All my travels in one convenient location from Europe to North America and various islands in between. I dearly love to travel and you can find all my countries I’ve written about within this category. If you’re looking to plan a trip or just look at pretty pictures then scroll through this category.
Italy, France and my UK honeymoon experience with a stop over in Ireland. North America is also a popular area for me to travel as I live in Canada and venture into the USA as much as I can which includes Hawaii. The island of Oahu is a favourite of my family’s as we try to go as much as we can each winter to escape the cold Canadian winter.
The Richmond Night Market is North America’s largest night market. With 70% of Richmond inhabitants identifying as Asian and only a 25 minute ride from Vancouver…it’s like San Francisco’s Chinatown moved north of the border...
Read MoreIf you are someone who just loves to travel, you might be keen to make sure that you are doing all you can to make it as much a part of your life as possible....
Read MoreSeven luxury stays at Okanagan wineries throughout the valley. These stays are at some of the Okanagan's most beloved wineries.
Read MoreThe Greek Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world but many people that have never visited before don’t know which island they should go to. Each island has its own...
Read MoreIf you’re a frequent traveler, you already know that baggage fees can be frustrated. Most Canadian airlines and U.S. airlines alike charge if you have more than one bag, or if it’s over a certain...
Read MoreGoing on holiday can often be a stressful experience, especially if you’re the one in charge of packing. Making sure that you and your group have everything can be daunting. The last thing you want...
Read MoreOne of my first experiences with fashion faux pas was in Rome. I had just arrived jet lagged starving. I grabbed a quick show and hit the streets in my star wars t-shirt and leggings,...
Read MoreAnyone who has ever been travelling, whether for a month or a year, knows that there’s some point where you don’t want the adventure to end. When this realization hits, you try to figure out...
Read MoreThe good news during this crisis? All the helpers! Are you craving connection during self-isolation? I’ve rounded up some of my favourite videos and series by storytellers and educators looking to improve life and connection...
Read MoreWhat do you during isolation? A topic I’d never think I’d have to write about. This month has felt like a dystopian novel as monsters over prepare or take advantage and buy up everything in...
Read MoreA guide to Sacramento, California? No, I am not a Sacramento insider as you might have guessed. But I know someone who is! People from all over the world are contributing their expertise and insight...
Read MoreHaving a holiday booked to look forward to is a great way to motivate yourself through those tough work days or cold winter months ahead. It can somehow make the tough days bearable, knowing that...
Read MoreA guide to Sydney, Australia? No, I am not a Sydney insider as you might have guessed. But I know someone who is! Let me explain… You might have read, I am starting a food...
Read MoreA hotel may be your first choice when looking for a place to stay while on vacation but should it be? I’ve stayed in a wide range of unique stays from convents to apartments. Take it...
Read MoreA guide to Cincinnati, Ohio? No, I am not an Cincinnati insider as you might have guessed. But I know someone who is! Let me explain… You might have read, I am starting a food...
Read MoreAnd she went on planning to herself how she would manage it. ‘They must go by the carrier,’ she thought; ‘and how funny it’ll seem, sending presents to one’s own feet! And how odd the...
Read MoreAlice could see, as well as if she were looking over their shoulders, that all the jurors were writing down ‘stupid things!’ on their slates, and she could even make out that one of them...
Read More‘I’m sure those are not the right words,’ said poor Alice, and her eyes filled with tears again as she went on, ‘I must be Mabel after all, and I shall have to go and...
Read MoreBy the time she had caught the flamingo and brought it back, the fight was over, and both the hedgehogs were out of sight: ‘but it doesn’t matter much,’ thought Alice, ‘as all the arches...
Read More‘Come, my head’s free at last!’ said Alice in a tone of delight, which changed into alarm in another moment, when she found that her shoulders were nowhere to be found: all she could see,...
Read MoreI’ve been writing this blog for 8 years which means there are plenty of lingering and unfinished drafts. I began this post 5 years ago and just never felt the urge to hit publish..until now. ...
Read MoreWhat drew us to Santa Barbara for my mom’s 50th birthday? For one, it was the coastal setting. Who wouldn’t want to visit America’s Riviera? Second, the wineries and the conveniently located tasting rooms downtown....
Read MoreTofino is all about the great outdoors. People from all over the world, especially Vancouver and Washington state, flock to Vancouver Island, as well as the Gulf Islands, in order to experience the wilderness and...
Read MoreAfter 3 days in Tofino, a semi-successful whale watching tour, plenty of good food and lots of biking on beaches, we ventured to Ucluelet for some variety. Ucluelet is a smaller town than Tofino yet...
Read MoreThe best way to get acquainted with any city or town is through local food. Tofino, although a small coastal town, is populated with famous restaurants. From the world famous Tacofino food truck to BC favourite,...
Read MoreIt’s the dead of winter and, as usual for this time of year, I find myself day dreaming of places I’d rather be. Warmer locals or other places that are devoid of so much snow....
Read MoreIf you’re considering a visit to New York, you’ve certainly already heard of the Statue of Liberty, the Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. CityPASS is here to guide you through New...
Read MoreAs a Canadian I start planning my winter getaway as soon as summer arrives. I want to ensure the best deal but also the destination that suits my winter getaway desires. Sun, beach, drinks and...
Read MoreHistoric Hotels of America® and Historic Hotels Worldwide® have inducted 17 historic hotels into membership through April 2017. These historic hotels date back to the 13th century. The 17 iconic hotels represent different independent hotels, brands, and collections...
Read MoreIf you’ve been reading my website for long you might know that I love Vegas. I go at least once a year. I enjoy gambling, the shows, the kitschiness of it all. But I especially...
Read MoreRows of cragged trees with wandering branches lined the curvaceous roads along the River Boyne. I was on a tour with Irish Day Tours – the only tour group who featured the lesser known...
Read MoreFollow my blog with Bloglovin My wanderlist series is one of my favourite posts to write. At first, it started out as being a fun “what if” scenario but has now become a way to...
Read MoreIreland might not be famous for its food but it should be. You probably think of fried foods, soda bread and blood sausage but there’s so much more to it! Delectable seafood, sticky ribs, hearty...
Read MoreI had the privilege of drinking whisky at one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries, Glengoyne Distillery only 30 minutes from Glasgow. Previous to my visit whisky wasn’t something I was particularly fond of. It was...
Read MoreI knew I wanted to see one more English city before leaving the country by train. We escaped London gleefully upon our Virgin Train, 1st class no less, and arrived in York 2 hours later....
Read MoreLondon was a bit disappointing in terms of food. Other than the food tour we took we just weren’t wowed as much as I had hoped. However, the real culinary gems were ahead of us...
Read MoreScotland provided a welcomed change of pace from the busy streets of London. The people were happier and induced conversation. The buildings are older and have some charming grit to them. The weather was much...
Read MoreIn London decent food wasn’t hard to come by but frankly memorable meals were. At least that was the case for my husband and I on our honeymoon. That is until we went on our...
Read MoreLondon was a whirlwind. A beautiful city as proof from our postcards from London. A busy city with tourists and people in suits rubbing shoulders in a rush to get to where they’re going. In...
Read MoreI’ve come a long way from being an over packer. I think digital nomads would have considered me an on the road hoarder of sorts. My first trip to Italy I packed a 50 pound...
Read MoreThe most important room in my home? The kitchen. Your AirBnB kitchens selection process should also be an important part of your stay if you want to save money during your travels. Not all AirBnB...
Read MoreAshamedly, I’ve only just now visited one of Kelowna’s most popular free attractions. The Myra Canyon KVR trestle trail is wildly popular with visiting Europeans, Americans and Albertans. Simply listen to the languages being spoken...
Read MoreIf you haven’t been paying close attention to my little breadcrumbs I’ve been leaving throughout the past few months then you may not know where we decided to go for our honeymoon. With the wedding...
Read MoreLife has been so busy lately I have barely had time to celebrate the year my website turns 5. It’s official birthday was in March of this year but with the redesign underway I wasn’t...
Read MoreIt has become a tradition for my family to visit Whistler over my mom’s birthday weekend. This time we booked an AirBnB for all 5 of us in the heart of the village (see our...
Read MoreWe don’t all have the luxury of being able to plan a holiday months in advance, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out completely. Last minute holidays often mean bagging bargains in some...
Read MoreYesterday, June 27th, was my twenty-ninth birthday. It was celebrated with a relaxing weekend away in the neighbouring Naramata wine bench and capped off with a delicious dinner at Bouchon’s Bistro last night. I wasn’t...
Read MoreThe last time I rode an ATV I crashed into my uncles very sturdy fence in the Sunshine Coast. My cousin came rushing over, my ankle slightly rolled but otherwise ok, he analyzed the fence...
Read MoreWhere do you take someone who has never been to San Francisco before? This was a question that plagued me before my most recent trip to San Francisco. My fiancé and I were veterans. We’ve...
Read More“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” Isak Dinesen I live about 3.5 hours away from the Pacific Ocean. Although the nearest body of water is a 2 minute...
Read MoreEndings, our topic in question for this month’s ArtSmart. As we enter December we at ArtSmart begin to celebrate the end of 2015. At the same rate, I celebrate the end of NaNoWriMo, the reason why this...
Read MoreMy family history and connection to the Vancouver Art Gallery can be traced back to the 1930s when my great uncle Jack Borradaile delivered two J.M.W. Turner paintings by bus and foot. He delivered them,...
Read MoreThis month we have one of the best compilations of posts featuring the topic of fashion. If you’re unfamiliar, ArtSmart is a group of bloggers who are passionate about culture and art. We post on the...
Read MoreArtSmart has returned this month with the theme of Water. If you’re unfamiliar, ArtSmart is a roundtable of 8 bloggers from around the world writing about our two converging passions, art and travel. You can...
Read MoreThis month the ArtSmart roundtable is taking a look at festivals. If you’re unfamiliar with #ArtSmart, I am a member of the ArtSmart Roundtable where a group of travel and art focused bloggers write monthly...
Read MoreRaised on my tippy toes I struggled to see the hall of mirrors for what it was in its entirety. People of all nationalities and all languages were buzzing about to and fro without any...
Read MoreYurt. Treehouse. Train. Lighthouse. Castle. With all the options available today why would anyone stay in a pricey hotel? As I search for honeymoon options I find myself veering away from your typical resorts discovering...
Read MoreI work mostly in marketing which means I design a whole lot of banners, literature and upkeep my work’s websites. So it isn’t often that I get to leave the office and if I do we...
Read MoreIt’s tough for me to allow myself to be a tourist but little did I know it would lead to a lobster feast in Boston. I had no time to really dig in and research before...
Read MoreOr should I say postcaaaahds from Boston. Where do I begin? In four days I experienced a whirlwind of American history, inebriating Boston hospitality, and top tier seafood at the most unassuming of harbour shacks....
Read MoreWhen you think of great art cities of the world you probably don’t think of Vancouver. I don’t really blame you either. There are plenty of cities that outrank Vancouver when it comes to art...
Read MoreJust in time for the month of love and floating mischievous cupids the ArtSmart Roundtable is taking aim at the depiction of love in art. If you’re new to ArtSmart Roundtable you can follow us,...
Read MoreHow is it possible this year is already coming to a close? It’s time for a look back. This is 2014 in review. This year has offered opportunities I had only dreamed about when beginning...
Read MoreThanks to a recent visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, and a case of mistaken identity when it came time for my tour, I found myself learning about the history of the Totem Pole...
Read MoreFor those of you new to the ArtSmart Roundtable, we are a group of travel bloggers with a passion for art. We write monthly about a designated topic publishing it on the first Monday of...
Read MoreEveryone has imagined what it would be like to live in another city or foreign country. I’ve always imagined myself in Paris. Having grown up in the French immersion education system here in Canada you...
Read MoreHave you ever spontaneously visited a country you least expected? That was the case more than one year ago for me. I submitted my application for Bloghouse by Navigate Media half expecting not to be...
Read MoreIt’s that time again when the ArtSmart Roundtable writes about a designated topic each month. This month is Art That Inspires… A rather open ended topic that I’ve struggled with this past month. From political coups...
Read MoreI remember hearing that the Louvre only has 10% of it’s collection on display in Paris. If you haven’t been before it is a massive museum and would take you over a month to explore...
Read MoreI can’t remember if it was when I was in high school while talking with my teacher about her travels to France and Germany or if it was when I tasted my first escargot...
Read MoreI love wine. I visit plenty of wineries. I enjoy learning about the ancient elixir. Trying to pair it with meals is a delicious trial and error. I even enjoy photographing it. But I have...
Read MoreThis month the ArtSmart Roundtable theme is “An Art Day in…” and having just returned from my first time in Paris I have plenty to write about. Almost every day was an art day in...
Read MoreLet’s get rustic! No plumbing. No running water. No air conditioning. Alone in a large home from 1896. It was an evening that I thought would be a challenge for this city girl. But on...
Read MoreLocal Venetian life is like an exclusive club you can only inherit or purchase your way into like Elton John. But, I’ve found a bit of a shortcut that doesn’t cost you over €4000 per...
Read MoreMy Venice to Paris campaign was a culmination of many things for me: It was a completion of a long time dream to discover Paris. An opportunity to share Venice with my sister, a place where...
Read MoreI’ve lived all over British Columbia. I was born in Merritt, lived in Prince George, then moved down south in the Kootenays along the border and now I find my home in the central Okanagan...
Read MoreVenice, as I explain to anyone who asks, is one of those places that makes your heart glow when you think about it. At least it is for me. Where else can you see history...
Read MoreThe Okanagan is fast becoming a worthy rival of Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa. In fact, it is often referred to as the Napa of the North and was named #1 wine valley in the world...
Read MoreArtSmart is a group of bloggers who write about a specified topic to be published on the first Monday of each month. You can see my colleagues’ posts at the bottom of this page. This...
Read MoreWith only 1 month to go until I return to Venice. I have been allowing myself to binge on all things Venetian during the weekends. This includes watching usually bad movies set in the gorgeous...
Read MoreI begin the Spring Okanagan Wine Fest at an unorthodox winery that uses mead to create wine. But what is unorthodox today is actually an ancient tradition being carried on by meaderies throughout the world....
Read MoreIt doesn’t truly feel like Springtime until the cherry, apple and pear orchards bloom their flowers of white and pink throughout the valley. The wind surfers all flock to the beaches as the breeze strengthens...
Read MoreVisiting the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice for the first time is an experience to remember. But visiting it for the first time as the sunsets at a private party with booming music and an Aperol...
Read MoreYes I am counting down the days (83) until I leave for my European vacation involving both Venice and Paris. Two cities that embody elegance, classic art history narratives and artists as well as fabulous...
Read MoreIn my family I am renown for planning, admittedly it can end up to be too much. I tend to overcompensate for those who tend to not plan at all. But over the years I...
Read MoreOf all the cities in the world, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful in its seemingly peaceful co-existence with the Pacific Ocean and wild encompassing rainforest. There’s a Feng Shui to the city. The...
Read MoreDay trips in Ireland, such as the one I took with Day Tours.ie , are different. The Irish guides tell you their nation’s stories of the past, present and potential future during your trip throughout...
Read MoreMy first visit to San Francisco I had thought that Alcatraz was an attraction I could skip out on. I’ll admit it, I was wrong. Little did I know it held deeper roots within history...
Read MoreHaving been to the island of Oahu three times I consider myself well versed in its fluctuating snorkelling conditions. Lanikai Beach, for example, was the ideal place to snorkel when I first visited its vibrant...
Read MoreIt’s that time again when we ArtSmart bloggers write about a designated topic each interpreting the month’s theme in our own way. This month it is, as the title suggests, Art to See in 2014....
Read MoreAloha! I’ve returned a little browner, a little blonder and even more fascinated by the Ocean life I’ve encountered. With my trusty GoPro I’ve captured a sea turtle and a whole lot of colourful fish....
Read MoreIt’s that time again where we ArtSmart bloggers from around the world write about a specific art topic each interpreting it in our way through our own travels. This month we each get to select...
Read MoreThis year I am visiting Vancouver’s Christmas Market for the 3rd year in a row. It has become a sort of tradition where I load up on more Christmas decor and worry about logistics and storage...
Read MoreJack Kerouac inspired my first published poem. In second year creative writing we had to select a poet to mimic. We needed to learn what fueled their craft, where they hung out, with whom they...
Read MoreThis month the ArtSmart Roundtable has chosen to focus on colour. A painter that first comes to mind is J.M.W. Turner and it being Guy Fawkes Day I have one doozy of a Six Degrees...
Read MoreThe Wicklow Gap stop turned out to be a bit of a let down during our day tour. So when my sister, Taryn, and I finally arrived at Glendalough I was relieved. We had...
Read MoreIn Wicklow County, Ireland the landscape changes from the typical green rolling hills being grazed by sheep or cows to a brown valley at the Wicklow Gap. Once a frozen glacier the light tumbles across...
Read MoreWhen I told my sister, Taryn, we would have to wake up at 5:30am for our Monday full day tour with DayTours.ie she groggily looked at me with jet lagged eyes and said “Okay”. What...
Read MoreEver wanted to take a road trip around the Bay area in a ruby red Volkswagen bus equipped with California crafted beers? I did with Erik, designated driver, guide, owner and genius behind Vantigo San...
Read MoreRoad trips in my convertible are what I love most about the summer travel season. Driving in the car as opposed to taking the train or an airplane offer moments of spontaneous additions to fluid...
Read MoreWe don’t often think about it but hotels are a reflection of our socio-economic standings, our personalities, desires, political relations and histories both personal and cultural. But we often choose a hotel nowadays by the...
Read MoreI used to live up North where the winters would reach -40˚Celsius and school would shut down for up to three weeks. Playing outside would be a struggle for your lungs unless you had a...
Read MoreDuring the first morning in Whistler I woke up to hot green tea brewed in my Westin Whistler Resort & Spa one bedroom suite kitchenette equipped with fridge, microwave, fridge and freezer as well as...
Read MoreNot everyone thinks of going to the ski hill at the peak of summer but that’s when I prefer to visit the slopes since I am not a fan of descending icy cliffs at top...
Read MoreJune marked my 3 year anniversary since I first met and became infatuated with Venice and its history. I traveled there in 2010 to study art history and in particular the Reniassance of Venice and...
Read MoreToday is my birthday and unfortunately I am recovering from a cold so no champagne until tomorrow. However, I still feel the need to celebrate somehow so I figured I’d do a roundup of the...
Read MoreThis month at ArtSmart we’ve loosened the topic to be somewhat of a personal choice. In case this is your first time hearing of the ArtSmart Roundtable, it is a group of bloggers with a...
Read MoreI am very excited to be writing my first post for the ArtSmart Roundtable which is a group of brilliant bloggers who write once a month on a topic or theme, each...
Read MoreWant some nautical adventure in the middle of a historic city this May? Why not sign yourself up for the Vogalonga in Venice? While Venice is celebrating Carnival this February, I am reminiscing about a...
Read MoreEarly last year I think I made myself quite clear how I felt about cruises and resorts – not for me. However, I gave resorts another opportunity to redeem themselves hoping that the Sandals Caribbean...
Read MoreAs a Canadian, Thanksgiving is October 8th and as a family, like many North American families on Thanksgiving, we gather to share stories and of course eat. I look around the table with my grandparents,...
Read MoreOne of the reasons I love to travel is because it provides inspiration and moments of awe like the moment I entered the lobby of 30 Rockefeller Center, GE Building. I wanted to visit...
Read MoreAfter the stress of last weekend it has been nice to get back to normal in the Okanagan. Normalcy includes relaxing on our deck with some local wine, an activity I indulged in yesterday, and...
Read MoreUpon planning our trip to New York for my mom’s birthday the four of us discussed (heatedly at times) where we wanted to stay. Such a crucial decision for any trip really. My parents enjoy...
Read MoreThe Vatican Museum was a highlight of my trip to Rome. However, the weather was not cooperating at all so my boyfriend and I stood in the rain (with sandals) for 45 minutes...
Read MoreI first saw San Gimignano on the cover of my DK Italy guide book. It being my first trip abroad I would consult the guide for vague help before arriving somewhere new. When I realized...
Read MoreOkay, I have been prolonging this post since December. Mexico….sigh. Cancun, or rather, beach resorts feel so far removed from the country that they are based in. Did I even go to Mexico? If you...
Read MoreThe first time I stood before the Duomo di Firenze I was consumed with the vast amount of detail on its exterior façade of green, creamy-white and soft, aging burgundy...
Read MoreHere in Canada, the Grey Cup is kind of the equivalent to the Superbowl but without the je ne sais quois that the Superbowl or Stanley Cup possess. However, it was a lot of fun to...
Read MoreIf you’ve been to Venice you may have your mind made up on whether or not you love it or hate it. The streets are narrow and difficult to manoeuvre amongst the dense lines of...
Read MoreWritten in 2011. See also How to Celebrate Anthony Bourdain Day. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would like to think that my palate has two sides; a benevolent side as represented by the simplistic David...
Read MoreHands down, Venice was my favourite city of Italy. This goes against popular opinion where some seem to think it is not worthy for a lengthy visit. This couldn’t be more wrong. I wrote a...
Read MoreWhile on the topic of markets this week I must share a most unusual and exciting market in the small town of Mantua (AKA Mantova). You know…that place where Romeo was exiled from fair Verona?...
Read MoreThe list keeps growing. I’ve been going since 2003 and been blogging since 2011. I love food and when it comes to Las Vegas, it is tough to beat. The only problem you’ll have is...
Read MoreOne of the best “strolls” I have ever had the privilege to take was in Vicenza, Italy. Actually, to be more specific, it was from the centre of town up into the hills over looking...
Read MoreMy final day in Rome I saved the best for last or what you expect to the best… the Colosseum. I had worried that I built this iconic symbol to be something more grand than...
Read MoreIs Capri, Italy worth the trip from Rome? It is a question I get asked by those looking to spice up their trip to Italy with a glam location full of sun and azure...
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