While popular tourist destinations like Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and the beaches of Rincon draw thousands of visitors each year, there are many hidden gems scattered throughout Puerto Rico that are equally worth exploring. These hidden gems include lesser-known beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, and historical sites that offer a more authentic experience of Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. These off-the-beaten-path destinations provide a chance to escape the crowds and discover a different side of the island that many visitors overlook. Exploring Puerto Ri ..read more

Inflation is everywhere these days, travel included. Everything is more expensive so if I can find a way to get a deal, I’ll go for it. Even if it sounds a bit out there. I collect travel points. I’ll be flexible on travel dates and times of day. I travel during the shoulder season. I’ll sometimes even book long-haul flights as separate segments. For example, last June, to get from St. John’s to Lisbon I booked a round-trip flight to Toronto on points and then booked a flight from Toronto to Lisbon on TAP, which was cheaper than Air Canada (my only option if I’d booked the whole thign from S ..read more

I love New York. It’s an exciting city filled with possibilities and high energy with a seemingly unending list of great things to do. Which is probably why I’ve visited so often. With such a big city there are countless restaurants, shops, attractions, parks, and, of course, neighbourhoods and hotels. Choosing where to stay in New York can be one of the toughest decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to the Big Apple. A lot of first time visitors like to stay near Times Square, but I have a different favourite for my visits now: Queens. It wasn’t that long ago that Queens wasn’t on anyb ..read more

So you’ve decided to plan your first trip to New  York… yay! It’s one of my favourite cities and I love the energy there. But it can definitely be overwhelming. So Many People. So. Many. Things. To. Do. After nine visits, I’ve figured out a few things though. I sometimes wish I could go back to my 2007 NYC-newbie self and give her a few pointers to smooth out the path. The next best thing? I’m going to give my pointers to you! Travel tips for New York first timers! 1. Transit: Don’t be afraid of the subway. New York traffic is the stuff of nightmares. So in the name of all things holy ..read more

Spending a week at an all-inclusive resort during the winter is undoubtedly a good idea. There’s lots of daylight, beautiful white sand to sink your toes in, and tons of delicious, healthy foods available. Whether you want to explore Mexican cenotes, go snorkelling in the Dominican Republic, or drink mojitos in Cuba, there’s something for everyone to chase away the winter blues. Packing for an all-inclusive vacation can either seem like the simplest task or a daunting one, depending on which type of traveller you are. I’m going to help you figure out a capsule wardrobe and other travel essen ..read more

Vieques is a small island located off the eastern coast of mainland Puerto Rico, known for its stunning beaches, bioluminescent bays, and natural beauty. The island is roughly 21 miles long and 5 miles wide, and is home to a number of wildlife preserves, including the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The island was once used as a military training ground, and as a result, large portions of it are still undeveloped and untouched. Vieques is popular among travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and experience a more laid-back, secluded side of Puerto Rico. Doe ..read more

A Perfect Puerto Rico Packing Guide Spending some time in Puerto Rico during the winter is undoubtedly a good idea. There’s lots of daylight, beautiful white sand to sink your toes in, and tons of delicious foods available. Whether you want to explore glowing bio bays, learn how to surf, immerse yourself in Boricua culture or seek out the best mofongo on the island, there’s something for everyone to chase away the winter blues. Packing for a Puerto Rican vacation can either seem like the simplest task or a daunting one, depending on which type of traveller you are. The territory is diverse a ..read more

I was so out of practice at this travel thing. It’d been 2.5 years since I went on an international trip and I felt like it was the first time. I had no idea what to pack or how to minimise my cabin baggage. I will say, this was the first time I’d ever packed a yoga mat into my checked bag. Recently, I was given an amazing opportunity to attend a Nova Yoga retreat in Portugal. The catch was that the retreat was starting 8 days from when I got the message. All I had to do was book my flight and show up in Lisbon. The rest was taken care of. Did I want to go? Um, yes! It took me a few minutes ..read more

Tired: crowded and hot European summer vacation. Wired: cool shoulder season European vacation. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of shoulder season travelling. It’s partly to do with the fact that summer is the best time to be home in Newfoundland, especially now that I’ve started a walking tour business with a friend, and partly to do with cheaper flights, fewer crowds, and less sweltering heat. If you look at my Facebook memories you’d see that my vacation memories pile up in March and September. We all know about the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona, and Paris but Europe is a big continent filled ..read more

Italy is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in Europe, and for good reason. Even though it can get scorching hot there’s something about gelatos and Vespas and pizza that make it a magical travel destination. Italian women have earned a reputation for looking well put together. No matter the weather you can count on them to step out the door looking effortlessly presentable. It is no secret that Italians like the idea of “la bella figura” which literally translates to “the beautiful figure.” It specifically means to dress well to make a good impression. You don’t need to be ..read more