Ah, the start of a new year. That magical time when you can look into a bright window of opportunities ahead, wipe your hands of the crap you dealt with the year before, and pray to anything that will listen that certain occurrences don’t happen again. Ever. Because, let’s be honest, as fun and feel-good…
Christmas is my favourite time of the year, and my mom’s too. We’re both Christmas crazy and go all out during the festive season. Both of us love the bustle of holiday crowds, the Christmas songs, and of course the lights and decorations. And while neither one of us would trade our (normally) white Christmases…
It was a dark and cloudy day in Transylvania as I climbed the hill approaching Bran Castle; home to the legend of Dracula. The centuries old fortress jutted out on the rocks overlooking Bran; it’s stone walls ominous and foreboding. There was a definite chill in the late September air and I could imagine myself as…
The Paris metro was busy as we pushed through throngs of people, seemingly more locals than tourists. “What was the stop again?” I asked as we whizzed through the noisy tunnels. My friend Taylor repeated the name to me for about the tenth time that morning and I still didn’t recognize it, despite the fact…
Ah hostels. I’ll be honest: I love hostels. Just as much now at 28 as I did when I was 22. They are cheap, usually central, a great place to meet people, and, to be honest, I usually feel safer staying in a hostel dorm when I travel alone rather than at a hotel (I…
Homestays are a common accommodation option throughout much of the world, especially in Southeast Asia. As a traveller, it’s a great way to have a more authentic and local experience; to see the local way of life and to meet some friendly people. Usually, I love homestays, and after a good recommendation from a friend,…
The cold wind whipped the Atlantic waves into a frenzy as I watched from the safety of the shoreline. Nearly every wave was capped in white foam as they crashed against the empty beach below. I huddled further into the hood of my rain coat as I watched. Not only was the wind bound and…
“Welcome aboard” The dark haired flight attendant smiles at me as I show her my ticket. Those two tiny words spoken with her Irish lilt and a warm smile make my heart leap. Although it’s going to be six hours until I officially land, the Irish hospitality on our Aer Lingus flight already has me…
With winter in full swing it’s normal to fantasize about getting away. Most people choose to escape to the Caribbean islands; sunshine, turquoise waters, and tropical drinks. Others head to popular ski destinations; choosing to spend their days on the slopes and their nights in snow-topped chalets. Or you could be like us, and choose…
The shuttle bus shook gently as we crossed over the mountains. Or at least, we were told they were mountains. The low-lying clouds covered much of the landscape, shrouding hills, and distant volcanos in thick fog. After about twenty minutes of poor visibility, the road veered back down the mountain trail, the clouds dispersing to…