What to Expect on Your First Trip to Antarctica- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
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…
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…
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,…
Best Shrines in Japan- My 8 Favourite Japanese Shrines to Visit
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…
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…
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….
Palm Springs Day Trips- 6 Fun and Adventurous Places to Visit
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…
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…
Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island- One of Jasper National Park’s Most Iconic Experiences
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…
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,…
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….
Things to Do in Thun, Switzerland- Gateway to the Bernese Oberland
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…
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…
Visiting Bru na Boinne- Newgrange and Knowth Passage Tombs
Near a bend in the River Boyne, in Ireland’s Ancient East, is a complex of mysterious monuments older than the Egyptian pyramids. Known collectively as Brú na Bóinne, these three…
Hiking White Domes Trail- Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Valley of Fire State Park is known for its astonishing rocky landscape and there’s no better trail to experience the diversity of its beauty than White Domes Loop. During our…
Valley of Fire State Park- Best Things to See and Do in Half a Day
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…
Visiting Nezu Shrine- One of Tokyo’s Oldest Shrines
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…
What to Expect on Your First Trip to Paris- A First Time Visitor’s Guide
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…
Visiting Horyu-ji Temple, Japan- The World’s Oldest Wooden Buildings
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…
Getting to Know St. Gallen, Switzerland- A Tour of St. Gallen’s Old Town
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…