Your 2020 Dream Staycation: Rent-A-Hostel

It’s no secret I love to travel. It’s been a big part of my life for the last 5+ years and I am someone who usually has a trip in sight that I am looking forward to, saving money for, and planning. After travelling for over 7 months in 2018/2019, I spent the latter half of 2019 back home in Banff working hard to help pay off those travels. To me, travelling is always worth every penny. You can’t put a price on those kinds of experiences and memories. By the start of 2020 though, I was already itching to plan a trip for later in the year.

Fast forward a few months and as you know, chaos hits, the world stops, I find myself laid off for a few months, then eventually back at work working my butt off again just to get on top of life in the current state of the world. 2020’s been fun, right? Unfortunately, travelling didn’t seem like it was going to be in sight anytime soon. Instead of letting myself get too down about this (ok, I’ll admit I was pretty sad for a little while), I decided to focus on what I still could do: explore my own backyard.

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Everest vs. Annapurna

Everest and Annapurna. Maybe these names mean nothing to you, or maybe you’ve heard of them before throughout your research for adventures. Everest and Annapurna are both names of 8000 meter peaks located in Nepal. They are also the names of the regions for trekking where these towering mountains are located. 

It’s no doubt that the Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal are the two of the most popular spots for trekkers, and there’s plenty of reasons why. These areas hold world class trekking, climbing, not to mention jaw-dropping views and beautiful scenery. However, trying to pick exactly which area to go for your adventure (assuming you don’t have the time for both), is often a big decision for trekkers. 

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Five Hikes on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, You Don’t Want to Miss

Somehow my travels landed me here in Australia for the past couple of months. I say somehow because if I’m being honest, in my life plan this was definitely a surprise. I never thought I’d travel to Australia as it was never particularly high on my bucket list. However, having an Australian partner and traveling together since October landed me here: The Sunshine Coast.

I’d like to note that I have nothing against Australia, in fact I’ve completely fallen in love with it. When I previously thought of my top places to travel there were just always other places that came to mind and intrigued me more. I am pleased to report that Australia has surpassed all of my expectations and I truly enjoyed it way more than I anticipated. I have ended up falling in love with this hot and beautiful country and I am feeling sad to be leaving in a weeks time. Read more

JaPOW! The Land of Beautiful People, Gyoza, and Deep Snow

If you’re looking for a place where you can shred waist deep snow, eat incredible food, soak in a relaxing onsen, and end the day surrounded by the friendliest people around, then put Japan to the top of your travel wish list ASAP. 

Japan hadn’t always been on my travel list, but thanks to pro snowboarders and adventure sport films bringing Japan and its high snowfalls into the spotlight, it quickly jumped to the top of my list. After seeing snowboarders carve through that fluffy, deep snow, and having many friends attest to how incredible it was, I had to experience the magic for myself. Soon enough, I was headed to Japan!

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Life on the Road: The Beginning

I write this to you from a Laundromat in a suburb roughly 10 minutes outside the main strip of Las Vegas. Having spent the last 5 days in the desert, visiting Joshua Tree and Red Rocks, it was time to wash the bed sheets and clothes and get that beautiful red desert sand out of our belongings.

This is week three of a seven week road trip. To rewind a little and give you some background, a few months ago I asked to take a one year leave from my place of employment. It was pretty spur of the moment, but something I have dreamed about for a long time. I am not the greatest at making decisions. I am sensitive, emotional, and think way to hard and in depth about things. So the decision to take off and travel for a year wasn’t the easiest thing to do. But one day I snapped. Life caught up to me, and I realized there was never a good time to make such a decision. With an Australian boyfriend who’s visa was up in Canada, a job sucking the life out of me, and finally some savings under my belt, I decided it was time. It was time to follow my dream and experience more of this beautiful world. Read more