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The summer is well under way and we’ve gathered up tips and guides from experts to help you make the most of it.

Click on the headlines below to explore the best of what summer has to offer.

A well-travelled menu for airplanes and road trips

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A big (or small) pressed sandwich to goJulie Van Rosendaal/The Globe and Mail

Summer is traditionally travel season, and after spending far more time than usual close to home, this has become the year of packing up and going somewhere – and bringing something good to eat.

Whether you’re travelling alone or with your family, by plane, train or even automobile – which allows for far more storage space, and the option to pull over to a picnic table and spread out beyond a shoebox-sized tray table in an airplane – here are some options that will help you clean out your fridge before heading out, and avoid the inflight snacks or drive-thru.

Cottage hosting tips

Cottages are meant to be restful – not stressful – so to ensure that everyone has a relaxing time (hosts included), it pays to do some prep work before guests arrive, including menus, the division of chores and organizing some (but not too many) activities. It’s important to leave time to nap and laze by the water with a good book. Élisabeth Bélanger, co-owner with her sister Élaine of Maison Orphée, the Quebec City-based purveyor of quality oils and condiments, says hosts should never be shy about asking guests to pitch in, whether that’s picking up fresh produce at a farm stand or showing up with a cooler full of beverages.

How a foot model keeps her feet sandal-ready

Elizabeth Ai-Quyen, a hand and foot model with B&M Models, has been working in the industry for more than a decade. Her feet – which are not insured! – have appeared in advertisements for brands such as Little Burgundy, Roots and Hudson’s Bay. We asked her to share her insider intel for keeping your feet looking great, this summer and beyond.

Six sandals made for walking that aren’t Birkenstocks

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Poppy Barley the Fisherman Sandal, $245 through poppybarley.com.Supplied

Birkenstocks have long been a summer footwear staple. In recent years, the two-strap sandal has inspired countless imitations and collaborations with high-end brands including Dior, Rick Owens and Jil Sander.

But fashion is always moving forward. You can love your classic Birks and still want to try a new sandal this summer. There are plenty of comfortable options on offer, whether you want to make a fashion statement or seek style and function that won’t break the bank.

Hot weather must-haves for summer in Canada

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Shiseido Ultra Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ sunscreen, $64 through shiseido.com.Supplied

We asked three Canadians who often work outdoors – an Olympic sprint kayaker, a flower farmer and a hair and makeup artist who works on weddings and photo shoots – to share their top tips and picks for sunscreens, deodorant and even a tick repellent.







Ten tasty alcohol-free drinks and meal pairings for summer

The selection of non-alcoholic drinks continues to expand and improve as new products and flavours are introduced to meet growing demand. These non-alcoholic selections stand out from the growing number of products turning up on store shelves.

How to cook delicious food while camping

Chris Nuttall-Smith’s new cookbook, Cook It Wild: Sensational Prep-Ahead Meals for Camping, Cabins and the Great Outdoors, gives a slew of tips and recipes to level-up your next camping trip.

What to know about ticks and Lyme disease in Canada

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James Gathany/The Associated Press

Ticks are a growing, disease-carrying menace. Health Canada says you’re most likely to encounter ticks during the spring, summer and fall, though ticks can be active at any time of the year when the temperature is consistently above freezing. The Globe shares tips for recognizing ticks, preventing bites and how to protect your pets.

Plan your summer vacation like a local with hand-picked guides to 11 Canadian cities

Wondering where to travel this summer? We asked locals in major Canadian cities from coast to coast to recommend the best things to see, do, eat and drink in their respective necks of the woods. From music festivals to local brews to public art exhibitions, there’s no time like the present to get out and explore your own backyard.

What to do in Montreal this summer

Montreal native, Dexter Peart, and his brother Byron, run Goodee. Together, the duo shares recommendations to soak up the city during the summer.

Set the perfect summer table

Stanley Tucci, florist Tina Barkley, chef Olivier Le Calvez and bartender Patrick Fulgencio share their tips for summer hosting.

How to exercise in hot weather

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People exercise in Green Park in London, Tuesday June 25, 2019.Frank Augstein/The Associated Press

Much like winter, training outdoors in the summer requires some adjustments and preparations. Athletes don’t have to ‘go hard’ while exercising outside during a heat wave. These tips can help you get the most out of your summer workout while staying safe and healthy.

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