Torres del Paine National Park, located in the southern reaches of Chile, is home to breathtaking scenery and some of the most famous hikes in the world.  There is a lot of information on the W Trek and camping in “refugios,” with tents and shared bathrooms, but if you’re like me and too old for such endeavours, keep reading for tips on a hassle-free visit to this stunning national park. Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine Without Camping First off, it is possible to do all 3 of the famous W Trek hikes (Las Torres, French Valley, and Glacier Grey) as day hikes from a stylish lodge loca ..read more

Selling out a retreat requires a mix of strategic planning and targeted marketing. The retreat planning process can be overwhelming for retreat leaders but there are a few key things to focus on which will increase the appeal of your retreat. In Movement Travel’s experience, both from working with retreat leaders and planning our own Signature Retreats, we have noted consistent trends in guest preferences and the factors which make a retreat successful. Destination Choose a Unique Destination – Retreat guests are more likely to select a retreat destination they haven’t been to before and woul ..read more

High Intensity Interval Training Yoga Stretch, strengthen, and get your sweat on with a yoga inspired HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout.  Historically, cardio, strength and mobility training were done independently requiring a lot of time being spent in gyms and studios.  HIIT, which combines strength and cardio, is a very efficient way to exercise that taxes both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, fires up the metabolism and may help burn more calories than other types of training in the same amount of time.  As a result, HIIT has become increasingly popul ..read more

Spring 2020 Update “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” –  Alan Watts   Hope everyone is staying well.  With this new, temporary way of life, we thought we’d share a few updates and some of our favourite things to do while physical distancing.Unfortunately, we have had to postpone a few retreats until it’s safe to travel again.  On a positive note, this break has resulted in an exciting addition to our team.  His name is Bailey and he’s a Morkie (Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier mix).  Bailey has a ton ..read more

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada Located in the Southern Gulf Islands, a short 30-minute seaplane ride from Vancouver (2h 50m by ferry), Salt Spring Island is a perfect getaway during the spring, summer, and early autumn months.  With its abundance of artisans, farms, restaurants, and nature, there is something for everyone. Where to Stay on Salt Spring Island Nestled on the shores of Ganges Harbour, the rustic and tranquil Hastings House Country House Hotel, a Relaise & Chateaux property, is a beautiful place to relax and unwind.  Mornings begin with freshly baked m ..read more

“What travel insurance do I need”? is a common question from travellers as COVID 19 may increase the likelihood that travel is cancelled or changed. Many travellers may be covered by employee or credit card policies but it is important to carefully review what is included. These policies often exclude the comprehensive travel insurance coverage needed to be fully protected against unforeseen events.   Prior to purchasing insurance, check the Canadian government travel advisories in effect for the destination as they may affect travel insurance coverage.  Check here for the most up-to ..read more

Corporate & Executive Retreats – The Key to Success Engage your team through meaningful shared experiences and use corporate retreats as a key tool to promote employee engagement while solidifying your corporate culture.   Since the start of the pandemic and the ensuing Great Resignation, workers are leaving the workforce en masse.  As many employees continue to work remotely for some or all of the time, and with burnout levels higher than ever, companies need to find new ways to help employees feel connected and motivated. By cultivating a clear corporate culture that value ..read more

Retreat Leaders’ Insurance Needs If you are planning a retreat, you must ensure that both you and your guests are protected from unforeseen events occurring before or during a retreat. If you fail to adequately protect yourself in order to save money, you may find yourself in an expensive litigation scenario with either a retreat guest or supplier. There are many factors outside of your control when hosting a retreat and the following insurance coverage should be considered.  Note: Movement Travel is licensed to sell travel insurance only and we strongly recommend that you speak to an ins ..read more

Host a Retreat – Work with Movement Travel, a TICO-Registered Travel Agent Hosting your own retreat can be both rewarding and stressful.  In addition, navigating the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s (TICO) strict guidelines for Special Interest Travel can be confusing.  TICO Special Interest Travel can include, but is not limited to: Yoga Retreats Fitness Retreats Golf Retreats Wellness Retreats Photography or Art Retreats Walking, Hiking or Biking Holidays If your retreat involves Travel Services – transportation or sleeping accommodation for the use of a traveler, tourist, or ..read more

Lower Waste Lifestyle I have recently been looking into how to move towards a zero-waste lifestyle.  While zero-waste living would be incredible, it is not achievable for most, including myself.  So, why not focus on a more realistic alternative, a lower waste lifestyle.  If more people can commit to reducing personal waste, even just a little, everyone will benefit. Wellbeing is not just about keeping ourselves healthy and balanced but also extends to our immediate environment, like our homes and to our collective environment, our planet.  Below are some greener habits ado ..read more