How to Use Toronto Public Transit TTC

Navigating Toronto's TTC: A First-Timer's Guide to Public Transit

If you are a tourist or visiting Toronto for the first time, Toronto has a robust public transit system called TTC. Using TTC is an efficient and economical way to get around Toronto. Here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to use Toronto's TTC for the first time.

Payment Methods

There are several ways to pay for your TTC ride:

1. Credit/Debit Cards: Tap your Visa, American Express, or Mastercard on the reader. Alternatively, you can use mobile wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.

2. Presto Card: Purchase this reloadable card from vending machines at TTC stations, authorized retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart, or online. Once you have a Presto card, tap it on the reader upon entering a TTC vehicle or station.

Using the Presto Card

The Presto card offers additional benefits, such as reduced fares and easy reloading at TTC machines, online, on the app, or at authorized retailers. You can also use the Presto card on the UP Express train between Pearson Airport and Union Station. This is a much faster and cheaper way to connect to downtown Toronto from the Pearson International Airport.

Navigating the TTC Network

The TTC network includes subways, streetcars, and buses. A single fare covers your entire one-way trip, and you can transfer between TTC vehicles without additional charges within a two-hour window. This allows you to travel across the Greater Toronto Area using the same card or payment method.

As you venture into the city, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be aware of peak travel times, as vehicles and stations can get crowded.

2. Check TTC schedules or use the official TTC app or other transit apps for real-time updates.

3. Prioritize your safety and be mindful of your surroundings when traveling.

With this guide in hand, you're now ready to explore the vibrant city of Toronto using its extensive and accessible public transit system. Safe travels, and enjoy your ride on the TTC!

How to Access Airport Lounges for Free (The Easiest Way)

Travel Hacks | Tips to Access Airport Lounges for Free

There are several strategies you can apply to access airport lounges for free without flying business class. Some of these strategies require pro-grade knowledge on frequent flyer programs and a lot of research or hassle. I have a podcast outlining some of them here: Accessing Airport Lounges for Free

However, the easiest and possibly the best way to access airport lounges for free is by having a credit card that gives you free lounge access as a perk. These travel credit cards come with a plethora of other travel benefits and features that are worth a lot more than the annual fee you pay. For example, things like free travel insurance, free concierge service, zero foreign currency transaction fee, and many more are available.

Here are my top 4 Canadian travel credit cards that provide easy airport lounge access without you setting foot on a business-class flight. All these cards have an annual fee of less than $150.

Sure, there are many other cards that provide lounge access, but I set them aside because they tend to charge a lot more than $150 annually.

Canadian Credit Card Options (Annual Fee ≤ $150):

- BMO World Elite MasterCard: 4 free lounge visits via Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.

- CIBC Aventura Gold Visa & CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite: 4 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion - Program.

- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 free lounge visits via Visa Airport Companion Program and offers no foreign transaction fees.

If you are reading this article from other parts of the globe, look for a similar credit card in your country that fits your needs. It is highly likely that you will find travel credit cards that give you free lounge access in your own country as well.

How I Created My First Podcast Using Google NotebookLM

New AI Podcast Tool NotebookLM

I am one of those who thought I would never create a podcast. To tell you the truth, it was a lack of resources needed to create a professional-grade podcast. However, everything changed when AI came to the rescue.

I was seeing a lot of posts online about a new AI research tool called Google NotebookLM that was taking the Internet by storm. I was reluctant to try it out, but at one point I gave in.

I was shocked to find out how easy it was to create a podcast with zero knowledge. It took me like 20 minutes to figure out and I was on my way to generating a professional-grade podcast where 2 people were talking about my travel hack article or video I had created before.

The AI voices and interactions in Google NotebookLM's podcasts are so incredibly lifelike that it's hard to believe they're not real humans. I sent my first podcast to a few friends without telling them it was AI-generated, and they were completely fooled!

The simplicity of creating a podcast was also astounding. First, I had to give my sources on the NotebookLM page. You can also provide notes to add to those sources. I gave the AI my YouTube video link, an article from my website AhmedDawn.com and a few notes on Notepad and that’s it.

Also, NotebookLM generated a FAQ, Table of Contents, Timeline, Briefing, etc. based on what you are feeding it. I am using these summaries for my podcast video description. So everything the AI generated has some uses for my podcast video.

NotebookLM opens up endless opportunities for content creators. This is another example of how AI tech is limitless and there are a lot more mind-blowing crazy things to come in the future.

Air Canada Economy Class Flight Review from Toronto to Tokyo

Economy Class Flight Review: Air Canada AC 009 from YYZ-NRT

Our Air Canada flight Boeing 777-300 ER was almost full. We booked two seats well ahead of time to avoid sitting next to a stranger. These seats were only two in a row, so we had both the window and aisle seats. The seats were comfortable and there was plenty of leg room.

The airline provided a pillow and blanket, but the washrooms were basic and lacked amenities. This reminded me of an EVA Air economy flight going to Manila where there were amenities in the washroom.

The food was served in three waves. Lunch was a Japanese noodle dish with corn and chickpeas, beef rice (or chicken), bread, soy sauce and a dessert. Our mid-flight meal was a tuna wrap and a cookie. The last meal was breakfast: scrambled eggs with potatoes, sausage, and a fruit salad.

I found the food to be good, and appreciated the variety of options. Also, the airline staff were friendly and attentive. Overall, I was satisfied with my experience on Air Canada and would fly with them again.

Here are some tips for a long-haul flight. Here are the things we did to make this flight comfortable:

-  We paid for our seats we mentioned above.

- We arrived at the airport early to avoid crowds and explore the lounges.

- We had a light carry-on bag only (we checked one small piece of luggage), which made going through security and the airport easier.

- We used a trip tracking app like Kayak or TripIt to stay organized and avoid missing flights.

- We downloaded movies, TV shows, music, books, etc. to our phones or tablets for entertainment.

- We used a Bluetooth adapter to connect our earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system.

- We used the Air Canada app to keep an eye on our flight and made sure everything was OK.

To view this trip in a video, please visit this link: Air Canada Toronto to Tokyo Economy Flight Review: Is it Worth It?

The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Long Flights: Lessons Learned from YYZ-NRT-BKK

Long Flight Survival Tips

Pre-Flight Preparation

Currency Exchange - Exchanging currency at the airport is a big NO. You will end up paying more fees and charges. Change a little bit of currency at your home country to survive the first couple days. Exchange for the rest at your destination country.  

Strategic Seat Booking – If you are a couple, book 2 seats in a row where no one else will be sitting with you and you will have both the aisle and the window seat. For solo travelers, I recommend the aisle seat if your flight is over 6 hours, so you can easily get up and walk every 2 hours.

Smart Packing - Packing light with comfortable clothing and essentials is crucial for a pleasant journey.

Light Carry-On Only - We check a small luggage which is shared by both of us. Our carry-on is also small enough to be considered a personal item. Traveling with a light carry-on or personal item bag can streamline your journey through security and make navigating the airport easier.

Online Check-In - Checking in online 24 hours before your flight is a great way to save time at the airport. You will have dedicated lines with lesser volumes to get your boarding pass and luggage tags and drop off your luggage and head to the gate directly.

Early Arrival - Arriving at the airport early allows you to relax and explore the airport or lounges, reducing stress and improving your overall travel experience. We arrive 3 to 4 hours early. Even if we are stuck in traffic for an hour, we still won’t miss the flight.

Airport Lounges - If you have access to airport lounges, consider using them for relaxation, complimentary food and drinks, and a more comfortable environment.

Trip Tracking App & Flight Apps – Always use a trip-tracking app like Kayak or TripIt. These apps show your trip visually to give you a better understanding of your trip. Also, if you double booked the same night twice and or missed one night, you will be able to visualize it.

I was out one night in Bangkok and these apps saved my trip by showing me my mistake. On a long trip, missing one night could ruin your entire month-long trip like a chain reaction.

In-Flight Comfort

Movement and Hydration - Getting up and walking around regularly, along with staying hydrated, are essential for preventing discomfort and promoting circulation. This is the reason I recommended booking an aisle seat earlier.

Skin Care - Using a hand cream and lip balm can combat the drying effects of airplane air.

Noise Reduction - Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can create a more peaceful environment for relaxation or sleep.

In-Flight Entertainment - Take advantage of the in-flight entertainment options. Purchase a Bluetooth adapter for airplanes to connect your earbuds to the in-flight entertainment system.

I discuss these tips and more on this video here. Strategic planning and packing light and carrying essentials can make or break your long flight and the entire trip. Check out my Travel Hacks Video Playlist for more videos before your next trip.