INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
It’s hard to imagine in today’s age of multifaceted economies, a town developing and existing solely because of one industry. Yet, that is the story of Quebec’s Val-Jalbert. As an authentic company town of the 1920s, Val-Jalbert is a fine example of how community is built around industry, bringing together families, religion, and education to...
Having only visited Quebec’s main cities, I was curious to explore the province’s more rural area and see what outdoor adventures and historic attractions I could find. What I discovered during my weekend in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean was a region full of opportunities to connect with nature, history, and small town life. What to See and Do...
There’s nothing quite like disconnecting in a place surrounded by miles and miles of pristine nature. Forests, lakes, rivers- they all have a way of replacing my stress with relaxation, worry with peace. For that reason, I ventured to the Mauricie region of Quebec, an area known for its vast natural spaces. With over 17,500...
A few years ago I wanted to do a trip to Yellowstone National Park, as it’s one of the most geologically interesting and wildlife-rich areas in the United States. The problem was, Yellowstone is extremely popular and I’d spent weeks planning the perfect Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary, only to find out that accommodations and...
It wasn’t long into our 3 day trip to Savannah that I realized it was going to be a fabulous city for photography. From the moss-draped trees and historic architecture, to the artistic monuments and beautiful beach, there were plenty of scenic photography spots in Savannah. As we wandered the shaded streets and squares of...
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular and well known of Ireland’s scenic drives, a route that frequently makes it onto the itinerary of first-time visitors to Ireland. With so many travellers eager to drive the Ring of Kerry, I worried that maybe it was too touristy and I wouldn’t enjoy it....
Nagano was familiar to me as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, but beyond that I didn’t know what there was to see and do besides winter sports. What I discovered during my one day in Nagano was a pleasant city surrounded by low mountains, with a relaxed vibe that quickly drew me in....
My main reason for visiting Nagano was to do a day trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring loving, wild snow monkeys. I was inspired to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park by all the adorable photos I was seeing of snow monkeys soaking contentedly in the hot pools. As an animal lover,...
A trip to Alberta wouldn’t be complete without doing a road trip in the Canadian Rockies. The drive from Calgary to Jasper is one of the finest road trips in Canada, a route that passes by Alberta’s most inspiring scenery as it makes its way through the mountains and into the heart of Banff and...
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top destinations and the best way to experience this natural wonder is by doing the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a 13 km trail that runs along top the cliffs from Doolin to Hags Head,...
One of my favourite things about road trips is finding unique small towns, especially ones with some sort of fun “theme”. Most often, these themed towns make me feel like I’ve travelled back in time, but I’ve also found ones with international flair that transport me to another place entirely. Themed Towns in North America...
As the first stop on our 3 week trip to South America, Cusco was an introduction to the Inca history and Quechua culture that make Peru such a fascinating destination for travellers. In Cusco’s historic centre we discovered a city quite literally built on Inca foundations. Spanish colonial cathedrals and churches stand over Inca temples,...
Tucked into a forested valley in the Wicklow mountains are the remains of Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements. It’s an evocative site- ancient stone buildings surrounded by Celtic crosses and gravestones, while two lakes and a river flow nearby. As the first stop on my Ireland road trip, Glendalough monastic site was...
When I was visiting Killarney, I kept thinking how nice it must be to have such a beautiful national park right at your doorstep. Just steps away from the centre of town, Killarney National Park encompasses some of the best scenery in Ireland. Killarney National Park is a sublime collection of lakes, mountains, woodlands, and...
My favourite memory of my 2 week trip to Ireland is my day in Killarney, where I did a boat and bike trip to the Gap of Dunloe. A boat tour of the Lakes of Killarney, followed by a bike ride through the Gap of Dunloe, showcases the very best of Killarney National Park and...
As with most places I travel to, I was inspired to visit Gokayama by a photograph I had seen. It was a scene I couldn’t resist- a tiny village of thatched roof houses, their steep, sloped tops covered in snow, perfectly complementing the mountainous backdrop in the distance. From then on, I often dreamed about...
Each country has its own unique culture, but there’s something really compelling about Japan, a place that widely respects and complies with tradition. Japanese traditions, whether it be those associated with architecture and craftsmanship, ceremonies and celebrations, or etiquette and hospitality, are a big reason why I keep returning to Japan. On my previous two...
New York City is a place I felt like I knew even before I’d ever visited. A backdrop to countless movies and television shows, New York City has been making appearances in my living room for as long as I can remember. Planning a 5 day trip to New York City felt like making plans...
The Statue of Liberty is an icon of the United States, standing in New York Harbor as a symbol of freedom and democracy. A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty commemorates their alliance with the United States during the American Revolution. The idea for the monument was proposed in 1865 by Edouard de Laboulaye,...
The Brooklyn Bridge has long been an icon of New York, so walking across it was one of the first things we did on our trip to New York City. Crossing the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge has connected the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn since it opened in 1883. Not only was it the...
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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