Anyone who’s a real Formula One fan has heard about the Montreal Grand Prix at least once. Broadcast in 150 countries and watched by more than 300 million people every year, it’s a major event not to be missed.

Held for more than 50 years on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, located on Notre-Dame Island, this event welcomes some of the most famous international racers: Sebastien Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, to name only a few, racing for prestigious teams like Mercedes and Ferrari.

Synonymous with glamour, luxurious sports cars and lavish parties, the Montreal Grand Prix has a lot to offer. Aside from the actual races that take place on the circuit, a lot is happening in downtown Montreal, in the Golden Square Mile and Old-Montreal for the week of the event. Here are a few things that are happening outside of the track:

[Read more…]

Almost all bucket lists have something in common: to go on an African safari. Africa holds a great variety of incredible animals and plant life ranging from lions to giraffes to hippos to ostriches.

Safaris are becoming more accessible to travelers. There are more cost-affordable options and more kinds of safaris available.

Safaris can range from a “glamping” and luxury safaris to land cruiser and canoe adventures. Regardless of the style of safari you want to embark on, these are four things that you should know before you go:

[Read more…]

Montreal is well known on an international level for its cultural events. From the Ballet to the Opera and everything in between, the city is constantly busy with exhibitions and shows to see, hear and taste.

The city is also very well known for its extraordinary nightlife, and one of the most popular summer festivals in the city that combines both culture and nightlife is the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Now held in the Quartier des Spectacles (which means ”the Shows’ District”), the Festival has moved around the city of Montreal for more than 30 years (this year will be the 38th edition, to be precise). The event is actually the largest Jazz festival in the world according to the Guinness World Records, with more than 2 million visitors every year.

[Read more…]

You may have heard about the current mumps outbreak at Penn State University.

Or maybe the 42 mumps cases in Hawaii, already the most in a single year for the state since 2001.

The 94 mumps cases, and counting, across the Dallas area also could have come across your news feed.

Even if you didn’t catch any of these headlines, you likely saw some sign of a mumps comeback. That’s because the disease is having a busy year, with outbreaks popping up across the United States.

[Read more…]

Such an enticing country could only have the nickname “The Land of Smiles.”

Given to Thailand for its friendly locals, the country probably didn’t need any more reasons to be a top travel destination.

Thailand is covered in beaches and rolling landscapes in the heart of Asian culture. The country brings in party animals, backpackers, beachgoers and spiritual adventurers alike.

With the hot summer months on their way soon, many people may be looking for a getaway. The lush haven is always one of the top vacation spots and it will likely be no less popular this year.

[Read more…]

How easy is it to get access to the MMR vaccine?

For most people around the world, it’s not a problem. A nearby clinic, doctor’s office or hospital can provide the immunization. Just two doses for a baby or child and the vaccine can do its job. No mumps, no rubella, and best of all no measles thanks to that highly effective shot.

But, what happens if you can’t get the vaccine?

[Read more…]

The Calgary locals knows what to expect come July.

For a week and a half, the city will transform. The cowboy culture comes alive and takes over the massive city. During this time, Calgary is filled to the brim with white cowboy hats.

That’s because the Calgary Stampede is without question the city’s biggest annual event. A mix of rodeo, state fair and block party, almost 1.5 million people come to the Stampede every year.

[Read more…]

Diseases sometimes take time before wreaking havoc in humans.

They start off as tiny, mostly harmless germs. But, those germs start to grow and get stronger, looking for some creature to latch onto and cause damage.

Usually those infected creature are animals. Infecting pigs, rodents, insects and other creatures, a virus becomes stronger and harder to eliminate.

[Read more…]

There was a warning sign for Brazil’s current yellow fever epidemic. That red flag could be found in the Amazon rainforest, where primates were dropping like flies.

Capuchins, marmosets and howler monkeys either came down with yellow fever or saw their numbers shrink.

The most alarming of these deaths: howler monkeys.

These primates earn that name. Howlers are the loudest of all monkeys, with a wail that can be heard miles away. The monkeys use their howl to warn other primates that they own an area. The whole species joins in this yell, usually doing so every day at dawn and dusk.

But, what happens when howler monkeys don’t make that noise?

[Read more…]

Hawaii is a special breed of island tropic.

The eight different islands making up the state are filled with volcanoes, beaches and places to explore. Still, the Aloha State is far different than the Caribbean islands.

Hawaii boasts an area that’s full of volcanoes and is perfect for surfing. The Caribbean draws people in with a lively atmosphere and the music to match.

A part of the United States, Hawaii shares a lot of the same customs and American values. But, there’s no denying that the islands have their own loose feel that’s impossible to find on the mainland.

[Read more…]