INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
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...
Walking up the main approach to Horyu-ji Temple, it was obvious that we were going to have a peaceful visit. While crowds were flocking to nearby Nara Park, we had Horyu-ji Temple almost all to ourselves. I welcomed the chance to visit a temple without groups of tourists, but wondered why there were so few...
St. Gallen, a city in northeastern Switzerland, was a place I didn’t know much about until I arrived. What I discovered was an elegant city with a long and interesting history, growing from a small hermitage into an influential urban centre. With only one evening and a morning to explore, I decided to join a...
If you’re looking for a hike in Zion National Park that offers beautiful views away from the crowds, then Watchman Trail is a fantastic option. The Watchman Trail hike showcases the south end of Zion Canyon and its most magnificent rock formations, especially the trail’s namesake, The Watchman. While hiking Watchman Trail, we experienced much...
For an adventure-filled winter holiday, we decided to spend 3 days in Zion National Park hiking among the sandstone canyons, towers, and cliffs. Zion’s larger-than-life scenery, fascinating geology, and exciting hikes, quickly made it climb the ranks as one of my favourite national parks in the United States. It’s a powerful place that filled me...
After spending 3 days in Zion National Park, we decided to make a quick visit to nearby Grafton, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Utah. Grafton was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1859 when Brigham Young, leader of the Church of Latter-day Saints, sent some families to Utah’s “Dixie” region to start growing cotton...
On my first trip to Japan, I wanted to experience the country’s traditional side, so I made a point to visit as many temples in Japan as we had time for. Even though we visited numerous Japanese temples during those 2 weeks in Japan, I didn’t get my fill and continued to search out more...
Without a doubt, there are many incredible cities to visit in Europe. Some are known for their physical beauty, interesting history, and rich culture, while others are popular for their culinary offerings, local arts scene, and nightlife. What draws someone to a city is deeply personal. There’s no disputing that individual preferences play a huge...
It wouldn’t be a trip to Tokyo without visiting Senso-ji, one of the city’s most significant and famous temples. As the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji attracts thousands of visitors each day who come to worship, participate in traditional rituals, and admire the temple’s vibrant red buildings. During the day, Senso-ji Temple is buzzing with...
Standing alone in a field, overshadowed by the popular Rock of Cashel, are the ruins of Hore Abbey. The remains of this 13th century monastery are delightfully gloomy, its stone walls crumbling away as plants invade the cracks between rocks. It’s a place I loved visiting, even with wind, rain, and spooky looking black birds...
I included a lot of ancient sites in my two week Ireland itinerary, but one that made a lasting impression was the Rock of Cashel. Prominently perched atop a green, rocky hill rising from a grassy plain, is a collection of medieval fortifications and religious buildings, their stone walls still strong and imposing though centuries...
We ended our 3 days in Zion National Park by checking out Observation Point Trail, one of the park’s more strenuous hikes. Over the next six hours, we followed a rough trail through a canyon, along steep ridges looming above sharp drop offs, then up to a plateau high above Zion Canyon. While hiking Observation...
Arizona is known for its impressive natural attractions, but one of its most astonishing sites is Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon near Page. Ever since I first saw a photo of Antelope Canyon, I wanted to visit. The narrow passages, smooth curves, and warm tones of this sandstone slot canyon had me infatuated, along with...
I made it a point to do some cycling during my two weeks in Switzerland and one of my favourite routes was Alta Verzasca Bike, in the upper Verzasca Valley. Cycling in the Verzasca Valley was the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and traditional architecture that makes the Ticino canton such a wonderful...
There are many incredible hikes in Zion National Park, but no other invokes nervous excitement like Angels Landing Trail. Steep, narrow, with sheer drop offs on either side, this trail is not for the faint of heart or anyone fearful of heights. The Angels Landing hike is quite literally breathtaking, not only for the dramatic...
What I love so much about Japan is the rapport between nature, history, and spirituality. The strong connection between the three can be felt throughout the Kansai region, especially on the Kii Peninsula, but one of the finest examples of this balanced relationship is at Nachisan, a sacred mountain site. Getting to Know Nachisan Nachisan...
Scattered along a stretch of road near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are dozens of large metal sculptures dotting the landscape, their rusty forms blending naturally with their sandy surroundings, despite not being what you’d expect to find in a desert. Super-sized dinosaurs, horses, sloths, tortoises, mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dragons and more, appear to be roaming...
One of the best ways to experience both the natural beauty and Italian influence of Lugano is by hiking on Monte Brè. Monte Brè is one of two mountains that frame the lakeside city of Lugano, separating Switzerland from Italy just a short distance away. From the top of Monte Brè, I got to witness...
Ireland has no shortage of scenic driving routes, but one that should not be missed during a road trip in Ireland is a drive on the Dingle Peninsula. Narrow roads on the Dingle Peninsula weave their way across a rugged and ancient landscape, linking together timeworn ruins, small towns, and sandy coves. Driving the Dingle...
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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