INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS

Author Archives: Rhonda Krause

French Valley Day Hike- Hiking to Mirador Frances in Torres del Paine National Park

The hike to the French Valley in Torres del Paine National Park is a scenic route that takes in plenty of quintessential Patagonia scenery, from glacier-fed turquoise lakes to distinctive mountain peaks. Valle del Frances, as it’s known locally, is home to the French Glacier (Glaciar Frances) and several points for admiring Cerro Paine Grande,...

Wildlife in Antarctica- A Visitor’s Guide to Antarctic Wildlife

The abundance of animals in Antarctica make the continent a bucket list destination for wildlife lovers, bird watchers, and those looking to see some of Earth’s most well known creatures. Antarctica is a wonderfully wild place where you can see huge concentrations of marine mammals and seabirds living side by side, thriving in one of...

Mirador las Torres- Hiking to the Base of the Towers in Torres del Paine National Park

Torres del Paine National Park, in Chilean Patagonia, is known for its spectacular hiking trails, but the most iconic hike is to Mirador las Torres, a lookout at the base of the park’s three distinctive granite peaks. Known as Torres del Paine, or the “blue towers”, these rocky peaks overlook a dazzling turquoise lake nestled...

Beautiful Places in Japan- 17 Scenic Spots to Visit

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...

Antarctica Trip Itinerary- Cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands

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- A Beautiful Zen Temple in Kyoto

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...

Things to Do in Jasper National Park- 17 Experiences for Your Jasper Bucket List

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...

Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Trail- A Unique Hike in the Mecca Hills, California

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...

One Day in Joshua Tree National Park- Hikes, Nature Walks and Scenic Spots

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...

Weekend Getaway in the Laurentians, Québec- A Nature-Filled Vacation

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,...

Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec- Things to Do for Nature Lovers

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...

Matsumoto Castle- Visiting an Original Japanese Castle

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,...

Welcome!

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.

Learn more...

Join 106,000 Others Following Our Travels

Looking for something?

Our Trusted Booking Sites