Insiders View on London

The Wanderers in conversation with Minaxi Mistry

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to London

That the London Underground Tube service is excellent, efficient, and the fastest and easiest way to get around the City

What is a must buy when in London?

English Tea!

One take-away after a visit to London? 

British pomp and pageantry – no one does it quite like the British.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Purchase an Oyster Card, it’s the fastest, smartest and most cost effective way to pay for travel around the City.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to London

Jumper / Umbrella as you can never predict the down-turn in temperature

One activity anyone travelling to London should not miss.

Hop On / Hop Off Red Bus – excellent way to see all the amazing sights properly with guided information

Where should anyone, travelling to London, definitely get their picture taken?

Buckingham Palace

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

By Big Ben / Westminster Abbey

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

London Bridge

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

Duck & Waffle located on the 40th Floor of the Heron Tower – the highest restaurant in the UK !

Best place to have local food?

Any good old fashioned London Pub

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend?

Traditional Fish & Chips served in newspaper and a refreshing Gin & Tonic

One place only the locals would know?

Camden Lock Market for it’s sheer funkiness and eccentricity……you will see sights here of the wackiest people that you will only ever see in London

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink?

The Royal Standard of England – 900 years old making it the oldest Freehouse in England.  Wonderful food, dog friendly and very cosy.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see?

Trooping Of  the Colour Parade is the celebration of the Queen’s official birthday in June. You can watch it for free as it marches past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall, but the real spectacle takes place on Horse Guards Parade, where the Queen will take the salute from one of her Household regiments

The things guide books will not tell anyone about London?

How Expensive just about Everything is in London from Food to Accommodation to Travel Expenses

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to London and what would that reason be?

January / February as it can be quite depressing – dark, dismal days

In one sentence,  London is innovative, dynamic, and outrageous, with history and culture leaking from every brick and individual style around every corner.

It’s a supremely cosmopolitan city , with excellent restaurants, quirky pubs, avant-garde shops, unparalleled museums – most of which are now free – superb theatre and attractions and a blitzing nightlife.

Born in Lancaster in the North of England (near the Lake District) in the UK, Minaxi Mistry moved to London when she was 6 years old.  All her education and working life has been in London so she is definitely a Londoner through and through – accent and all.  For the last 25 years, she has worked in a sales capacity and always in the Travel Industry which she absolutely adores. Minaxi  has travelled extensively and her aim is to still travel lots more as nothing makes a person richer and wiser and gives more of a thrill than Travel!

Insiders view on Whistler

The Wanderers in conversation with Carly McMillan

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place..

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about Whistler..

Whistler was the official host mountain for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

What is a must buy when in Whistler?

A Toque (Canadian word for a beanie)

One take-away after a visit to Whistler?

The magical Whistler winter experience!

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Stay for at least 03 – 04 nights and start planning all the fun and amazing things you wish to try while you are here. There is more to do than you realize and even four nights will not be enough to experience it all.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Whistler ?

Your camera!

One activity anyone travelling to Whistler should not miss..

Zip lining is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Whistler. Whistler has the longest zip line in Canada!

Where should anyone, travelling to Whistler, definitely get their picture taken..

Up on the mountains (perhaps in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola) – no better view than from up there!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo of Whistler?

From the Peak 2 Peak Gondola on a clear day.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise in Whistler?

Experience an exclusive sunrise by going up the mountains for Fresh Tracks breakfast early in the morning. Sunset can be experienced at the Whistler Brewhouse, for après after a day on the mountains.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

A sleigh ride & fondue dinner

Best place to have local food?

Multiple restaurants support the local community, but Pasta Lupino is a great local spot.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend..

These suggestions reflect my personal opinion:

Budget: Poutine and a Caesar

Otherwise: Super Hiro Roll and Spicy Tofu at Sushi Village with a Sake Margarita

One place only the locals would know..

If you want to join the locals for après, go to the Crystal Lounge, Araxi Bar or Cinnamon Bear Bar.

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink..

Garibaldi Lift Co. (aka. GLC)

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see.

Wanderlust Festival and Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival.

The things guide books won’t tell anyone about Whistler?

Stay longer than you originally planned – you won’t regret it!

Is there any particular month you wouldn’t recommend travel to Whistler and what would that reason be?

There is no bad time to visit, but check out the events calendar before you book so you don’t miss anything you might find interesting!

In one sentence, Whistler is.. The best, most unforgettable place that will create everlasting memories for you and your family.

Carly McMillan has been living in Whistler for the past 6.5 years.  A native of England, UK, she came to experience one ski season and never went back home!

She now lives in a year round resort in this magical village that is amazing all year round, and loves taking about life in Whistler.