INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
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...
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...
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...
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...
After a few days of enjoying winter activities in Saskatoon, I decided to extend my winter trip to Saskatchewan by heading north to Prince Albert National Park. Surrounded by boreal forest, Prince Albert National Park was a great destination to experience both the tranquility and adventure that I find so rejuvenating. Whether I was inside...
In this age of Internet and social media, it’s easy to feel like there are few discoveries left when it comes to great travel destinations. Yet, there’s a slot canyon near Page, Arizona that hasn’t made it onto the radar of most tourists who are following the masses to the famous Antelope Canyon. But I’ll...
Switzerland is known for its outdoor adventures and alpine scenery and one of the best ways to experience both is by hiking the Five Lakes trail in Zermatt. The Five Lakes Walk (5-Seenweg) is a pleasant day hike in Zermatt that offers extraordinary views of the Matterhorn mountain (you know, the one on the Toblerone...
There’s no better way to experience the boundless beauty of Canada’s north than to go flightseeing in the Yukon. Witnessing the monumental glaciers, rocky mountain peaks, emerald lakes, winding rivers, alpine meadows, and roaming herds of wildlife from above, further ingrained my love for the Yukon. Flightseeing tours are my favourite thing to do during...
Having only visited Quebec’s main cities, I was curious to explore the province’s more rural regions 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...
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,...
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...
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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