Month: December 2016

Wanderlust Wednesday: Travel Junkie’s Guide To A Weekend In Budapest

Published by

  Photo Credit: Michelle Lockwood   Today’s Wanderlust Wednesday feature is by Michelle Lockwood   Perhaps one of the overlooked cities in Europe, Budapest has steadily gained ground as one of the most romantic cities.  Unlike Paris or London, Budapest is still relatively untravelled.  The beauty in this city is the fact that you can roam the streets without too much chance of hearing your native tongue.  There is something incredibly refreshing going to a city and plunging yourself head first without knowing what to expect.  You can still see evidence from the Eastern blockade around the city, but it hasn’t stopped the charm from growing.  Budapest is an incredible stop and an easy two hour train ride from Austria’s capital of Vienna.  Here you will find the top ways to fill your weekend in Budapest. Spend an evening at the Bath house The bath houses have come to be well known throughout Budapest.  It is a favourite pastime of both locals and tourists alike.  The warm waters offer relaxation and an opportunity to soak …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Travel Junkie’s Guide To Columbia’s Hidden Treasures

Published by

Today’s Wanderlust Wednesday feature is by Michelle Lockwood, a world traveler and environmentalist currently based in the Cayman Islands.   Recently voted number two in the Lonely Planet’s must see countries of 2016; Colombia is gaining much more positive attention than it used to and with direct flights from Miami to numerous cities it is now incredibly easy to reach. Often having been associated with cocaine trafficking and the violence led by drug lord Pablo Escobar in the 1980s and 1990s; its reputation has long hindered its growth as a tourist destination, but in the recent years there has certainly been a resurgence of the beauty that makes Colombia iconic.  With exports such as Sofia Vergara, Shakira and of course coffee the world is starting to take notice of Colombia’s geological and cultural beauty.  Backpackers are now swarming to get to know this still hidden gem before it becomes the main event as soon enough it will be out of the shadow’s and on everyone’s South American travel itinerary. La Ciudad Perdida In English known as …

Wanderlust Wednesdays: Christmas in London

Published by

This week’s Wanderlust Wednesday feature is by Tiffany from My Happy Coincidence.  Tiffany is a London based blogger, photographer, and writer who loves exploring new places both within her city and the across the globe. You can explore Tiffany’s work on her blog (My Happy Coincidence) and see her photos on Instagram. _______________ Christmas in London is an encompassing experience. Wander through central London and you’ll soon find that even the smallest alleys are festively decorated. From Trafalgar Square, to Oxford street, to Soho and Covent Gardens, your hunt for twinkling lights and sparkling shop windows will not be disappointing—making the holidays a wonderful time to visit this mild city. Check out London Town’s fantastic guide to holiday lights and displays throughout London. In addition, the city is dotted with a number of charming Christmas Markets to explore. From major markets like the Tait Modern’s to smaller local ones like the Islington Christmas Market, your shopping list will soon be completed and your tummy full of wonderful, hearty market foods and desserts! Time Out London has put together a wonderful guide to finding Christmas Markets …

Saucha Conscious Living: Eat Like You Give A Damn

Published by

The holidays usually means an array of sugary goodness treats.  Are you thinking of hot cocoa with marshmallows, sugar cookies and Christmas pudding? (I think we all are)  While dessert and treats reign supreme around this time of year, one can still eat delicious treats with a healthy mindset.  If you find yourself wanting to indulge but stick to eating with a health-conscious mindset then Saucha Conscious Living has got your covered!  During the holiday season they are offering locally sourced vegan meals.  If you are a hostess-with-the-mostess you might want to consider taking advantage of Saucha’s Healthy Holiday Catering Menu click here to check it out We believe in filling our life with consciously selected products that support our community and the planet. – Saucha Conscious Living To view all their tasty treats click here Holiday Gift Guide: Saucha Conscious Living has got some cool items available that would make excellent gifts this holiday season.  Each item featured supports local and is Eco-friendly. For The Foodie Kombucha & Bites Gift Set Kombucha holiday flavors …

ian somerhalder with dogs

For The Love Of Animals: Ian Somerhalder Foundation Medical Emergency Grants

Published by

  Photo Credit: Ian Somerhalder Foundation A truly heartwarming initiative was started by the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) to aid in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that have heartbreaking stories of being abused, neglected or suffered a traumatic injury.  These animals are deserving and in need of a second chance.  ISF created their Medical Emergency Program to extend compassion to these animals and assist in aiding to their recovery and wellbeing.  ISF launched their Medical Emergency Grant Program on Valentine’s Day, 2014.  A day symbolizing a commitment of love and compassion towards animals— inspiring others to do the same.  Since the inception of this program, they have helped over 1,000 animals including: cats, dogs, turtles, birds, bats, horses, sheep, cows, sea lions, goats, rabbits, and more.  All have benefited from an ISF Medical Emergency Grant— giving them an improved quality of life, resulting in a touching success stories.  These animal rescues are now living happier lives with their new families in their forever homes. The testimony of these animals show, that animals have an …

The Cayman Islands: A Haven for Sharks & Rays

Published by

Photo Credit: Ellen Cuylaerts The Cayman Islands has built its name and reputation primarily on being a renowned diving destination.  Pioneers in our local diving community over the last few decades contributed to building our diving industry into the premier operation that it is today.  They recognized the exquisite beauty our underwater landscape had to offer and have since then made it accessible for locals and tourists to recreationally experience and explore the beauty that lies below the surface for themselves.  With a desire to showcase our natural resources comes with a commitment to preserve them.  Our duty towards conservation for both land and the ocean is beneficial not just from an environmental perspective but also an economic one.  Our tourism industry is strongly tied to our island’s natural resources.  Ergo, an obvious reason to ensure that our natural resources are protected.  Last year on Earth Day (2015), the Cayman Islands officially became a Sharks and Rays Sanctuary.  The sanctuary expands across all three islands.  This is a positive step towards ecotourism as many tourists …