INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
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,...
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...
An American southwest road trip is a classic experience that takes you to some of the most recognizable places and stunning natural wonders in the United States. From deep canyons and colourful deserts, to glitzy, sun-filled cities with a nostalgic vibe, you can see them all on a southwest USA road trip. Southwest USA Road...
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...
The first stop on our cruise to Antarctica was at Stanley, a seaside town in the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands. With only one day in Stanley, we made the most of it by choosing experiences where we could actively explore and learn about the history and natural environment. We went on two...
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,...
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...
