of throw pillows, blankets, rugs and plants are essential. Various forms of bohemian decor can be neutral in nature or take on bold colour combinations depending on your preference.

Parisian-Style Decor

Let’s face it, everyone wants to be like Emily in Paris (sans the relationship drama). The Parisian lifestyle is so alluring with its intimate settings and elegant aesthetic. Achieving this decor style can be as simple as adding linens and rattan accent chairs, or as complicated as redoing your entire space.

Either way, accentuating the Parisian home decor style doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor if you know where to look. Part of this aesthetic is scoping out vintage pieces that evoke an era of artistic minimalism. This can often be achieved by sourcing items from local flea markets or DIY pieces, like this Parisian style mirror.

If you have more budget, there is no shortage of Parisian-inspired decor pieces available at local retailers. For example, Ligne Roset is a well-respected French furniture brand located in Lyon, France. Their aesthetic upholds the Parisian decor aesthetic while integrating more modern touches like their classic Togo armchair.

Related: French Country-Inspired Patio Ideas to Live the Joie de Vivre

Tomato Girl Aesthetic

You might be wondering, what is a “tomato girl summer”? Well, according to TikTok, it’s someone who lives and breathes coastal living through the lens of la dolce vita. In actuality, it’s a riff on Mediterranean home decor rooted in the desire to be immersed in coastal Italian culture. We recently chatted with Article‘s Interior Design Manager, Madison Adam, to uncover what this style is all about and how to achieve it in your home.

“You’ll see a lot of earthy tones in the tomato girl summer aesthetic: olive green, beige and shades of tomato (yellow and red),” says Madison. “In addition to colours, expect to see prints and illustrations of fish, lemons and classic Mediterranean style patterns.”

The great part about this style is that it isn’t seasonal — warm colours can be expressed from summer all the way to spring. “When thinking of an outdoor space, consider a focal point sofa in a tomato girl summer hue: paprika or red, coupled with rattan fixtures like the Calova lounge chair,” Madison mentions. For a renter-friendly approach, opt for smaller elements that embody the style such as prints or fixtures.

Japandi

Japanese meets Scandinavian home decor in this perfect marriage of top tier aesthetics. Rooted in years of shared history, both Japanese and Scandinavian decor styles have taken tons of inspiration from each other’s styles. Both styles centre around tranquility, comfort and nature —  which is why one is often confused for the other. In truth however, these two aesthetics elevate each other.

Typical Japanese home decor will consistently value the integration of plants in the home —  areas dedicated to greenery is always a must. In Scandinavian home decor, the focus relies on fabrics: weighted wool or cotton blankets, plush pillowing and minimalist textiles. The bridge between these two aesthetics equals comforting neutral palettes and earthy elements. Furniture shapes are also important, favouring a low streamlined design versus abstract and modular.

Related: 10 Living Rooms Inspired by the Japanese-Scandinavian Trend

Coastal Cowgirl Aesthetic

Yeehaw, the farmhouse aesthetic has made its way into coastal homes across Canada. This amalgamation of mid-west and seaside living has gained its popularity through the home decor divas of TikTok. Coastal cowgirl originated from the California festival scene in 2022 and has since blown up to become a home decor aesthetic all on its own. Coastal cowgirl brings together the homey accents of natural woods and cozy linens to the bright and airy aesthetic of coastal living.

Integrating this aesthetic in your home is quite easy with simple additions of neutral coloured fabrics, plants and nautical fixtures. While this style does seem more trendy in nature, it’s rooted in two very popular styles that have stood the test of time. If ever you choose to stray away from this aesthetic, leaning into either farmhouse or coastal decor won’t be a challenge or cost you an arm and a leg.

Have you ever dreamt about living on a private island? Or perhaps more realistically, renting one in Canada for a few days’ vacation off-the-grid? Well, your wish is our command — and as it turns out, you don’t need a million dollar budget to do it.

Private Islands on Airbnb

While it might sound daunting, renting a private island in Canada is a lot easier than you’d think. On Airbnb, hosts from coast-to-coast have listed their private islands, so you too can experience the luxe life without breaking the bank. While there are plenty of great options to choose from, these four private islands stood out to us most. From their panoramic views to expertly designed interiors, you’ll want to book one of these homes ASAP.

Enchanting Island Mill: Marysville, ON

Nestled between two waterfalls on the Salmon River, this gorgeous 200-year-old home is the perfect way to relax this year. The homeowners wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience, evoking a beautiful mysticism about the property and its natural landscape. Inside, the home features 1930s fixtures, antique decor and cozy bedding.

Book this gorgeous getaway for $200 per night. View the full listing here.

Ocean, Sunrise, Coffee: Hubbards, NS

Nothing beats a sunrise on a private island on the East Coast. This beachfront home is outfitted with all the upgrades one would need, from a full kitchen to four bedrooms. This is the ideal getaway if you’re looking for a private retreat with friends or family.

Book this beachfront beauty for $323 per night. View the full listing here.

Spectacular Oceanfront B&B: Halfmoon Bay, BC

Views like this don’t come around often enough. This gorgeous private island home is a mid-century modern marvel decked out with the latest fixtures. Made to mimic a chic yacht experience, this home takes beachside beauty to a whole new level.

Book this private island for $499 per night. View the full listing here.

Laid-Back Luxury Guest House: Ucluelet, BC

Located on the Wild Pacific Trail, this “private island” is nearly the same experience with how much privacy and nature you’re getting. The property is fully renovated with modern decor, a contemporary kitchen and hot tub area. If swimming in the ocean is your vibe, this is definitely the Airbnb for you.

Book this laidback luxury $544 per night. View the full listing here.