Travel
Christmas in Cologne, Germany: Everything You Want to Know About Cologne Christmas Markets
Europe’s Christmas markets are my happy place. The lights, the decorations, the gluhwein, the ornaments. I absolutely love them and have been multiple times over the years. Each year I go, I try to visit somewhere new and while I have yet to be disappointed some European Christmas markets make an impression and Cologne, Germany…
Christmas in Colmar, France: Everything You Need to Know About Colmar Christmas Markets (2025 Dates)
If you are at all familiar with France you’ve no doubt heard of the fairytale town of Colmar. It’s said to be the jewel of the Alsace region and the inspiration behind the village in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. After a couple of minutes of walking through ‘Little Venice’ you’ll see why! Colmar, like…
The Ultimate Day Trip to Douro Valley, Portugal (From Porto)
I bounced eagerly on the balls of my feet at the bottom of the stairs. It was 8:10am on a Saturday and the streets of Porto, Portugal were quiet. I, on the other hand, was buzzing with energy; eagerly looking to start my day trip to Douro Valley; Portugal’s famous port and wine region. The…
One week in Portugal: The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary
Portugal has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The promise of exciting cities, a beautiful coastline filled with beaches, good food and wine, and reasonable prices is hard for any traveller to resist. But what if you are short on time? Is it worth it to do just one week in…
How to Spend 5 Days in Nice, France
Are you headed to the French Riviera for a few days and looking for ideas of what to see and do? I did this a few years ago and had a great time soaking up the sun and exploring coastal towns while using Nice as my base. With easy access to nearby towns, plenty of…
Why a Nile Cruise is the Best Way to Explore Ancient Egypt
When I was in the planning stages of my trip to Egypt, a Nile cruise wasn’t on my radar. I was planning a DIY 2 Week Egypt Vacation on a budget and, in my head, a cruise wasn’t going to fit into that budget. Yet as I researched hotels in Aswan and Luxor, the best…
The Best of Copenhagen in 1 Day
I didn’t plan on only having 1 day in Copenhagen. But of course, as is often the case when travelling, a lot can happen to throw your plans down the drain. This time it was a majorly delayed flight that saw me spending nearly an entire day in the Dublin airport instead of hanging out…
The Best Pubs in Dublin – According to Locals!
Ireland is my home away from home and holds a special place in my heart and while Galway, which is where I lived, will always be my number 1 I do have a soft spot for Dublin as well. Yes it’s busier and more expensive but its a really great city to explore and has…
The Best Pubs in Galway: Music, Pints, and Irish Craic
Anyone who’s been to Ireland knows that as amazing as Dublin’s pubs may be, the real craic is in Galway. Sure, I may be biased as Galway was once a place that I called home, but I’m not alone in my thoughts. Even the locals agree that Galway’s craic is top notch, with many of…
The Best of: 3 Days in Vancouver
The first time I visited Vancouver, I spent a little over a week using the city as a base to explore and catch up with some of my friends who had moved out to BC. I had a blast in the west coast city and came back to explore more a couple years later. Having…
The Best of Toronto in 2 Days
Only have 2 days in Toronto? No worries, here’s how to best explore the best of this major Canadian city.
Off the Beaten Track in Banff: Alternative Things to do in Banff in Summer
What is the first thing you think of when you someone says Banff? Chances are its Lake Louise, that’s what most people picture. Having been, I can’t say I blame them. The lake and surrounding scenery is beautiful. But, while I’m glad to have seen it, sharing it with about 20,000 people in a single…
Things to do in Lake Louise in the Summer
If you know anything about Canada, chances are you have heard of or seen photos of Banff, Lake Louise. Lake Louise in the summer is all turquoise waters, towering Rocky Mountains, and the stunning Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel on the shoreline. It’s one of Canada’s best known destinations and a must-see on many traveller’s bucket…
What to Wear in Winter in Canada: A Canada Packing List
Oh, winter in Canada. It’s the stuff of plenty of jokes but it’s my reality. And you know what? I actually love it. Winter in Canada is actually pretty awesome. Sure it long, cold as hell, and I spend what seems like half of my days shovelling but there’s something truly magical about skiing in…
Quebec City in Winter: 15 Fun Things to do in Canada’s Winter Wonderland
Baby, it’s cold outside! But that’s no reason to hide inside. At least not when you are in Quebec City; one of the most charming cities in Canada. Quebec City in the winter is truly a winter wonderland. From the snow-covered streets decorated with fairy lights, to cozy cafes, hotels, and restaurants, not to mention…
Hoi An to Hue: Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass by Easy Rider
The rain looked like it was never going to end. It was falling so hard and fast that we could barely see across the street. It was the kind of day that made you want to curl up inside with a good book, not the kind of day you wanted to spend driving from Hoi…
The Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
Scotland has a ton of charm. From the dark, medieval city of Edinburgh, to the mysterious Loch Ness, and the fairy stories of the stunning Isle of Skye; this small island country is filled with magic. But while the folklore and landscapes are fun to explore, there’s another way to add some magic to your…
How to Spend 2 Days in Edinburgh
Going to Edinburgh was my first real solo backpacking experience. Sure I’d been living in Ireland for a few weeks by then and seen a bit of the country, but I had either been with my parents or close enough to my new home that I didn’t feel that it really counted. I chose Scotland…
The Best of: Amsterdam in 1 Day
Amsterdam is a popular European travel destination and while many come to spend a few days or even a week, it’s also common for visitors to only have one day in Amsterdam. This may be due to a layover, a river cruise, or perhaps just a planned day trip from a nearby city. While I…
Going to a Peep Show in Amsterdam: My Red Light District Experience
What comes to mind when you think of Amsterdam? Is the tulips? Windmills? Cute wooden clogs? Probably not. While these things are associated with Amsterdam, most tourists know it for two other things: marijuana and the Red Light District, or basically, sex. Pretty much anything to do with sex really; sex shops, condom shops, live…
The Best of Riga in 2 Days
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is still considered to be ‘off the beaten track’ for many travellers, especially non-Europeans. When I visited, I was the only North American in my hostel. I surprised a lot of people when I told them I was Canadian which was actually kind of fun. Despite being under the radar, Riga…
The Do’s and Dont’s of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is probably one of the first things you think of when someone mentions Iceland, and it’s easy to understand why. The milky-blue water set in the middle of a volcanic landscape is extraordinary. And the idea of warm soothing heat to help relax and heal your tired body? Well that helps too. Especially…
3 days in Iceland Itinerary: See the Best of Iceland
Ah Iceland. It’s hard to believe that it wasn’t that long ago that very few people considered this country as a tourist destination. Thanks to Game of Thrones and social media, that’s all now changed. But even when I first visited in 2012 people were more confused than interested. Looking back on the Iceland that…
The Best of: 3 Days in Budapest
Known as the Pearl of the Danube and the Paris of Eastern Europe, Budapest is a mecca for all kinds of travellers. Whether it be a couple on a multi-day European river cruise or young backpackers looking for a cheap place to party, the capital of Hungary has a little something for everyone to enjoy…
How to Spend 3 Days in Krakow: A Krakow Itinerary
I fell in love with Krakow the moment I exited the train station and began walking towards Old Town. It was dark outside and seeing the walls and the gate all lit up under the navy blue sky brought an instant smile to my face. As a lover of fairytale towns, I knew I would…