Top 10 Vancouver Travel Tips

We have some things you need to know before you head to Vancouver. We want to help you get the most from your Vancouver stay. Our downtown Vancouver hotel is at the center of it all, so you have easy access to enjoy the best of Vancouver.

Top 10 Travel Tips

• Vancouver is Compact: So, if you are staying at Carmana Plaza, it is easy to walk to wherever you want to go in the city. Nothing is any more than a twenty-minute walk away. Downtown isn’t everything in Vancouver, every interesting neighborhood is within biking distance.

• It’s Not That Rainy: It is known as “Raincouver,” but it never rains hard enough to keep you from the great outdoors. In fact, from June to September, Vancouver is one of the driest cities in the country. Besides, water is what keeps this place green.

• The Canada / Asia Connection: Vancouver is the world’s most Asian city outside of Asia. That’s right, if you didn’t know you were in Canada, you might think you had landed somewhere in Asia. Of the population in Vancouver, 47% are of Asian descent. Expect to embrace our Asian culture and enjoy it.

• Wear What You Want: You could say that Vancouver is not as stylish as some other world-class cities. We think you’ll find that we’d rather be comfortable. People in Vancouver do, however, like to express their individuality, but it’s safe to say that we’re no slave to fashion.

• Dining Districts: Flavour isn’t found online; it is found in one of Vancouver’s dining districts. Just head over to Gastown, Main Street, or Alexandra Road. Once there, you should be able to nose around until you find something you like. The tough part is deciding between them.

• A Tip About Tips: There is no better way to show your appreciation than to tip. It is sort of an unspoken custom to appreciate services in this manner. A quick guide is as follows:
  • Hotel services: $1 to $2 per bag to the bell boy, $2 to $5 per night for the maid, and $10 to $20 to a helpful concierge.
  • Restaurants: 15% to 20%
  • Bars: $0.50 to $2.00 per drink
  • Beauticians, barbers, and spas: 10%
  • Taxi drivers: 10%

• Ride Sharing: As of 2020, there are now ride-sharing apps. In a city like Vancouver, you don’t want the hassle of driving and parking. It just makes more sense to leave it up to a local. Vancouver is a city of rides, from bus rides to taxi rides. Now we can add Uber and Lyft to those services.

• People are Safe. Things, Not So Much: Vancouver is a safe city, just watch your stuff. Protect your belongings from theft by locking them up and never leaving them unattended. There is a very clever and experienced group of people who are just waiting for the right moment to separate you from your belongings.

• Visitor Convenient: If you want to maximize your convenience and minimize your hassle, stick to some of the more convenient locations. The area around Burrard and Robinson streets. Budgets vary for everyone, some prefer to look for value, and others on a tighter budget can focus on areas like the West End, near Davie St. between Burrard and Denman.

• Not a Car Town: Vancouver is compact. There is little need for the expense and difficulty of renting a car, driving, and parking. It is also pedestrian and bike friendly. Or you can really immerse yourself in the local culture by taking public transit.

Carmana Plaza is a Great Place to Call Home

Whether short or long-term, you can’t find better accommodations and a more convenient location than Carmana Plaza. Contact us and book your stay. We’re here to help you have the best time possible in Vancouver. Vancouver is a breath of fresh air and Carmana Plaza offers the best of everything.