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The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu after completing the Salkantay Trek

Machu Picchu is one of those travel destinations that seems to be on everyone’s bucketlist. Its soaring peaks and ancient streets steeped in rich history draw thousands of visitors each day, making it one of the most visited sites in the world. While there are many ways to reach Machu Picchu, trekking is by far the best route. Walking up to this incredible place allows one to savour the mystical site’s rugged natural beauty and intriguing surrounding and makes finally reaching the ruins an even greater reward. 

There are many trekking options to get to to Machu Picchu, each with their own set of pros and cons. When we were in Peru we chose to do the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu and will share more about this incredible 5 day, 4 night trek!

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The Ultimate Guide to Land Based Travel In The Galapagos Islands

Cruise Boat Docked off Darwin's Cove

Few destinations stimulate as much wonder and have inspired as many scientific pursuits as the Galapagos Islands. A multi-island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean 906km from Ecuador’s coastline, the Galapagos are where British scientist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution and are now one of the world’s largest marine national park systems.

Given their remoteness and one of a kind natural offerings, the Galapagos are hardly known as a budget travel location, but we have managed to spend almost 3 weeks on different islands without doing a cruise, nor a completely organized tour. Read on for our guide to DIY, land based travel in the Galapagos Islands.   Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to Land Based Travel In The Galapagos Islands”

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Why Start an RTW Trip with Volunteering?

All hands and hearts team

Travellers are blessed in so many ways and paid in experience, so what better way to give back than to volunteer while travelling? As we planned our 14 month round the world adventure, Mr. Zen and I pondered ways we could give back to the world that has given us so many incredible experiences. My previous time spent volunteering with All Hands and Hearts (All Hands) in post-earthquake Haiti was easily one of the most profound experiences that I have ever had while travelling and I was eager to volunteer with the organisation again, because their commitment to responsible volunteering is commendable.

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Zen in the Wolf Den: the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

With their fiercely staring eyes, pointed razor sharp fangs, and sleek powerful bodies, wolves have captured people’s imaginations throughout the ages. This popularity is perhaps to their detriment since people have begun breeding them with dogs and then swiftly learning that wolfdogs make rather terrible pets. Given how many are surrendered to shelters, who tend to have a kill-on-the-spot policy for animals that are suspected to have any wolf in them, sanctuaries for wolfdogs like the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary are extremely important.

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Why you Must Travel to Japan in Winter

There’s no denying that Japan is hot right now. Every conversation I have will fellow travellers seems to involve either a recently completed or upcoming trip to Japan. While it positively shines in the springtime (hello cherry blossoms!), visiting Japan in winter can be a special experience. Here is our top five reasons for travelling to Japan in winter:

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The Best Ski Resorts Near Calgary

As the mercury drops and snow begins to fly in Alberta our thoughts turn from summer activities like hiking, cycling, and camping to winter ones such as skiing.  While some may moan and groan throughout the cold season, we  simply love being outside in the snow. We’re blessed to have some of the best skiing in the world here in Alberta, and living in Calgary gives us easy access to the Rocky Mountains.  There isn’t much in the way of bad skiing in Alberta, but each resort does bring something a little different.  This is our local take on the best ski resorts near Calgary, hopefully we’ll inspire you to book a trip to Alberta to explore the slopes this winter! Continue reading “The Best Ski Resorts Near Calgary”