by Mary Charleson | Oct 10, 2025 | Canada
In a country better known for its cold weather sports like hockey and skiing, Canada is not top of mind as a surf location. Yet it should be, given the miles of sandy surf-able beaches and world class waves found on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Surfing Tofino...
by Mary Charleson | Oct 3, 2025 | South America / Central America
Looking for a reasonably priced, warm weather alternative to Hawaii? Costa Rica may be your answer. There are many things to do in Costa Rica, and the Guanacaste region in particular, with its beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, lush jungle and volcanic region may...
by Mary Charleson | Sep 30, 2025 | South America / Central America
Arranging a Costa Rica car rental need not be daunting. But you will want to be smart about saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Having a rental car is a great way to tour the country and explore all the hidden gems and remote finds. Here are our tips to...
by Mary Charleson | Sep 15, 2025 | Canada
Wing foiling Whistler on Alta Lake has now been added to my reasons for loving the resort town of Whistler. In addition to skiing powder runs on Whistler Blackcomb during the winter season, riding a foil board on Alta Lake, suspended above the water and powered by...
by Mary Charleson | Aug 30, 2025 | South America / Central America
Of course we all THINK we can drive. But driving in Costa Rica is not for the faint of heart. As northern residents begin to turn their interests to sunnier climates come winter, Costa Rica has become a favored destination. But before you go off booking your trip, and...
by Mary Charleson | Jul 27, 2025 | Europe
You’ve likely seen Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany on Instagram. The image seemingly plucked from a fairytale appears the recipient of heavy editing. Saturnia Hot Springs is where you’ll find mineral rich turquoise thermal pools flowing over smooth, volcanic rock, in...
by Mary Charleson | Jul 17, 2025 | Europe
Chianti Classico is produced exclusively in Chianti Italy, a region of Tuscany. As fans of Chianti wine, we wanted to visit the source. We were in Italy after all, in the heartland of Tuscany, between the provinces of Florence and Sienna, where Chianti wines...
by Mary Charleson | Jul 11, 2025 | Europe
Is Pisa Italy worth a visit? That depends. If you’re determined to capture that iconic leaning tower of Pisa photo for yourself, you know the one, where you’re tapping the building sideways, than yes, yes it is. If you want to learn some Italian history and view...
by Mary Charleson | Jul 6, 2025 | Canada
I was told I’d be blown away by Saskatchewan. And I was. Quite literally, with hair whipped into a tangled mess, head tipped windward, in defiance. We were here to embrace an Indigenous tourism Saskatchewan experience. But who knew a prairie province, branded as the...
by Mary Charleson | Jun 30, 2025 | Canada
I admit to previously dismissing Saskatchewan as a flat open prairie, with miles of straight roads and grain elevators. My impression was largely formed on a road trip from Ontario to BC, driving the Trans-Canada Highway, back in 1987, when I first moved to Vancouver....
