MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Russia is definitely a country I've never thought I would go to. Fortunately, I was so wrong! 

Moscow was so much fun, OMG what an amazing architecture that city has. One gorgeous building after the other. 

The people are unbelievably nice (not everyone speaks English, thank God my hubby speaks Russian) and very welcoming!

Forget about everything bad you might have read about Russia, just get a visa (only downside of Russia, extremely difficult and most expensive visa we've EVER needed) and hop on that plane. 

One of the things that I liked the most about Moscow was the fact that EVERYTHING is walking distance from the city center so, choose a strategicly located hotel (like we did) and enjoy the beauty of the city (and their low currency compared to the US Dollar).

Red Square 

The "Red Square" is located in the heart of Moscow at the city center and you can't get enough of it. There's everything you'll need there (the "airport" security to get in an out though is a little annoying but the safer the better). 

The impressive master piece of architecture known as "Saint Basil's Cathedral" is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen, inside and out. Many people believe it to be a castle but, no, it's a church. Although nowadays it works more like a museum (there are no masses being held there anymore).

Saint Basil's Cathedral

We went over the holidays and I was quite surprised by the weather, I expected it to be a whole lot colder (normal NYC winter weather). I absolutely loved that we had flurries once so, we spent the whole day going from one museum to the other. Our favorites were "State Historical Museum", "Kremlin Armoury", "Moscow Museum of Modern Art", we also loved the "Tretyakov Gallery" and the "Bolshoi Theatre". 

The "Kremlin" is a huge complex so definitely take a full day to go there. Arrive early to get tickets and also make sure the President isn't having anything there that day because it will close. There are quite a few museums inside as well as gorgeous churches. It's definitely a must once you're in Moscow!

GUM

"GUM" is considered a department store in Moscow (main department store of the former Soviet Union) but, to me is just an awesome mall. There are stores for all kinds of "tastes" not mentioning the food and snacks carts all over the mall. 

Russia is definitely one of the countries that surprised me in a great way, I can't wait to get back to explore a different part of the country. 

VENICE, ITALY

I have no words to describe how unbelievably amazing Venice is. Honestly, there's nowhere else like it. For starters, there are NO cars or roadways, just canals linked by bridges so the only way to get around is by boats, ferries or any other water vehicle.

Water-Bus Stop

The "Grand Canal" would be the "Main Street of Venice" and it is a spectacular ride, it doesn't matter if you take a water-taxi, a water-bus or a "Gondola". We purchased the water-bus day pass (about €20 per person) and that takes about 1 hour to cross the main island. To me, it was so strange and yet so practical, there are no lines at the "Bus" stop and there's definitely no traffic. The canals are narrow but it absolutely works. We also tried the gondola ride and it was so romantic! The "driver" sang to us and pointed out all the major touristic attractions (€80+ for 30min depending where you catch it).

Gondolas

The "Rialto Bridge" and the "Bridge of Sighs" are two places that you must ask to go through while riding the gondola. Don't forget to spend some quality time at the "Rialto Market" while you're there.

Venice also has public restrooms everywhere, which is very convenient and they cost between €0,50 and €1 for a single use.

"Piazza San Marco" was one of my favorite places in Venice. There are several street vendors for food and souvenirs. There you will find "St. Marks Basilica" which is the most beautiful building within the islands.

Piazza San Marco

We also loved the "Gallerie dell'Accademia" and "Doge's Palace".

Venice was one of our great choices, good food, great deserts, beautiful glassworks and lovely people. Absolutely on our go back list!

LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES

"Sin City" is one of the most vibrant places I've ever been to; a 24/7 city with endless things to do. 

From shopping to shows, there isn't anything you can't find in Vegas. Even if you are underage or just don't feel like doing anything that day, just walking up and down the "Las Vegas Strip" will get you in a good mood. 

Las Vegas Strip

The casinos are great! I'd advise you to go on a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, bachelor/ette party, etc.) once they tend to give you "freebies" to celebrate. You can get anything between a free meal at the hotel buffet to tickets for the show of your choice. The only thing you need to be aware of are the salespeople in the lobby (it's a nightmare). Other than that make sure your license is not expired and go enjoy the blackjack table. 

Blue Man Group 

The acts I'd suggest everyone to watch are "The Blue Man Group" (creative art), "David Copperfield" (magic), "Britney Spears" (music) and "JLo" (music). There are performances for every age and every taste, these are my favorites but I'm sure everyone can find a few of their own. 

Grand Canyon 

Besides all the entertainment, Vegas is relatively close to the "Hoover Dam" and the "Grand Canyon". If you have some time, take the tour. It's well worth it. You can choose between a helicopter or a bus tour. The sights of the Grand Canyon are absolutely mesmerizing. I've never seen anything like that. I couldn't decide between taking pictures or just staring at it. 

MONTREAL, CANADA

Montreal is one of my favorite cities in Canada. Even though I've only been there a few times, I absolutely fell in love with it the first time. You will never run out of things to do there. 

Notre-Dame Cathedral 

The "Notre-Dame Cathedral" is a must. Unbelievably beautiful inside and out (completely different from the Notre-Dame in Paris) it's worth the wait (if you are Christian, stay for a mass).

The "Botanical Gardens" are enormous and the best time to go is definitely during spring. Very peaceful, you will more likely than not, spend a whole day there. 

Olympic Stadium 

Another cool site is the "Olympic Stadium", which is a little far but I'm a sports enthusiast and I just had to make the time. 

One of my favorite places in Montreal is the "Biodome", it's incredible! It features environments of North and South America: the "Tropical Forest", the "Laurentian Forest", the "St. Lawrence Marine Ecosystem", and the "Arctic and Antarctic Polar Worlds". It's phenomenal! 

"Piknic Électronik" is a electronic music festival that takes place every Sunday (during the summer months) at Parc Jean-Drapeau. 

The "Underground City" is great and soooooooo convenient! It doesn't matter what's the weather, you can find anything there (shoppers paradise)! It also connects many of the major buildings and malls in Montreal. 

Mount Royal Observatory

"Mount Royal Park" is a lovely and enormous place where you can enjoy your well deserved peace and quiet with a magnificent view of the city. 

Other sites that are also worth visiting are the "Biosphere", the museums at "Old Montreal", "Chinatown", the "Planetarium" and the "Montreal Casino".

Every time I have been to Montreal was better than the last. It's great for sightseeing and if you don't have that much time, those on/off tours could speed things up a little. 

A few TIPS: if you choose to drive to Canada (like I always do), be aware that your gps WILL NOT work there. Even thought the sales people will tell you it will. As soon as I crossed the US-Canada border, my gps went dead (and so did my phone!!! First time I drove to Canada, there was no such thing as international plans). So have a map or printed directions sheet handy (all the road signs are in French) and you will be ok. Also, you better be familiar with the French language if you choose to cross the border to the Province of Quebec (people there don't really like to speak English and even if you speak to them or ask a simple question (in English), they will answer you in French. 

All the Maple treats (candy, ice cream, lollipops, syrup, etc) are delicious!!! Don't even try to resist.