A diverse city backed by towering mountains, Vancouver is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. On the Strait of Georgia and spliced by False Creek, Vancouver, BC perfectly balances outdoor activities with many cultural highlights. Downtown features museums, galleries, Canada Place, and the beautiful Stanley Park. It’s a happening city in its own right. But very few locations can lay claim to the sort of scenery Vancouver provides. Beyond the city are snow-capped peaks carved by

We’ve taken our fair share of BC road trips from driving the famous Sea to Sky Highway to exploring the glorious Sunshine Coast. Our latest journey took us east to the interior of British Columbia from Vancouver through Kelowna and Revelstoke and what a beautiful drive it was. If you live in Canada (or getting ready to cross the border) and are looking to explore your own backyard, a road trip to the BC interior is a must. Why? Well, read on to find out. Best BC Road Trip The BC Road Trip

With a coastline of powder-sand beaches, flanked by historic buildings and topped off by a series of exceptional national parks, it’s no surprise that traveling to Croatia is a dream of many. The natural beauty is on full display as you venture from one historical city to the next. But such is the stunning architecture found within each city, it’s as if the buildings are as natural as the trees themselves. Top Things to do in Croatia There are many amazing things to do in Croatia, f

Featuring over 700 islands and 2000 cays spread out like clouds across the sky blue ocean, the Bahamas is everything you’ve been looking for. Just a short flight from Miami, Florida travelers can bask in the white sand beaches of the Exumas or wander through Nassau in the blink of an eye. But the Bahamas is more than just beauty. With underwater caves, deep-sea fishing, and cliff hikes, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to suit all types of travelers. Top Things to do in The Baha

A road trip in Switzerland is one of the most amazing drives you will ever do in your lifetime. Weaving through the Swiss Alps, winding along the southern lakes, or cutting directly through countless mountain tunnels makes Switzerland one of the best places to go on a road trip in the world. The country itself is small in area, (it is smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined at 41,285 km² – 15940 sq. miles), but with so many mountains it takes a while to get from place to

A road trip in Switzerland is one of the most amazing drives you will ever do in your lifetime. Weaving through the Swiss Alps, winding along the southern lakes, or cutting directly through countless mountain tunnels makes Switzerland one of the best places to go on a road trip in the world. The country itself is small in area, (it is smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined at 41,285 km² – 15940 sq. miles), but with so many mountains it takes a while to get from place to

We have been lucky enough to travel from coast to coast in our home country of Canada and whenever we have a bit of downtime from our world travels, we always think about the great places we’ve seen up here. It is usually over a glass of wine in the evening that we reminisce about Canada, and this past week was true to form when we started naming places that really stood out from our travels. I couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning to write all about it! So without further adieu, h

As we start to ease back into international travel, we know that there will be longer lines and more protocols to deal with. We will have to arrive at the airport earlier and spend more time getting to our destination. All of these things add to the travel day and the last thing you want to deal with is more jet lag. When flying into a new time zone, the biorhythmic confusion known as jet lag is inevitable, but if you know how to minimize the symptoms it can make that first day in your destinati

Tulum, Mexico Visiting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula? The Mayan Ruins of Tulum are a must-see. As a former resident who lived in Mexico for two years and explored these ruins five times, here are proven tips to avoid crowds and maximize your experience. Perched dramatically on oceanfront cliffs in Quintana Roo, Tulum is a breathtaking ancient walled city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Having lived in Mexico intermittently for two years, I’ve visited Tulum ruins at least five times, g

Mexico Travel Guide Traveling Mexico on a budget is entirely possible. This comprehensive Yucatan Peninsula guide, drawn from years of living in the region, covers essential tips, costs, top activities, accommodations, and more to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Mexico is a vast and diverse country, making a one-size-fits-all budget guide challenging. This guide zeroes in on the Yucatan Peninsula, the area I know best after residing there for several years. Discover my top beach recomme

Xela, Guatemala Guatemala’s active volcano Santiaguito erupts with an explosion of hot ash & rocks every few hours. So of course we decided to hike up the crater and go camping nearby. UPDATE: Since writing this post, authorities have tightened restrictions in the area around the volcano after a massive explosion in 2016. First, let me tell you a little bit about the volcano. The Santiaguito Crater is a very active lava dome that is part of the much larger Santa Maria Volcano syst

Planning to rent a car abroad? An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential for legally driving in over 150 countries worldwide, allowing seamless vehicle rentals and compliance with local authorities. As a frequent traveler, road trips offer unparalleled freedom—explore Icelands rugged landscapes, Moroccos vibrant markets, or Irelands scenic routes at your own pace. Without an IDP, you risk being unable to rent vehicles or facing fines if stopped by police, especially in regions with l

Travel Gear One of my most reliable and versatile pieces of travel gear: the Shemagh (or Keffiyeh), a multi-purpose essential Ive carried for over a decade across 50+ countries. The Shemagh (pronounced shamay or schmog) is a soft, woven cotton cloth—essentially a heavyweight, oversized bandana. Its like a compact, thicker sarong. Recognized as a traditional headscarf in many Arab cultures, it sometimes faces misconceptions due to cultural ignorance. However, once you try it, youll appreciate

Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica Corcovado National Park is a remote environmental gem in Costa Rica, offering exceptional hiking through deserted beaches, waterfalls, pristine rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Important Update: Since 2014, solo hiking in Corcovado is no longer permitted. All visitors must be accompanied by a licensed professional guide. Costa Rica boasts numerous national parks, but Corcovado stands out as my favorite due to its unparalleled wilderness. Accessing the park requ

Costa Rica Travel Guide Can you explore Costa Rica affordably? This expert guide, based on my 34-day backpacking trip, shares proven strategies for budgeting, top attractions, accommodations, food, transport, and more. Plan your dream trip with confidence! Named Rich Coast (Costa Rica in Spanish) by Spanish conquistadors, this Central American gem boasts unparalleled biodiversity. From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to charming towns nestled amid volcanoes, its a haven for nature enthusi

Darién Gap, Panama A sharp pain jolted through my arm, waking me abruptly in the dead of night. Numbness soon followed, rendering it completely useless from what felt like poison. Suspended in my hammock between two trees deep in the Darién jungle, I could no longer move my arm. Surprise. Disorientation. Shock. Struggling in the darkness with one functional arm, I freed myself from the hammock and stepped into ankle-deep mud, searching for help amid pouring rain. What had bitten me? Gabriel,

Travel Banking Essentials Managing finances while traveling internationally can be costly if not done right. Discover proven strategies to avoid ATM fees, secure optimal exchange rates, protect against fraud, and maximize savings on your global adventures. Avoid International ATM Fees Withdrawing local currency from ATMs abroad is convenient and offers competitive exchange rates. However, fees from your bank and the ATM operator—typically $5–$7 per transaction—can quickly accumulate. For exte

Gear Review Ive traveled the world for over seven years in Luna barefoot sandals, using them for trail running, light hikes, and beach adventures. Heres why theyre my trusted choice. For most of human history, people thrived without modern sneakers—a product only popularized in the last 70 years to address a non-issue. Emerging research links heavy, cushioned footwear to shin splints, knee injuries, and back pain, prompting many to embrace minimalist alternatives like barefoot sandals. What A

Travel Tips Affordable accommodations abound worldwide—no need for expensive hotels. Discover budget-friendly and free lodging options to stretch your travel budget further. A common misconception is that world travel requires vast wealth. In reality, its entirely possible with smart strategies. Travel becomes affordable by securing low-cost flights and exploring alternative accommodations. Expenses rise only if you opt for luxury. Hotel chains dominate marketing, but cheaper—and even free—op

Springdale, Utah Zion National Park stands as one of Americas premier natural wonders. The Zion Narrows hike offers a unique adventure, wading through a river flanked by towering canyon walls. With years of hiking experience—from wildlife-rich jungles in Costa Rica to active volcanoes in Guatemala—Ive explored countless trails. Yet, the Narrows in Utahs Zion National Park ranks among the most unforgettable in the U.S. Zion Canyon features a 15-mile stretch of dramatic 1,500-foot sandstone cli