One of the best mementos of a trip is keeping a travel journal. It doesn't have to be elaborate or fancy, just something that will help you remember the little things from your trip you might have otherwise forgotten. I used to write my journal in full sentence form, but found that can be more daunting and time consuming. Now I find the best method is jotting down one line sentences, something that will help trigger my mind back to the event. I was looking over my notes from Costa Rica and ha... Read Full Story

I would have to say my least favourite part of travelling is packing. I find it painful. I always pack at the last minute, generally an hour before I have to leave for the airport. My method seems to work so far, as I have never forgot anything important, and it seems to help keep my luggage a reasonable size. It's always easier to travel light, so next time you find yourself packing consider taking items that have multiple uses. Here is a list of 10 multi-use items you should consider packi... Read Full Story

Winter is almost here! It's one of my favourite times of year. I love the snow, sitting in front of a fire, warm rum drinks, snowshoeing, watching holiday movies, skating, hot chocolate, skiing, wearing toques...What's not to love! However, like with anything related to the snow and cold, it’s smart to be prepared. Especially if heading outdoors to play in mountainous terrain. Preparation helps you think about and ready yourself for the unexpected. The Canadian Avalanche Centre (http://www.a... Read Full Story

1) Focus on the eyes. Getting the eyes in focus is key to capturing a photo of an animal. Since it's human nature to look at the eyes, an out of focus picture can have great appeal if the animal's eyes are in focus.2) Use a telephoto lens. With a telephoto lens you guarantee the appearance of up-close photography without scaring or endangering the animals. Remember to keep your distance when appropriate.3) Adjust your shutter speed. For great action shots you will want to shoot at 1/500 or fa... Read Full Story

I love coffee! Sometimes there is nothing better then relaxing in front of a fire with a good book and a strong cup of coffee on a cold winter day. Coffee is one creature comfort from home that can be found in most places around the world, some delicious and some not so good. Here is Lonely Planet's opinion on the best cities to enjoy a cup of coffee to help kick start your day of sightseeing. Addis AbabaSome claim that Ethiopia is coffee’s birthplace, so it’s not surprising that the good stu... Read Full Story

One of the things I look forward to the most when travelling is sampling the local cuisine. I am a foodie, can talk about food for days on end, and wish I could have Anthony Bourdain's job at times (except when asked to dine on a beating snake's heart or a certain nasty part of a warthog). Trying new foods is part of the travel experience and at times can take me out of my comfort zone, but at other times it makes me wish I could eat spicy noodle soup for breakfast every morning. Yummy!Here a... Read Full Story

Last time I was in Paris I noticed there were bikes parked all over the city that looked the same. Three years ago they launched a bike program throughout the city; a program designed to cut traffic, reduce pollution, improve parking and enhance the city's image as a greener, quieter and more relaxed place. The program has been successful and is a great way as a tourist to explore Paris and get from A to B without taking the usual method of boat, train or bus. You can pick the bike up in one ... Read Full Story

Below are some of our favourite travel quotes that inspire us to get out and explore the world.1. "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine2. "We are all travellers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend". -Robert Louis Stevenson3. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac4. “One’s destination is never a pl... Read Full Story

Hola, Bonjour, Guten Tag, Sawadee....I am just not gifted when it comes to learning another language. I can remember random facts about Komodo dragons, I can remember meals I ate at restaurants years ago and I can recite many a song lyrics word for word. But for some reason, I find it hard to contain words in my memory that are not in English. I don't know if it's my fear of being embarrassed about speaking and pronouncing something wrong, or if my brain is just not molded for foreign soundin... Read Full Story

I have a problem. I like to collect things, especially books and magazines. I find it really hard to borrow books from the library. One of my favourite past times is browsing through used book stores and leaving with full hands. I am running out of room in my house. Bookshelves are overflowing with books and magazines and look like they are about to topple over. A good chunk of the reading literature that is overflowing my bookshelves is 10 years worth of National Geographic Magazine. They ar... Read Full Story