Sprawling along the Atlantic coast of southwestern Africa, Namibia has one of the lowest population densities in the world, with just over two million people and only a handful of cities. In some areas, it wasn’t unusual for us to drive over an hour without meeting another car. Urban areas and popular national parks are […] Read more
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Enjoying rural Vietnam was trip’s highlight
We passed field after field of rice, corn, taro root, and practically every other imaginable vegetable and herb. Most striking was the intensity of agriculture, and how immaculately everything is kept, especially considering that so much work is done by hand. Riding bicycles through the countryside isn’t the reason we came to Hoi An, but […] Read more
Taking a vacation: independent or escorted group travel?
Which is best, travelling on your own or taking a group tour? The answer is: it depends — on a lot of things. An important factor is whether you enjoy planning an independent trip, and are willing to invest the time and effort. The good news is that in recent years, the proliferation of online […] Read more
Celebrating All Saints Day Guatemala style
Dressed in their Sunday best, families sat down to a picnic amid the elaborate flower displays. Kids ran around flying kites, while an ice cream seller did a thriving business from his hand-wheeled cart. Music played as we followed throngs of visitors wandering around. The only unusual part of the festive atmosphere is that we […] Read more
How to lessen the sting of airline baggage fees
Few things get air travellers more irritated than baggage fees and constantly changing rules. Yet airlines seem quite content to let customers stew about fees because they have become so lucrative. Costs can add up. While there are variations, it’s usually around $25 each way for flights in Canada, the United States and other destinations. […] Read more
Enjoy colourful autumn with trips close to home
Fall is our favourite time to wander around the west. Forests are draped in gold, summertime crowds have cleared out of the parks and accommodation and campsites are more readily available, sometimes at off-season rates. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of free admission to national parks during 2017, fall is the perfect time, especially […] Read more
Venice rich with historic treasures
Europe is chock-a-block with historic towns and cities, but Venice stands in a class by itself. No matter how many photos you see of this famous water-borne city, nothing prepares you for experiencing its stunning setting in person. Built on a cluster of small marshy islands as a refuge against barbarian invasions, Venice rose over […] Read more
Sun works its magic in Saskatchewan
The Canadian Prairies have the world’s most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Match a colourful sky with dynamite scenery and the effect can be even more dazzling. If you’re wandering around southern Saskatchewan this summer, try these five fabulous and easy to reach viewpoints to watch the sun do its magic. The name comes from the […] Read more
Walk on the wild side in Yoho National Park
We could hear the roar and feel the spray as we gazed up at one of Canada’s highest waterfalls, plunging 384 metres over a sheer cliff. Fed by glacial meltwater high above, Takakkaw Falls is the most famous landmark of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park, yet getting there is an easy 10-minute stroll from the […] Read more
Nicaragua rich in natural and historic treasures
The looming peak of Telica volcano gradually got closer as our Land Cruiser bumped along the rough trail. At road’s end, we hiked up the steep hillside, huffing and puffing as steam belched from Telica’s gaping crater. We reached the top just before sunset, when the sun and clouds co-operated in a dazzling show, and […] Read more
