After a memorable year of traveling to new places around the world, I decided that for my birthday this year it would be refreshing to stay right in my hometown of Kamloops, British Columbia. We often hear the terms “staycation” or “holistay” thrown around as alternatives to save money and decompress without going too far from home, but that doesn’t have to mean you can’t be treated to an unforgettable and Instagram-worthy good time right in your own backyard. The first step t[...]
Imagine vacationing at a private bungalow in a hidden jungle oasis, sleeping under the stars, reveling in relaxation and feeling like you’re miles away from the outside world—but at a price you can afford and just a 2-minute drive from all the amenities you could ever need. The fact that such comfort could be found in a modestly priced Airbnb was a stunning proposition that I was more than willing to try out. ACACIA Jungle Bungalows in Tulum, Mexico, are a quick escape from the[...]
I’ve had many unforgettable experiences exploring new cities this year, but every once in awhile it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle and travel somewhere more remote—somewhere that I can spend an entire day at a spa, on the beach, or even stay in my room without feeling bored or that I’m missing out on all there is to see. I recently had the chance to stay at Chablé Maroma, an upscale resort tucked away in an area of Riviera Maya where the jungle meets a luscious white sand be[...]
Whenever I book a trip to a new destination, I like to consider what that city is known for and the most popular activities. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Cancún, Mexico—somewhere that I once thought to be a must-see solely for college students on spring break or bachelor and bachelorette parties looking to escape to somewhere warm in the winter months. I can appreciate a great cocktail on the beach, but I usually look for a much more serene vibe. While this party hot-spot r[...]
Celebrating your birthday with a bang doesn’t have to mean throwing a huge party with all of your friends and family. This year I decided to keep things low key and relaxing with a weekend getaway in Vancouver, checking out the nicest spots and of course indulging in some delicious bites. I knew that I wanted to make this trip extra special by picking the most perfect place to stay. The newly renovated EXchange Hotel offered a luxurious atmosphere without breaking the bank. EXchange pro[...]
While some people are of the mindset that your hotel doesn’t matter too much on vacation because you won’t be spending a lot of time in the room, I personally like to make sure that the hotels I stay at when I travel are more than just a bed for the night. Rather, they should act as a hub for the trip; a resting place between sight-seeing, a gateway to the city’s culture, and an opportunity to live luxuriously, if only for a weekend. During my trip to Mexico City earlier this year, the St.[...]
Tucked away in rural areas of Japan are luxurious yet minimalistic lodges known as ryokans, which are dedicated to providing guests with a serene experience. These special inns traditionally feature matted rooms, communal areas, hot springs and many other beautiful amenities. I first stayed at a ryokan when I visited Japan in 2018, and when I was planning my recent trip to Mexico City I was intrigued by the idea of seeing how this cultural experience would hold up halfway across the world from w[...]