Sedona holds a special place in my heart as one of the most captivating destinations Garrett and I explored during our road trip through Arizona. If you've had the pleasure of experiencing it yourself, you'll understand the enchantment: majestic red rock formations envelop you, transporting you to what feels like the surface of another planet. Situated within this breathtaking landscape lies the charming town of Sedona, where it's evident that many residents are drawn by the promise of boundless outdoor adventures just steps from their door, including discovering the best hiking trails in Se ..read more

Our first look at the Grand Canyon Railway train. Known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Arizona, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Visitors often embark on the iconic Grand Canyon Railway journey from Williams, AZ, to the Grand Canyon, offering a truly unforgettable experience. My partner, Garrett, and I were able to experience this unique opportunity on a recent trip to Arizona and we loved it. If you’re contemplating taking the Grand Canyon Railway form Williams, here’s everything you need to know: How long is th ..read more

When I was a teenager, my grandfather told me that if I was going to have a reputation, I might as well make sure it is a good one. That statement has been a guiding light to me throughout my life. Loveland, Colorado seems to have endorsed the same motto in their city and that is most evident in the 10-acre Benson Sculpture Garden. In 1985, the City of Loveland embraced their love of the arts by creating Benson Sculpture Park. Since then, one park has grown into four free sculpture parks that have given Loveland the reputation of being one of the best, if not the best, collection of free publ ..read more

Hiking the Wave in Arizona is an experience of a lifetime, but you have to win a lottery to get a permit to do it. According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 200,589 people applied for 7,300 permits to hike the wave in 2019. The odds of success in 2019 were about 3.5 percent and the number of applicants is similar today. My husband and I were in that 3.5 percent. As of Feb 1, 2021 the BLM increased the number of permits from 20 people per day to 64 people per day. This made it a little easier to get a permit for one of the world's most exclusive hikes. You still need luck, but there ar ..read more

Hells Canyon, a geographically stunning location situated in the Western United States, spans 16 km (10 miles) wide and beckons visitors from around the world with its natural beauty and cultural significance. One of the most captivating ways to explore this canyon is by embarking on a jet boat adventure along the Snake River, weaving through the towering canyon walls. On a recent road trip, my partner, Garrett, and I had the privilege of experiencing one of the iconic Hells Canyon jet boat tours firsthand, and we were truly captivated by the entire journey. Numerous tour operators in the Wes ..read more

Are you thinking of booking a flight on Flair? Read our Flair Airlines review to learn what you need to know based on our experience travelling with Flair Air. You may already have heard of Flair Airlines. It’s an Edmonton-based, ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) that’s been flying since 2017. Their slogan is “Plane and simple” and it certainly is. As is the way with all ULCCs, including competitors like Lynx and the recently departed Swoop, this is bare-bones flying. Amenities you may be used to having included with your fare on airlines such as Air Canada or WestJet (for example, carry-on ..read more

About one hour's drive east of Calgary, Alberta is Canada’s second largest First Nations Reserve, home to the Siksika Nation. Situated on these lands lies a place where history comes alive, where the stories of Indigenous peoples are woven into the fabric of the land itself.  Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is an immersive journey into the heart of Blackfoot culture and heritage. The historical park sits on land that has been a meeting place for Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, the cultural and geographic center of Blackfoot territory, and the place where Treaty 7 was signed ..read more

Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular destinations in Banff National Park, but did you know you could stay overnight there? My family and I have enjoyed the Johnston Canyon hike many times and I have often glanced at the cute cabins near the trailhead and wondered what it would be like to stay there. I finally decided to find out and booked a two-night stay at Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows. About a 20-minute drive west of Banff, this lovely resort is situated on five acres of forested land near the trailhead of Banff’s most popular hike. Even though the trail is very popular, we fou ..read more

Some of the best accommodations in the world’s most beautiful places do not have electricity and that can be a problem if you sleep with a CPAP. Before you read this review of the Bluetti EB3A Power Source, you should know why you need one. A portable solar-powered battery pack is great for camping. You can use it to charge phones, computers and other electronic devices when there is no power source onsite. But if you have sleep apnea, a CPAP backup battery can be essential for your health. Not having a power source for my CPAP machine has limited the amount of tent camping we have done in rec ..read more

As winter approaches, the search for the perfect cold-weather gear intensifies and a high-quality winter jacket is at the top of the list. Where I live in Canada, winter temperatures can drop below minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°F) and I’ve had my eye on a battery-powered heated jacket for months. It’s one of those modern luxuries that might just make winter bearable. Those who have endured harsh winter conditions know that a quality heated jacket can make all the difference in staying warm and comfortable. In the world of heated apparel, the Venustas Heated Jacket has emerged as a popular choi ..read more