Planning a Trip: Ireland at Christmas
Ireland in December offers a magical mix of festive cheer, cozy winter vibes, and stunning landscapes. From bustling Christmas markets to warm pubs with live music and hearty meals, it’s the perfect destination to soak up the holiday spirit. My fiance is Irish, and entire family lives in Ireland (theres a few scattered in various parts of Europe too), so we’re headed for our first Christmas together with his family.
Decor Inspiration: Italy
It is absolutely no secret that I am obsessed with Italy. I have been there three times, twice in the last 12 months, and am in love with everything, the culture, the design, the food (despite being gluten free). I’ve been hesitant to put together a how-to travel guide for Italy, because I wouldn’t even know where to start and how much I love it would only translate to scattered thoughts, but one thing that I am am to do is talk about Italy as a design and decor inspiration. I have been slowly but surely adding in touches of Italy into my home since I moved in.
Planning a Trip: Weekend in Ottawa in Winter
Growing up in Canada, and actually being born in Ontario, the fact I had never been to Ottawa was crazy to me. So when my friend’s partner suggested skating on the Rideau Canal, I was in. I’m not the best skater, but I love to be on skates and feel a great sense of freedom in the fresh air. Since I’ve been trying to keep my trips to long weekends, and since it’s the dead of winter, I hopped on a plane on a Thursday morning and headed for Ottawa to meet up with friends.
Planning a Trip: Sauble Beach
2021 and 2022 I spent more time in Eastern Canada than I have since I lived there from Age 1-7. I managed to find cheap flights constantly, and was able to go out and see friends and family for DIY projects, concerts, road trips and surprises. One of the road trips that we took was to Sauble Beach in late September. Although beautiful, it was a little bit colder than we initially anticipated and our adventure included less pool time and more time exploring. I would go back in a heartbeat in a warmer month, but September wasn’t a bad time to explore the town while it was sleepy, and get to know The June Motel.
Planning a Trip: Palm Springs Part 2
Two years after writing and visiting Palm Springs, I’m headed back! I’ve been there a few times since with work, but it’s never quite the same, and you spend the time lamenting the hot sun rather than soaking in it! Here are more things to do and what to see in PS!
Travel Tips: Money Matters
I wrote a nice long post about how much I saved (or wanted to save) for my 6 month trip to Asia based on where I was going, but there are a few general budgeting tips and recommendations I have no matter where you go.
Laos Guide: Crossing from Thailand
First off, there are a few ways of getting into Lao, but this post is about the crossing from Thailand into Laos via the Mekong River. The two day slow boat was a trip I won’t forget and a fun way to spend the first couple days in a new country. Check out my tips for taking the cruise and what to do.
Laos Guide: Luang Prabang
In my previous post, I wrote about my journey into Laos from Thailand. It was an unforgettable journey, and the people that I met made it all the better. Here is a quick guide on what to do in Laos from my point of view!
Travel Tips: How to Travel Light
I’ve done enough travel with carry on and backpacks to really understand the value of packing light and how to do it well. Do I always take my own advice? Not always, but when I do, I usually follow these.
Travel Tips: Staying Healthy
This is something I can definitely talk and write about. It’s a bit brutal, but the key is preparing yourself, especially if you’re traveling. Here are a few tips on staying healthy while traveling and what to do when you are ill!
What they don’t tell you when you go long-term traveling
I’ve gone on quite a few trips, and every time I leave things change and I’m never prepared for it. I am terrible with change (i’m working on it), but here are a few things that I’ve noticed no one tells you about when you traveling.
Long Term Travel: Budgeting in SE Asia
Although I love to travel, I've only spent 2-3 weeks here there and everywhere, but I try and go somewhere far off once or twice a year. Budgeting for both is difficult. You have to take into account the cost of traveling often, flights, whether you splurge because you're only somewhere for a few weeks, or need to stretch out your savings over a long period of time, and so many little things.
Long term Travel: Choosing the right backpack
You have many options when you're traveling depending on how long you're going for, what type of travel you're doing, where you're going and the weather. Since I plan on being gone for 6 months through rain and sun, cold and warm, I need to make sure I have enough room to have clothing to fit these options as well as enough shoe options for all of the above. Here are my favourite options for Long Term Travel!
Currently Dreaming: Paris
My mother always told me to go to Paris with somebody. She said that it is such a romantic place that deserves to be visited as a couple in love. I plan on going one day, but just because you're single, that shouldn't stop you from visiting this beautiful place.
