Whether travelling for business (as we were) or choosing a gift for a girlfriend, finding the right spa in another city can be an exercise in trial and error.  

Several well-placed Torontonians (one a French skincare guru herself) recommended the new Spa My Blend Clarins spa at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel but this being VitaminDaily.com, an in-person experience was a must.

The hotel’s entire 5th floor holds 24,000 square feet of wellness experiences. From the beckoning reception area with fashionable gear from Yoga Girl, to the expansive, bright waiting room with double chaise lounges and copies of British Vogue, we were duly impressed.

A “rebalancing” massage helped ease away the jet lag, while the refreshing eucalyptus  steam cleared our mind for the day’s meetings.

We see more trips to Toronto in our future – next time to try the custom facials using peptide technology, the anti-oxidant cocktails or the Innovative Fitness training.

More trial, less error. —Sarah Bancroft

Spa My Blend at the Ritz-Carlton 181 Wellington St. W., Toronto, 416-572-8000, www.ritzcarlton.com

Make your getaway virtually pain free with these travel essentials.

Natural brand Odacité's discovery kit ($29, The Detox Market) has all you need to pamper airplane-parched skin and fits easily into a regulation Zip-Loc. www.thedetoxmarket.com

Stay warm on chilly red-eyes by donning comfy giant ski socks. This cute merino version ($35, Sporting Life) comes in a pack of two and multiple colourways. Online at www.sportinglife.ca

Keep jet lag at bay by popping melatonin at the new time zone's bedtime and taking homeopathic No-Jet-Lag during the flight. www.well.ca

Snuggle up in this knit jersey infinity scarf ($68, Lululemon) to keep airplane blankets away from your face and compensate for changing temps both on the plane and off.

Jao Goe Oil ($36, Drake General Store) goes on like a body oil but is a travel-friendly semi-solid in the carry-on-ready 85 g tube, perfect to replenish skin on cold-weather vacays. Order by phone, 888-296-8685, http://jaostore.com

Add a pack of Emergen-C (30 for $24, well.ca to a bottle of water to boost your immune system and help banish bugs. http://well.ca

Install Postagram on your iPhone or Android device to skip time-consuming post office visits and send customized postcards from your own photo library. 

—Kat Tancock

We'vecreated a series of useful and unique family travel itineraries. Each one is tried, tested and true by a VitaminDaily.com editor (and mom). This week, we're exploring Portland. For our Tots in TriBeCa itinerary, click here.

Portland is my family’s city-away-from-the-city, and we make the five hour drive from Vancouver often. It’s extremely kid-friendly (even at the brewpub!).

stay

We always bunk at the Paramount: Clean, spacious rooms, helpful staff and a stone’s throw to all of our favourite spots in the city (including Nordstroms, just around the corner). Request a room with a balcony on the second floor. 808 SW Taylor St., Portland, www.portlandparamount.com

play

Director Park is the big-city answer to public space; a spacious, clean piazza with a café (the outdoor bistro tables are lovely), a giant chess set, an unofficial waterpark and tons of spacious, shaded seating. If the weather has forced you indoors, head to old-time toy shop Finnegan’s for some playtime and classic toys (try explaining a slinky to your kid).  Finnegan’s, 820 SW Washington St., Portland, www.finneganstoys.com

eat

You could eat six meals a day in Portland and never be disappointed. The food truck scene is famous for a reason: the options are cheap, delicious and fresh, with an abundance of trucks parked in one area for easy access. (For food cart maps, click here.) For a sit-down meal, I love casual and contemporary Southpark: the oysters are fresh and the corn risotto is a tasty take on contemporary food. Southpark, 901 SW Salmon St., http://southparkseafood.com

drink

Portland has one of the most prominent craft brew scenes in the world, and the bustling brewpubs to match. Deschutes is a favourite, expect a fair line for a table on the weekend, but waiting is much easier with a Black Butte in hand (hey, that stroller cup holder comes in handy!). Yes, kids are welcome (last time we were there half the tables had kids, from breastfeeding newborn to an 8-year-old’s birthday party). 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, www.deschutesbrewery.com

shop

This no-tax haven is the place to splurge on big purchases – this year, I bought almost my entire fall wardrobe in Portland, including a Vince sweater coat with leather trim (pictured) at Nordstroms, LNA tops and 7 for all Mankind Gwenevere jeans from Nordstroms Rack, plus Rachel Comey boots from lovely boutique Frances May, which stocks upscale casual wear lines like ALC, Vena Cava and Suno. Frances May, 1013 SW Washington St., Portland, www.francesmay.com

read

One of the few cities where independent bookshops thrive, Powell’s is the granddaddy of hardcovers, packed to the risers with books both new and used. You could easily spend an afternoon exploring the different floors and deep collections; we buy my son a classic book on each visit. 1005 W. Burnside St., Portland and 4 other locations, www.powells.com

—Maria Tallarico

Just an easy 90-minute train ride from London, the charming, compact and walkable city of Bath – former home to Jane Austen, among others – offers a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

stay

We adored boutique B&B Villa Magdala, across from lovely Henrietta Park (opened to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee) and just steps from Bath's downtown. You'll want to stay more than one night – or bring a big appetite – to sample the delightful breakfast menu, with fruit, yogurt and pastries plus to-order picks like the full English and our favourite, the lemon-ricotta-pistachio pancakes. www.villamagdala.co.uk

dine

Book ahead and bring a group to sample Tilleys Bistro's tasty tapas menu, complete with clearly labelled veg and gluten-free selections. Our French Farmers Salad, Baked Avocado Tower and Butterbean and Root Ginger Firepot went down so well (accompanied by a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc) that we tragically left no room for dessert. http://www.tilleysbistro.co.uk

 do

Bath is home to the UK's only natural hot springs, put on the map by the Romans, who erected a full bathing complex complete with temple. A visit to the Roman Baths Museum is a must while in town. Wander the site with the audio guide and turn up your imagination to visualize the lives of the people who millennia ago bathed in these same waters. If you have time, pick up a combo ticket to save on a trip to the Fashion Museum, too.

relax

You can't enter the original Roman baths, unfortunately, but there is a consolation prize across the street: Thermae Bath Spa, which taps into those same natural springs. Sample the selection of scented steam rooms, then soak in the rooftop pool and enjoy the views of Bath Abbey and the rest of the city. www.thermaebathspa.com

 Photo: visitbath.co.uk
 Copyright: Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins

shop

Bath has no shortage of boutiques and other shopping pleasures. Make sure to visit historic Pulteney Bridge, a late-18th-century stone bridge complete with built-in shops. One highlight for us was the Antique Map Shop, with its very giftable collection of printed maps from all over the world.

—Kat Tancock

The days of traveling in style ended when we replaced glamorous train trips and handmade trunks with low-cost airlines and polyester suitcases on wheels.

That’s why we are looking to Vancouver designer Alex Folzi to inject some elegance back into traveling, with his collection of handmade leather luggage. We love the brightly coloured suitcases ($369) for travel or as a briefcase, and if you aren’t on going far, his Osaka camera bag ($144) beats any nylon carrying case we’ve seen.

The only problem is that his collection really doesn’t suit economy, so we figure this is an opportunity to upgrade luggage and seats. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

At www.alexfolzi.ca

Houses are painted sherbert yellow, green and blue and the pinkish sand on every beach is as soft as flour. If you’re planning a winter getaway, consider Bermuda, where the sweet floral scents and sounds of the sea will whisk you a million miles away.

stay

With three restaurants, pools, tennis courts and spacious rooms all steps away from one of the island’s best beaches, Elbow Beach is the place to stay. Order a Dark and Stormy and bask on the beach to a soundtrack of crashing waves. Sushi fans will love the fresh-from-the-ocean wahoo rolls at Seabreez. www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda

do

Rent a moped and cruise the island at 25 miles-per-hour. Visit the flamingos at the local aquarium, stop and smell the hibiscus at the Botanical Gardens and leap off the cliffs into crystal waters at Horseshoe Bay. If you’re as nosy as we are, you’ll want to ride over to Tucker’s Town where Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg and Silvio Berlusconi have holiday homes.

eat

The Lobster Pot in town is a Bermudian institution where bibs are a must. Don’t miss out on the Guinea Chicks (Sept-March) and if you’ve never tried Wahoo, this is the place to do it. www.lobsterpot.bm

drink

Chat up some locals (Bermudians are famously friendly) over a few Rum Swizzles (made with Bermuda rum) at the local mainstay Rum Swizzle Inn. www.swizzleinn.com

—Athena Tsavliris

The wonders of la ville d'amour are endless, but you have to start somewhere. Here are a few highlights from our latest jaunt across the pond.

see

For free vistas of the city and its landmarks, stroll up Paris's steepest hill to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, a neighbourhood once home to artists such as Picasso and Modigliani. Come at sunset to see the Eiffel Tower light up, hawkers ply their wares and local youth crowd the stairs in this popular hangout spot. http://sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

do

Our three-hour walking tour with Urban Adventures took us along stylish streets and through secret passages to see glorious architecture and real Parisian life, with a well-deserved break for cheese and baguette in-between. Bring a map so you can return to the adorable and easy-to-lose shops you see along the way. www.urbanadventures.com/destination

eat

The Saturday-morning lineup of locals at bakery Arnaud Delmontel convinced us the goods were worth it even before we tasted the pastries, tarts and macarons. Ladurée gets all the hype when it comes to the petite sweets, but our favourite was the prettily pink-and-white marbled rose flavour here. www.arnaud-delmontel.com

shop

Ballet flat addicts might want to set a budget in advance to a visit to one of the city's several Repetto boutiques, with the iconic shoes spread in a rainbow of colours and styles, including kitten heels, T-straps and even boots, plus ballet-inspired streetwear. www.repetto.com

go

Europe's so wee from a Canadian perspective: London and Paris are closer than Toronto and Montreal. Hit both cities on one trip while avoiding excess airport visits via the comfortable and just 2 1/2-hour-long train ride on Eurostar. www.eurostar.com

—Kat Tancock

The bastion of all things cool, who knew lower Manhattan was now run by hipsters under four feet tall? Herewith, our family guide to New York City’s Triangle Below Canal Street.

sleep

Our toddler didn’t say boo about the ostrich-embossed leather walls or floor to ceiling windows at the Smyth hotel, but she loved the lobby’s retro robot collection and plush leather swivel chairs. Actually, we did too. Rooms from $299, 85 West Broadway, New York, www.thompsonhotels.com

drink

While Dad is on duty upstairs, curl yourself into a tufted banquette at the Smyth’s stylish lobby bar. The Toro Sliders ($14) are to-die-for delish and the Martini Sud perfectly potent. Do throw on your darkest pair of Jackie Os and pretend you’re hiding from the Post. www.thompsonhotels.com

eat

Brunch is the meal of the day for parents of babes with bedtimes. Crayons are aplenty and kids are king at Bubby’s Pie Shop (there’s even stroller parking). Farm-fresh eggs, house-cured bacon and homemade soda pop will fill you all up until bottle-time. Is 10 a.m. too early for a Bubby’s Bellini? Nah. 120 Hudson St., New York, www.bubbys.com

do

Rumour has it a New York baby’s first word is MoMA - your own budding Basquiat will adore the Children’s Museum of the Arts. With a hands-on craft space and drop-in classes for kids from 10 months, it’s a perfect spot on a rainy afternoon. $10, 103 Charlton St., New York, www.cmany.org

shop

If your wee ones want to hang with the heppist TriBeCa kittens, they must look the part. Egg by Susan Lazar stocks minimalist cotton pieces like seersucker blazers and voile smocked rompers ($39). Aleph Portman-Millepied is a fan of the stripy hats so they’ll blend with the best. 124 Hudson St., New York, www.egg-baby.com

play

Buzzing with chic nannies and their chicer charges, Washington Market Park boasts a Saturday farmer’s market, padded play yard and giant red jungle gym. If you spot Moses and Apple on the twisty slide, act casual and wait your turn. 
www.washingtonmarketpark.org

The big draws to this city are its theme parks, but where do the locals go for a good time? We took a tour of the Orlando most people don’t know.

stay

With on-site activities like swimming, golf, kayak, tennis and even fly-fishing, the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is a luxe retreat all on its own. Add to that fabulous restaurants and a standout spa at the adjacent Ritz Carlton hotel (The Citrus C Organic facial ($159) is one of the best we’ve had) and we hardly wanted to leave. 4040 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, 407-206-2300, www.marriott.com

do

Swimming with dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Discovery Cove proved the perfect place to check it off our bucket list. The all-inclusive resort-inspired park offers 30-minute group dolphin swims (from $259) where we fell in love with Yoko and Diego (more than we can say about the giant sting rays we also swam with!). Sandy beaches, lazy rivers, an aviary pavilion, all-you-can-eat and drink… Booking a reservation at this piece of paradise is a must. 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, 877-557-7404, http://discoverycove.ca

Back on land, we got a glimpse at what Florida looked like pre-Disney at Forever Florida, a 4,700 acre eco-ranch and conservation area. We experience the pristine grounds – and played spot-the-gators! – by zipline and canopy cycle, but coach bus and horseback tours are also popular options (from $32). 4755 North Kenansville Rd., St. Cloud, Orlando, 407-957-9794, www.floridaecosafaris.com

eat

Downtown Disney is technically in Mickey Mouse territory but it is home to an array of fabulous entertainment (like Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba) and restaurants like Bongos Cuban Café. Request a table on the balcony for a view of the lake: it’s the perfect spot to sip a signature mojito and let the exotic flavours (like the to-die-for seafood paella) transport you even further south. Dancing starts at 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and seeing as Gloria Estefan is the owner, you might end up doing the conga into the wee hours of the night. 1498 East Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, 407-828-0999, www.bongoscubancafe.com

shop

We just have three words for you: Orlando Premium Outlets. Think Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Prada, Tory Burch and a ton more. Word to the wise: There are two locations, so make at least a day out of it. 4951 International Dr., 407-352-9600 and 8200 Vineland Ave., 407-238-7787, www.premiumoutlets.com

For more on our trip to Orlando and the ultra-posh city of Winter Park, Florida, check out our Editors' Diary. —Christine Laroche

www.visitorlando.com

It would take years to explore one of the world’s largest cities, so this time we focused on Mexico City’s vibrant food and design culture. (For more on Mexico City, click here.)

stay

Located in the ritzy Santa Fe business district, boutique hotel Distrito Capital occupies the top ten floors of a skyscraper, which means breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings, not to mention its trippy Tron-esque entrance. Both Lady Gaga and Bono have stayed there…what else is there to know? Distrito Capital, Av. Juan Salvador Agraz 37, Santa Fé, México City, 1-866-978-7020, www.hoteldistritocapital.com

stroll

Searching for the new and hip? You’ll find it in the city’s Condesa and Roma districts. Parque Mexico is a great place to start exploring and discovering beautiful art deco architecture, charming sidewalk espresso bars, local boutiques, and artisanal chocolate shops like Princesse Cacao (Fernando Montes de Oca 81, Condesa, 5211-0276), all while meeting at least fifty dogs and their hipster owners. End your stroll on the sun-soaked terrace of Hotel Brick (Orizaba 95, Roma, Mexico City, 5525-1100) for a margarita or two.

see          

If you’ve already said hello to Frida and Diego, then give Rufino Tamayo a visit for a contemporary art fix. Along with the famed Mexican painter’s works, Museo Tamayo houses a permanent collection of his peers (he did live to almost a 100!) like Rothko, Miró, and Warhol as well as rotating contemporary exhibitions. The museum is located in the Chapultepec Park, which could easily rival NYC’s Central Park in its beauty. Museo Tamayo de Arte Contemporáneo, Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi Bosque de Chapultepec, México City, 5286-6519, http://museotamayo.org

eat

Mexico City’s food choices are abundant, from taco stands to fine dining establishments. One of the latest favourites is restaurant Azul Histórico in the Centro district, which has taken over the gorgeous courtyard of the newly opened Hotel Downtown. Surrounded by historic brick, lush trees and beautiful people, feast on Mexican specialties like organic hibiscus flower enchiladas and Tixin Xie fish. Azul Histórico, Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico, Mexico City, 5510-1316, http://azulhistorico.com

shop

It won’t be hard to find incredible things to buy in Mexico City, but local designer Carla Fernández caught our eye with her amazing draping and a fresh take on Mexican knitwear — yes, that includes the legendary poncho. Thank us when everyone asks you, “Hey, where’d you get that?” Carla Fernández, Molière 58-A, Polanco, Mexico City, 5912 8010, http://carlafernandez.com

—Anya Georgijevic