INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
Pretty places abound in Japan. From the man-made beauty of Japanese temples and Shinto shrines to the natural landscapes that have become icons of the country, there are countless beautiful places in Japan to visit. Japan is a country that cares about aesthetics. City streets are clean, gardens are perfectly manicured, and architecture is in...
The Mount Edith Cavell area in Jasper National Park is home to one of the park’s most beautiful hiking routes- the Cavell Meadows Trail. For the entire duration of this day hike we were surrounded by classic alpine scenery. We admired a colourful pond, walked alongside piles of moraine, climbed into an upper-subalpine forest, passed...
There was no trip that I anticipated more than our first trip to Antarctica. Almost two years in the making, I didn’t know what to expect from our journey to the White Continent, but was prepared for it to be a life changing adventure. And it certainly was! What to Expect on Your First Trip...
I’ve found myself at a loss for words but filled with emotion ever since our trip to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. I know I’m not doing our Antarctica cruise, and the places we visited, any justice when friends ask about it and all I can say is, “It was incredible! Best trip...
Kodai-ji Temple is an outstanding Zen temple in Kyoto offering one of the best sightseeing experiences in the southern Higashiyama area. At Kodai-ji, you can admire a traditional Japanese garden, visit important cultural properties, wander through a bamboo grove, and relax at a tea house- all without the crowds that flock to Kyoto’s more famous...
I always look forward to connecting with Japanese traditions and one of the best ways to do this is by visiting shrines in Japan. Shinto shrines in Japan are respected places of worship, rich with spirituality and superstition. Here you can witness age-old rituals and discover beliefs that are the foundation of many Japanese customs....
Jasper National Park has long been a favourite place of mine. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been fascinated by Jasper’s rocky mountains, pristine lakes, icy glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. It wasn’t hard for Jasper to capture my heart, but even after countless trips, I’m still head over heels in love...
There are plenty of hikes near Palm Springs but one that really impressed us with its variety of scenery and adventurous spirit was the Painted Canyon and Ladder Canyon Trail. Whether we were walking in the shade of towering canyon walls, climbing up rickety ladders, or meandering through a slot canyon, we were completely engaged...
Palm Springs is a beautiful desert city in California full of golf courses, stylish hotels, spas, and boutiques. If that’s what you’re into, it’s a great place to spend some time. But for me- someone who loves active travel, getting out into nature and exploring- it was harder to connect with the city. So, we...
One day in Joshua Tree National Park was all it took to become completely mesmerized by this unique protected area in California. It was a weird and fascinating landscape, almost cartoonish, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to see Dr. Seuss’ Lorax or everybody’s favourite Stone Age family, the Flintstones, go walking by. The desert...
I’ve been visiting Jasper National Park ever since I was a kid, but had never got around to enjoying one of the park’s most iconic experiences- the Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island. I can honestly say, I saved the best for last! The scenery I saw during the Maligne Lake cruise epitomized everything I...
It’s well known among locals of Québec that the Laurentians (Laurentides in French) is a terrific destination for a weekend getaway from Montreal. With 9,012 lakes, 103 rivers, forested trails, and part of the Laurentian mountains, the region is ideal for outdoor adventures and reconnecting with nature. Despite its popularity as an all-season tourist destination,...
The more I visit Québec the more I fall in love with its vast wilderness. One region that exemplifies the province’s natural beauty and appreciation of outdoor adventures is Abitibi-Témiscamingue. The region’s Algonquin name describes it accurately- Abitibi means place where the waters divide and Témiscamingue means place of deep waters. Abitibi-Témiscamingue’s location on a...
Thun is known as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, but not just because of its geographical location. The city and its surrounding landscape serve as a wonderful introduction to the history, culture, and natural beauty of this region in Switzerland. With several Swiss heritage sites of national significance, an enviable alpine backdrop, and riverside...
I’ve visited several castles in Japan but one that stands out in terms of beauty, historical interest, and visitor experience is Matsumoto Castle. As a National Treasure of Japan, Matsumoto Castle is one of the finest of Japan’s 12 original castles. Its towering black donjon, elegant scaffolds, and engraved roof tiles blend strength with grace,...
Near a bend in the River Boyne, in Ireland’s Ancient East, is a complex of mysterious monuments older than the Egyptian pyramids. Known collectively as Brú na Bóinne, these three Neolithic passage tombs- Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth- make up a fascinating archaeological landscape that dates back over 5,000 years. During my tour of Brú na...
Valley of Fire State Park is known for its astonishing rocky landscape and there’s no better trail to experience the diversity of its beauty than White Domes Loop. During our hike on White Domes Trail, we walked in the shade of towering sandstone formations, passed through a small slot canyon, and marveled at colourful rock...
I don’t think I’ve ever been somewhere more appropriately named than Valley of Fire State Park. As the sun reflected off red Aztec Sandstone, Nevada’s oldest state park glowed in warm light, the surrounding rocky outcrops resembling huge masses of burning embers. The landscape instantly grabbed my interest and held tight throughout the entirety of...
Away from the busy crowds and ultra-modernity of central Tokyo sits Nezu-jinja, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines. Hidden among tall trees and lush azalea bushes, Nezu Shrine is a place where you can experience the tranquility of nature and recall the traditions of old Tokyo. As I wandered around Nezu Shrine, I felt like I...
I’ll always remember my first trip to Paris. I was in the eleventh grade, on a school trip to experience the French culture I’d been learning about and romanticizing in my mind for so long. In many ways, my first trip to Paris was exactly what I expected. There were grand buildings, manicured gardens and...
We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get!
We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites.
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