Category: Travel

When you want to get away from it all, it is so tempting to just get a cabin in the woods with no access to the outside world. No phone calls. No emails. No meetings.

It seems romantic, but when you have no access to any of the comforts of the modern world can you really enjoy yourself? Off grid travel is becoming more and more popular as people feel overwhelmed by the pace of their lives, but not many can actually handle being completely off grid.

What does off grid even mean these days? Will there be no electricity? Will there be a toilet? To really get an idea of how much you can handle actually roughing it, we are going to take a look at what off grid travel can actually mean.

Off grid doesn’t always mean no modern conveniences 

Off grid can sometimes mean that the property is not hooked up to the city or county services. Luckily, there are ways to make a modern system without needing to.

If you want that place way out in the woods, but don’t want to have to live by candlelight then look for places that have electricity through solar panels. Many cabins now have a solar panel system that even includes battery packs so if there is not much sun you still have electric lights and maybe even a dishwasher.

Water can come from a well and if there is an electric pump, you can enjoy a nice hot shower thanks to the solar panels.

There are many options for those that want to get off the beaten path but still expect a level of comfort. You should definitely make sure that the place where you are staying doesn’t have any internet so that you can actually do a digital detox. You don’t need to go live in a cave to get away from your emails and social media, but if there is internet there, then you end up losing your vacation to the time spent on your devices.

Go on a guided camping trip 

If you are not used to being out in the middle of nowhere and needing to pitch a tent, then you could be a perfect candidate to go on a guided camping trip. The benefits of camping are enormous when you are living a high tech life and find the pace exhausting. Getting out in nature will recharge the batteries just from the fresh air and silence alone.

But when you are on a camping trip, there are far more ways to recharge without plugging in. It is one thing to relax and listen to the sounds of nature for a change of pace. When you also add in the sense of accomplishment by staying occupied with tasks at hand. You have to do things for this trip to work and you aren’t catered to like you are in a hotel or resort.

Though you have the help of the guide and some crew, you are also expected to pull your own weight. Which means that you can feel like you actually did something on your trip. Then add in the excursions like kayaking and bird watching that will also be a lot of fun.

Go on a retreat 

Another way to detox your digital addiction is to go on a retreat that offers yoga and meditation. Many of these types of retreats are sort of off grid. They have the modern conveniences as you would expect, but they tend to not offer internet and TV so you aren’t tempted to plug in at any point.

Furthering the detox mission is that you will be doing activities that are totally restorative. The point isn’t just to have a break from your fast paced and digital world, but to try to reconnect your mind to your body and bring that healing back to your old life for a while.

When you go on a yoga retreat, you are given the tools you need to disconnect from the world and go inward to heal yourself. These tools can be used at anytime and anywhere so long after the retreat is over, you can find time to incorporate the same routines into your daily life.

Do you really need a digital detox? 

While a vacation to get away from your over-dependence is a great idea, it isn’t the end of the story. You will really need to rethink your relationship with technology and find a way to balance so you never need to go cold turkey again.

One thing to realize is that social media is not bad in and of itself. It can be quite useful. And email is a very important part of our professional and personal lives and can’t be given up.

What works best, is mindfulness. Being aware of when you’re overdoing things is essential to living a happy and healthy life. This is true for anything that you do in abundance. From overeating to not exercising enough, there are many aspects of our lives that need to be balanced out.

Try to set up your email account with an auto-responder so when you are not at work, you aren’t being alerted to any new emails. If it is work related, it can wait until you get back to work to respond.

And social media platforms can be muted. Turn off the notifications so you aren’t drawn to browse your accounts when you get notified that somebody posted something. And you may even want to delete some of your profiles. Stick to one or two platforms that you actually find some value in that is not simply just a time waster.

Delete all the video games from your devices and only use them for things that need to be done so you are not tempted to waste time that could be spent going for a walk or meeting a friend for dinner.

There is no set way to travel. Everybody has their preferred way and there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it.

With that said, if you are a travel newbie, then how do you know what is going to work best for you? Some prefer taking matters into their own hands and doing things on their schedule and going off the beaten path. Others like things to be planned out down to the last detail and don’t like surprises.

In this article, we will explore these two distinct ways to travel so you can decide for yourself which is the best way forward.

Guided Tour Or Independent Travel? Which Works Best For You?

Guided tours 

There are a lot of benefits to taking guided or package tours if you are a new traveler. You have everything taken care of for you so you don’t have to stress about finding the right place to stay or trying to research the best things to do. You already know that you will be taken to the must see places in the area where you want to travel.

Accommodations are also included and you know that you will be staying in a place with easy access and comfort without having to call around and try to book a hotel in all the places you plan to visit.

The downside is a lack of control. You are totally in the hands of the tour organizer and you may not like some of the decisions being made on your behalf. Maybe the accommodations are not to your liking. Or, you are rushed when you get to the sites you looked forward to visiting.

Also, it is hard to get off the beaten path and get away from the crowds when you are on a package tour. These tours are organized to bring you to the hot spots as that is what everybody wants to see.

There is a middle ground solution, however if you book escorted motorhome tours. In this scenario you are staying in your own RV that is provided by the company. They provide itineraries to the best places to visit and also allow you to do some travel on your own. It’s the best of both worlds.

Independent travel 

Traveling on your own is a great way to immerse yourself in a culture that you plan to visit. You can stay in areas away from the tourist crowds and find those hidden gems that aren’t covered by the major tour operators.

You aren’t locked into a certain type of accommodation and are free to linger as long as you like in an area before moving on according to your own schedule.

The downside, however, is that it can be a lot of work to find the right places to go. If you are not an experienced traveler, then expect to have a lot of mistakes made.

If you don’t mind mistakes or consider them advantages that may work out in your favor, then being an independent traveler is the way to go. You may even save some money in the long run, too.

Los Angeles is an incredibly popular destination for travellers and its not hard to see why. Blessed with a beautiful landscape, stunning architecture, balmy summers and a thriving community, its the kind of place that anyone would want to spend a summer vacation. Of course, because of this, some of the spots which once seemed so special have now become tourist traps, where a little of the charm is lost. If you want to experience the real LA then here are some highlights. 

Fall in Love with The Sunken City

No trip to LA is complete without a romantic sunset and there are going to be plenty in this list! The Sunken City is just as intriguing as it sounds; all the way back in 1929 a landslide dragged part of this cliffside neighbourhood down into the ocean. At the peak of the movement the houses were sinking 11 inches each day. Now there are just the ruins left and whilst it might sound a bit more post-apocalyptic than romantic, it really is quite a special sight. Catch an Uber to Long Beach to get a look at the remains; just as the sun is setting is the best time as many locals make their way down to light bonfires and hang out. Bring a couple of bottles of beer and settle in for a few hours – there’s always music being played somewhere so you’re bound to meet some new people.

Watch the Game at Barney’s

With both the Clippers and the Lakers making some serious ripples in the NBA at the moment, it’s looking likely that it could be an entirely LA based showdown for the championship title. It’s no big surprise to see the Lakers looking likely winners (alongside the Boston Celtics they own almost half of the titles), but for the Clippers it would be the first time in history. Whatever happens, the place to watch it is Barney’s Beanery. Although there are a few joints around town now, the original West Hollywood location has been packed out on game days ever since the 60’s and shows no sign of slowing down now.

Visit Griffith Park Zoo

Animal lovers, prepare to be disappointed. Griffith’s Zoo has long since been abandoned and you’re unlikely to find anything more exotic than a few pigeons here. However, the abandoned cages are great fun to explore. Local artists have taken over the zoo as a public art gallery and amazing graffiti covers every wall. It’s a slightly haunting experience when you stop to think about the previous life of this abandoned exhibit, made all the more special by the wonderful artwork. It’s worth packing a picnic to enjoy in Griffith’s Park once you’ve finished, as it’s a beautiful spot on a sunny summer’s day.

Spot a Ghost at Clifton’s Republic

This Broadway bar and restaurant is not only the home of some delicious food and delectable cocktails, it’s also the home of Clifford Clinton’s lifelong mistress – well, her ghost anyway. When he founded the restaurant back in the Great Depression, his vision was to give back to the community by offering a pay-as-you-feel policy to hungry workers. Whilst this aspect of his personality was charming and charitable, there was another side to his life which was less so: his extra-marital affairs.

Throughout the running of the restaurant, his mistress became progressively more and more obsessed with Clifford, until on her death she asked for her ashes to be scattered at the restaurant. During it’s restoration in 2015 workers were often shocked to see Clifford’s mistress walking the floors, still dressed in her jazz age clothing.

Whether you are fortunate enough to bump into Clifford’s mistress or not, it’s still worth making the journey. The decor here is wacky but charming. An enchanted forest theme now runs throughout, with plant tendrils and vines hanging from the ceiling, flickering lanterns and the occasional taxidermy animal peeking from under a table. As well as the interior, the food is particularly good.

The ‘Angel Eggs’ are truly a little mouthful of heaven – three perfectly deviled eggs, topped with candied bacon, home dried chili and spiked with chives. If you feel like really pigging out (pardon the pun) then the Tahitian pork is a must try. The pork is smoked in-house for 8 hours until it’s melting apart. It’s then served with a smokey charred red onion and shredded cabbage slaw, a slice of sweet grilled pineapple and a Polynesian bun to round off the dish. Delicious.

Marvel at the Watts Towers

These towers are an unusual feat of art, design and engineering. Built by Simon Rodia, these towers were once just an art project, but after 30 years in the making they quickly became something of a national landmark. The towers are made almost entirely from found materials and Rodia’s own concrete mix.

When he began construction, nobody, including Rodia, knew exactly what the plan was but after the foundations were completed Rodia began building rapidly. Now the seventeen towers intertwine like a jungle of vines, all decorated intricately with found objects. Bottles, ceramic tiles, seashells, figurines, and mirrors come together in a magpie’s heaven to create something truly awe inspiring.

It’s got to be time for another sunset by now! Although Mulholland Drive is relatively well known compared to the rest of the list, it still deserves a mention because it’s so darn beautiful. Pick a clear night and maybe consider renting a moped as the drive up here is really something special.

Pick your way up the mountain road through the Santa Monica Mountains and don’t be afraid to stop to take in the views of the San Fernando Valley along the way. Once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with what is quite possibly the best view of L.A. in existence; see if you can spot the Hollywood Bowl and the lights of the beach front. The drive will take a good couple of hours if you leave yourself a little time to stop and take in the views.

Sunset is a great time to go, but make sure you stay until it’s properly dark as the star gazing from up there is truly out of this world.

For the travel lovers out there, the recent outbreak of COVID19 has put a halt to all the great plans for travel we had for the year ahead. But instead of letting it get you down, take this time to do some research and add even more places to your dream travel list.

While you’re indulging in some “armchair travel” and adding to your must-see places, take some time to check out Toronto with a virtual tour of this amazing Canadian city. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do and see when you get the chance to visit.

Armchair Travel: A Quick Trip to Toronto

1. High Park

Toronto is known for its regular and well kept green spaces – just one of the many cited reasons to move to Toronto and take advantage of everything the city has to offer, but also a big draw for visitors to the city, too. High Park is one of the most popular spots in Toronto to take a weekend jaunt. 

You’ll enter through ornate gates before taking a stroll through gorgeous meadows and shady woodland. In the spring, High Park is most famous for the sight of its many cherry trees in full bloom. 

2. Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is the largest in Canada and spans over 287 hectares. While you’ll see a huge variety of animals, Toronto Zoo is best known for the engaging and entertaining animal experiences on offer. 

You can meet the zookeepers and actually interact with animals at different times throughout the day. There is even a public gallery in the animal healthcare center where, if you’re lucky, you might get to watch the vets at work with animals of all shapes and sizes.

3. The Eaton Centre

It wouldn’t be a city experience without the opportunity for a serious shopping spree. Besides that, Toronto can get pretty hot and humid in the summer, so diving into a shopping mall to pick up some souvenirs and take advantage of the air con is a must.

The Eaton Centre is the busiest mall in North America, largely due to its central location and its easy access to public transit. You’ll find everything you need there, from a large Nordstrom department store right down to the extensive variety in the large food court.

4. Canada’s Wonderland

This is especially worth a trip for families, but Wonderland offers something for “kids” of all ages. This 134-hectare theme park is located a little way outside the main Toronto drag in Vaughan.

From thrilling roller coasters to a stroll through the park and fountains and a variety of carnival games and activities, this theme park is not to be missed on your trip to Toronto.

5. Yonge-Dundas Square

One of the most bustling spots in Toronto is Yonge-Dundas Square. This hive of activity is full of crowds, bright lights, and entertainment. It’s reminiscent of Times Square in New York, and really brings the city’s energy home to visitors and locals alike.

During the summer, you can stop at the square to enjoy free concerts, drop into the Eaton Centre, or dine at one of the many restaurants lining the square.  

6. The Beaches

Every city has it’s exclusive neighborhoods, and The Beaches is exactly that for Toronto. Take advantage of the gorgeous walking paths along the lakeshore or through extensive woodland. Even a stroll along the residential streets is peaceful, and it’s fun to take a gander at the beautiful houses and mansions that call The Beaches home.

7. Fort York

If you’re interested in history, Fort York is a collection of military buildings and barracks from the early 19th century, primarily built by the British and Canadians to defend against the newly independent United States. A battle was fought there in 1813, and the site is now home to a museum, guided tours, and historic re-enactments in April to commemorate the 1813 battle. 

This is just a peek into what this bustling, multicultural city has to offer. But, hopefully, this virtual tour has inspired you to add Toronto to your travel list.

Some of us don’t enjoy air travel very much. Others among us have an outright fear of it. For more and more of us who are stressed and living in a world that’s already too fast, well they just want to take it slower. I want to propose that it’s far more rewarding to take a Lummi Island ferry, train or car than to hurtle across the sky in a germ-infested capsule with fixed wings. How about we get back to enjoying the journey and not just the destination?

The Benefits of Avoiding Air Travel

Relaxed Journeys

Whether it’s dining in the buffet car on the train, enjoying the sea breeze in your hair on the front deck of a ferry or watching the fresh country view roll past your window; ferries, trains, and coaches offer an uplifting experience to remember;  rather than just a means of getting to your destination. The services and facilities available on these transport options are wonderful, especially on ferries where extensive restaurants, cabins, cinemas, and other entertainment options are found. It’s almost like taking a mini-cruise!

Low Prices, Greener Travel

With the rising costs and environmental implications of air travel being highlighted in recent years, fuel surcharges are commonplace for flights these days. Coaches, ferries, and trains are far less polluting and not as affected by rising fuel costs. You needn’t feel as bad about taking these forms of transport. You should also consider alternative accommodation solutions when travelling to get the most out of your travel budget.

For large groups of passengers, there are further savings to be had. On many ferries, you’ll pay once for the vehicle and then add only small costs for extra passengers. On some ferries, trains, and coaches, you can get great discounts on group bookings.

Generous Luggage Limits and Fast Check-Ins

The ability to bring your own car on a ferry is wonderfully convenient. Once you’ve driven your vehicle off the ferry you can immediately hit the road and explore your destination at leisure – without the large cost and inconvenience of having to hire an unfamiliar car. But the most wonderful benefit is that you don’t need to check the weight of your suitcase and there won’t be excess luggage costs. When taking a ferry, you can just pack your entire car and go!

Yes, the actual flight time is bound to be less, but all the queuing and waiting and walking to faraway gates and the isn’t very appealing. When it comes to ferries, trains, and coaches, usually you only need to be there 30 minutes in advance to check-in.

Do It For The Kids

It’s great to be able to offer your kids a variety of experiences in life and travelling should be a fun and memorable experience. Sitting strapped into an airplane seat is no way to make new memories or meet new friends. Often ferries especially have summer entertainment in the form of face painters, live music, etc. Some ferries even allow pets for an even more wholesome experience for the kids. Even when there’s nothing special on, they can take advantage of the usual kid-friendly facilities, like cinemas and play areas.

For many people, Australia is the destination for their holiday of a lifetime. New South Wales has everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a holiday. Continue reading for our guide of things not to be missed.

Breathtaking Beaches

Whether you are looking for the perfect place to indulge in a spot of sunbathing or expend some energy by surfing, New South Wales certainly has plenty of beaches that will tick both of those boxes. Dubbed the whitest sand in the world, Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay looks picture perfect. More than that though, the water is incredibly clear and the temperature mild. It is an unspoiled area with little development, tucked away round the back of the town with just one road in and out. Definitely worth a visit for its calm and tranquil atmosphere!

Pebbly Beach in in the Murramarang National Park is another place worth visiting, though perhaps not for the reason you’d expect. Although the beach is lovely, the main draw of Pebbly Beach is actually the kangaroos. This area is one of the best in New South Wales to see the Eastern Grey kangaroos and they usually oblige by posing for a quick selfie, even enjoying a good pat too.

Food and Drink

Who goes on holiday and doesn’t want to indulge in the local food and drink specialties? In New South Wales, the food on offer tends to reflect the multicultural make up of the region with influences from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Greece, Italy, India and Africa. Don’t forget the incredible Australian cuisine that is on offer as well.

One of the best restaurants in the Hunter Valley prides itself on its modern Australian food with the extensive use of quality local ingredients. As a tourist, that should be exactly what you seek. Choose a place located in a special place with magnificent views and tranquil vibes.

Food you should certainly sample includes Sydney rock oysters (delicious!), red mullet, yellow-fin tuna, John Dory and fruits such as avocados (so fresh and tasty!), guavas, passion fruit and pears. Fine red and white wines are popular within this region. Be sure to try shiraz (if you’re a fan of red) and Semillon (for those who prefer white); alternatively, have both!

Amazing Attractions

Sydney is the place that most tourists head straight for when visiting New South Wales. It does have a lot to offer in the form of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. But beyond the obvious lies an array of other attractions. Consider diving into the cultural world of Sydney’s museums, art galleries and theater.

Elsewhere, in New South Wales, head for the Blue Mountains, a World Heritage Area. It is an absolutely stunning place, perfect for indulging in a spot of hiking and sightseeing combined. It is also home to a range of antique stores, cafes, restaurants and accommodation (both luxury lodges and homely B&Bs), especially so in the small villages of Leura and Katoomba.

Why an island for your holiday? Islands are associated with sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, hidden treasures, various water sport activities, seafood delicacies, and strategically-placed beach houses. When visiting an island for your holiday, it is essential to know what activities you can get involved in beforehand. This will help you set aside what will be fun and favorable for you and your family. Relaxing on a beach and enjoying the warmth of the sun while listening to the sound of the waves is rejuvenating for the soul. Here are a few must-do activities to get you started on your next Island holiday.

5 Must-Do Activities for Your Island Holiday

Scuba Diving

Do you want to have a close interaction with marine life? Scuba diving will allow you to explore as deep as the ocean floor. There are protected water areas that are safe for you. The ocean floor is home to a million species of exotic creatures and plant life. Scuba diving also allows you to swim with dolphins, turtles, and many more. You cannot visit an island with vibrant ringed reefs and fail to go scuba diving. It is a different world down there that is worth being added to your bucket list of adventure.

Whale Watching

Whales are among the most fascinating sea creatures. Swimming with them is not always permitted as they translate water bubbles as a disturbance. Watching, on the other hand, is mind-blowing. The best destination for whale watching is in Tenerife, where there are over 15 species of whales and several species of dolphins. Whale watching Tenerife is outstanding due to the crystal-clear waters, affordable prices, presence of whales throughout the year, a variety of boat excursions to choose from, and sunshine throughout the year.

Island Tour

Islands have a lot to offer, and you should consider exploring other parts besides the beach or sea. They have a tropical climate with mangrove vegetation along the coastline. Taking a tour into the island to explore its flora and fauna is a popular tour.  You will be able to see the meandering rivers, loud waterfalls, botanical gardens, tropical flowers, deep valleys, breathtaking canopies patterned by tropical rainforests, and the beautiful view of the sea’s horizon. An island tour usually includes a visit to the nearby attraction sites such as national parks, prehistoric sites, museums, and lakes.

Interact With the Locals

Due to historical isolation and colonial neglect, most islands have sustained authentic ancestral cultures. While on holiday there, you should take time to interact with the indigenous communities. Many hold different festivals and ceremonies that you can take part in and experience yourself. You can also watch and learn about their traditional dances and songs, which can be very exciting. Don’t just spend your entire holiday at the beach, go to the interior regions and learn a bit about the locals’ language, religion and traditional dress. Visit the fish markets on the beach and have a taste of seafood. Try local foods in nearby restaurants too.

Rejuvenating and Relaxing

Beaches are very popular for health and fitness activities. You can decide to sit at the beach in the evening, your feet feeling the water while watching the sun as it sets in beautiful colors. You can’t deny that this sounds peaceful and relaxing. What about a gentle massage after a long day? After all, the holidays are all about self-care. If you want to get in shape, visit a poolside fitness center and join yoga, tai chi, spin, or aerobics sessions while interacting with fitness enthusiasts. All in all, walking on the sandy beach and engaging in water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, underwater hockey, parasailing, jet-skiing, or surfing is enough exercise.

Mont Tremblant is a picturesque city in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, Canada, around 130 kilometers from Montreal. Whether living or vacationing in Montreal it’s a great place to spend some time. Renowned for its amazing ski slopes, golf courses, and incredible views, it’s an activity-packed destination that won’t disappoint. Whilst there are a few public transport options to get there, it’s probably easiest to travel by car. If you don’t have a vehicle, then hiring a car in Montreal couldn’t be easier. Globe car rental have several branches throughout Montreal giving you many pick up location options to choose from. It’s under two hours’ drive and is well worth the journey.

3 Fabulous Reasons to Visit Mont Tremblant

Amazing skiing

With 4 slopes and 102 trails, it is no wonder that Mont Tremblant has been voted #1 ski resort in Eastern Northern America on quite a few occasions. It is popular with skiers as well as snowboarders and caters for all abilities. If you want to brush up on your techniques, you can join the Tremblant snow school. Small groups are given lessons and pointers from certified and highly experienced instructors. If you don’t have equipment, fear not – from skiwear to high-performance skis, their rental shop will have everything you need.

Beautiful golf courses

Mont Tremblant isn’t just a fabulous vacation spot in the winter. If you are visiting during the warmer months and enjoy a round of golf, you won’t be disappointed. There are two spectacular courses to play.

Le Diable is an amazing 7,056 yard 18 hole course design by master architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana fry. Red sand bunkers and long narrow fairways make this course a delight to play. There is also a driving range if you don’t have time to play the course or want to get in a few practice shots beforehand.

With plateaus sculpted into the mountainside and incredible views of the vast Laurentian landscape, Le Geant is another 18 hole course that will prove a pleasure to play. Golf carts come as standard and equipment hire is also available.

Other activities

There are loads of activities for all the family to enjoy at Mont Tremblant. Brind O’ Aquaclub is a huge water play center situation in the heart of the resort. It has an indoor pool with four really fun slides and in the summer, there is an outdoor pool and hot tub too. Kids will have hours of fun playing with all the interactive water games. It is best to book if you can as they have a maximum capacity and you won’t want to miss out!

Casino de Mont Tremblant is a great place to go if you want some live entertainment and to try your hand at some of the many casino games. There is a lounge bar and a lovely restaurant too. It’s a great place to relax and have some fun and you never know, you might just win!