Travel Destination Bucket List

Childhood memories of summer nights in Montreal included family trips to the Big O (aka the 1976 Olympic Stadium) to watch the Expos baseball team with my dad, followed by the excitement of live music in the city’s underground and an incredible fashion show from the seats of one of the many patios in town. … Continue reading →

Loving the lazy hazy days of summer??  Me too! Here’s a roundup of what is happening at TDBL:  Happy to see some of my summer inspired posts are hitting the mark in the popularity stakes.  Travel Tips on where to stay in Plitvice Lakes National Park is out in front for the most popular post … Continue reading →

Love Locks in the city of love – Paris Paris, the city of love!  Romance.  The inspiration of writers, poets and artists.  It is a lovers paradise!  As Audrey Hepburn once said “Paris is always a good idea”! I loved the moment in Sex in the City, when Carrie cries: “I’m looking for love. Real … Continue reading →

An Introduction to Cottage Country and Sunny Point Resort and Cottages Cottage country – n (Canadian) any lakeside region where many country cottages are located; home to urban vacationers who are seeking peace, relaxation and the great outdoors. For many residents of Toronto and eastern Ontario, cottage country is equivalent to Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Parry … Continue reading →

With less than 48 hours from deciding to visit to arrival in New Orleans, it may be quite obvious to many that little pre-planning went into this excursion.  Furiously tapping away on my computer, I booked rooms and made plans for my chance to visit the internationally recognized destination of New Orleans. Turns out it … Continue reading →

North is the new South at Ottawa’s SmoQue Shack If sauce dripping flavours and slow cooked goodness is what you are looking for, let me introduce you to SmoQue Shack – Ottawa’s answer to southern cuisine.  You will find them in the Byward Market on York St.  Don’t blink or you will miss the restaurant … Continue reading →

Urban art or misguided youth?  What do you think? I had the pleasure of joining Jason on his Tour Guys Graffiti Tour in downtown Toronto (an activity on my TBEX Bucket List).  It was an eye opening experience – I had no idea there was so much more to the scribblings and scenes painted on … Continue reading →

I am the last person I would expect to be writing about an ATV adventure.  I love my thrills and all, but they tend to be more organic – dog sledding, cycling across countries, hiking in Nepal.  None of them have involved powerful engines, until now.  While there is no such thing as a boy … Continue reading →

Adrenaline Inspired Bucket List Activities for the Adrenaline Junkie in You Adrenaline junkie, sensation seekers, risk taker, thrill seeker … call it what you will….what ever the name, there is a little adrenaline junkie in everyone.  That moment when the fight or flight response gives way to that excitement induced high – that release that … Continue reading →

TBEX, or Travel Bloggers Exchange, is coming to Canada this June and I can’t be more excited. To be honest…I am a little daunted!  This will be my first TBEX having narrowly missed last September’s edition in Costa Brava.  I was walking the Camino de Santiago at the time and was torn…do I break up … Continue reading →

A week has come and gone in a flash….hard to believe I am making my way home so soon.  WIth such perfect weather, it was easy to spend time in the plaza, glass of rose in one hand, sunglasses and a smile on my face! No shortages on the wine pour here! Town Square…..we really … Continue reading →

New Orleans Bucket List – things to do in the Big Easy New Orleans’ boisterous attitudes and tropical temperatures feel more like the Caribbean with the easy going, laid back feel and party atmosphere.  It is vibrant and colourful, energized and always ready for a party with music 24/7 – welcome to New Orleans, welcome … Continue reading →

Tips for walking the Camino de Santiago The Camino de Santiago has undergone a revival over the years with the number of pilgrims walking this ancient route to Santiago de Compostela growing considerably.  With numbers flourishing, the growing popularity, at times, can put a strain on the system.  While there are countless churches and villages … Continue reading →

Montreal Bucket List:  7 ultimate winter experiences you have to try! Don’t like winter? Thoughts of snow and ice make you want to run for the sun?  It’s time for a paradigm shift and Montreal’s winter festivities is just what you need to change all that!  Embrace it!  Experience it!  Love it!  Welcome to winter. … Continue reading →

Top 5 Travel Experiences from 2012 2012 was a travel bonanza!  I never would have guessed, ringing in the New Year in Prague, that I would see and experience so much throughout 2012. Travel in 2012 ran the gamut of experiences from luxurious hotel stays in the Mayan Riviera at the Fairmont Mayakoba Resort and … Continue reading →

Swimming with Sea Turtles in Barbados Background: I am not sure when my fascination with sea turtles started….perhaps it was watching Finding Nemo and “Crush”.  I fell in love with these laid back giants and their prehistoric faces.  They are so majestic and graceful as they swim through the water, a laid back attitude that … Continue reading →

San Sebastian – gastronomic hotspot and glamorous international destination – it is no wonder the movie stars keep coming back.  San Sebastian is stunningly beautiful…and that is barely scratching the surface. I lucked out completely.  I unknowingly stumbled into San Sebastian during restaurant week (October 15-28, 2012).  The premise: a showcase of seasonal produce and fine … Continue reading →

Walking to Santiago Hoping to savour my last day on the Camino de Santiago, I left my final pension in Arca rather late.  With the rains of the day before finally past, the trail had an ethereal and misty presence in the morning.  It was the perfect atmosphere for my final day of walking into … Continue reading →

You are never really alone on the Camino de Santiago “Solitude shows us what we should be – society shows us what we are” – Lord Cecil I was often asked if I traveled “The Way” alone or with a group. I found this question to be intriguing as you are never really alone while … Continue reading →

5 Romantic Fall Getaways in Canada The turning of the seasons is always an excuse to embrace your sense of adventure and spend some time away. When summer fades into fall and the days begin to get shorter, there’s no better time to take a romantic weekend getaway and explore some of Canada’s magnificent natural … Continue reading →

The Magic of the Ermita de San Nicolas, Camino de Santiago Words can not describe a special place like the Ermita de San Nicolas.  I had read about it in the Brierley book and wanted to stop to spend the night.  The only issue was that I had only read about it the night before … Continue reading →

Table for one – travelling solo The streets of the Old Walled City of Dubrovnik were packed as the dinner hour neared.  Cafes and restaurants fill their tables, laughter and the sounds of people on holidays fill the air, a global village emerges as languages I could not even begin to identify wafted through the … Continue reading →

Paradise Found in Vis, Croatia Once shrouded in mystery, the island paradise Vis is now a prestige destination with pristine waters and layers of history.  Considered among the top 10 paradise sites of the Mediterranean, once you visit Vis, you may not want to leave.  Previously a military zone of the Yugo era, Vis was … Continue reading →

If Alfred Hitchcock said it – it must be true!  The most beautiful sunset in the world is found in Zadar, Croatia! While a guest of room 204 of the former Hotel Zagreb, Hitchcock is quoted as saying: “The sunset of Zadar is the world’s most beautiful and incomparably better than in Key West, Florida”. … Continue reading →

All my adult life, I have worked towards succeeding in my career, rising to top honours in 2010, sacrificing time with family and friends, forgetting my needs as I gave my all for the ranking of #1 in my company for all of Canada.  Some said it couldn’t be done, but with dogged determination, I … Continue reading →

Welcome to the Happiest 5K on the planet – welcome to the New England Color Run! Nothing prepared me for the scene that unfolded as we walked to the start area for the 5K New England Color Run.  11,000 people registered for the event and bus loads of runners dressed in white were being unloaded … Continue reading →

The cycling in Mallorca is legendary – this island really gives itself up to the cyclist every spring and fall as roads become crowded with lycra clad road bike riders eating up the pavement.  Fuelling your ride is no problem.  The food on the road is amazing – the toughest part of fuelling your ride … Continue reading →

Fireworks have been used for centuries to mark special occasions and festivities such as Canada Day, Fourth of July, Olympic ceremonies and to welcome in the New Year.  Take the guesswork out of photographing fireworks – follow these simple pointers for how to photograph fireworks. When light becomes the subject, consider going fully manual.  For … Continue reading →

2012 is London’s year.  Last year’s royal wedding still fresh in everyone’s mind, the diamond jubilee celebrations barely over, all eyes will again focus on London this summer – the 2012 Summer Olympic games are soon to begin.  Aong with the athletes, it is London’s turn to shine.  Immerse yourself in London – there is … Continue reading →

People from the Maritimes are known for their friendliness and hospitality.  I was looking forward to riding through Atlantic Canada as I was entering the final stretch on my cycle across Canada.  The people I met along the way lived up to their reputation – the hospitality was endless and I consider myself lucky to … Continue reading →

Hotel Review:  The Golden Wheel, Prague Located on the same cobbled streets travelled by kings as they made their way to St Vitus Cathedral for their coronation, The Golden Wheel is perfectly located to experience the history, revel in the charm and the cultural experience that is Prague. This boutique hotel with spacious rooms is … Continue reading →

The days were counting down on the road to Ottawa as my adventure cycling across Canada was bringing me home. With the wind at my back, my bike was tearing up the road – I was making terrific distances as my bike tour racked up another double century (202 kms!) on the road to Sudbury. … Continue reading →

As those of you who regularly follow Travel Destination Bucket List know, I love to travel and love to cycle.  To travel the world by bike, experiencing different cultures and getting up close and personal with the country side would be like a dream come true.  I have had the good fortune to have cycled … Continue reading →

Have you ever heard of the color run?  I am not a runner, so clearly this was news to me.   I am however always looking for a reason to get out there and see new places, try new things, so why not??? (Editor’s note – Run was a blast – check out the New … Continue reading →

No words describe Sa Calobra – as a cyclist, it is just a road you have to experience to believe!  Welcome to the ultimate cycling destination that is cycling Mallorca. The switchbacks are unrelenting – they just keep coming, piling one on top of the other.  The road is narrow and tight.  With the constant … Continue reading →

What constitutes a dreamy travel destination for you? My plan for travel later this year has been growing strong roots in Baja – a week of kayaking the gorgeous warm waters, sun naturally bleaching my hair and bronzing my skin as I paddle along, lost in thought as I watch the world go by!  Sparkling … Continue reading →

A symbol of love throughout Europe, Prague is no exception with the love locks along the canal near the Charles Bridge in Prague’s Mala Strana. The origins of love locks have been attributed to the Italian writer Federico Moccia’s cult novel “I Need You”, written in 2006, however other sources, including Wikipedia, suggest the origins … Continue reading →

Here is Bucket List #2 in the wish list – Countries I would LOVE to visit.  The lists keep growing, so many countries to visit, things to do.  (Bucket List #1 was more an activity or experience based list – there will be some overlap!)  Will I make it to all of them – hope … Continue reading →

I think I am obsessed – I am now dreaming of walking the Camino de Santiago after first being introduced to it only a few months ago. It all started with a friend telling me that she and her mother would like to do the trail – or a portion thereof.  She recommended the book … Continue reading →

Whether your destination is a beach holiday at a Caribbean all inclusive, an adventure holiday in Nepal or Africa, a cultural vacation through Europe, or backpacking along the Australian coast, there are so many options, how do you choose? I am facing this decision as I plan a one week getaway for November.  Don’t get … Continue reading →

Hotel Review:  Grand Palladium in Montego Bay, Jamaica What’s not to love about a week in paradise!  The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Montego Bay Jamaica was everything a weary soul could need!  From the moment I stepped off the airport transfer bus, the staff were there to greet me with a smile, rum … Continue reading →

Teaming with life, Rurrenabaque offers terrific wildlife opportunities for any Bolivian adventure.  Just a short flight from La Paz, Rurrenabaque is a convenient starting point to experience the Amazon.  Take a tour of the jungle, the pampas or combine for the all-inclusive experience! My experience in the Amazon started with a flight to Rurrenabaque.  I … Continue reading →

The Background Looking for something different to do?  Have you tried camel riding?  If you are visiting the popular travel and beach destination of Port Macquarie, approximately 4-5 hours north of Sydney, this may be the adventure for you.  I eagerly donned the helmet provided by the cameleer (aka: camel guide) and took a ride … Continue reading →

We arrived in style – James Bond style.  Our boat was greeted by our friendly guides who escorted us into the stingray reserve.  Many in our group were nervous about stepping into the water full of rays.  Fears that were definitely unfounded as we learned that the Southern Rays are actually known as the puppy … Continue reading →

The splendour that is Nepal remains an Eternal Fascination for me.  The mountains and her people, the temples and the rituals.  Two weeks in Nepal was only a taste! Tucked in between India and China, the Kingdom of Nepal is the jewel of the region.  Her majesty and peaks an inspiration to millions who dream … Continue reading →