All posts tagged: wanderlust wednesday

Eco-friendly Travel Must Haves

Happy Wanderlust Wednesday! If you are getting ready for your next travel adventure, and you are looking for some great eco-friendly products then this post is just for you.  Curious to find out what’s in my bag? I have 6 easy to travel with eco-friendly travel must haves. They are a selection of basic items. Truth, I am almost always overpack! I am still learning how to pack lighter.  It is safe to say, I could add more items to my bag (and this post). What’s in my bag? Eco-friendly Travel Must Haves The Bag- A reusable Paris themed bag A reusable bag is always a great investment. Plastic bags are a nightmare for the planet.  A reusable bag is wonderful to have when traveling, especially if you like to do some impromptu shopping at a local farmers market or great stores you find along the way.  I love my Paris themed bag, it is a perfect fit for traveling. H2O on the go What is lovely to see, is hydration stations in public venues …

More Than a Rocky Beach: Brilliant Brighton, England

It’s Wanderlust Wednesday and today’s feature is by guest writer Tiffany.  Check out her latest travel adventure, exploring Brighton, England.  Enjoy, xo I wasn’t expecting much more than a beach when I stepped off the train in Brighton, so I was happily surprised to find a beautiful, art-filled city full of amazing coffee and vintage shops awaiting my exploration. Brighton certainly lives up to its name–it’s full of colour! From colourful houses with colourful doors, to fun-loving street art and narrow, bannered street markets, the whole city feels like the set of a Wes Anderson film. Straight from the train to the beach — or that was the plan anyways. Its easy to get distracted in Brighton. Our first stop ended up being street art, vintage shops, and many, many colourful homes! If you have a bit of a thing for pretty, interesting, or colourful doors Brighton is the place for you; home owners take pride in their front stoops and entryways in a very artful way.     When we did make it to …

Down The Rabbit Hole: A Day Trip to Oxford

    Oxford is a magical place. It’s no wonder Lewis Carroll was inspired to write the equally enchanting adventures of Alice in Wonderland here. Here, in a place not more than two short hours from the bustle of London, even the River Thames is quelled by the English countryside’s mystic green. But don’t be mistaken, Oxford isn’t a sleepy green hollow for shisha smoking catapillars. It’s heart beats in synchronicity with London’s as commuter trains connecting the two pump life both in and out. Gaining speed as they rush towards the capital, the trains transform, much like the river, into a proper London rush before turning around to carry escapees to a quieter reality (or wonderland). Oxford’s magic is in its dual identity of countryside haven and bustling academic epicentre. But whether you are a London day-tripper or a resident Oxford student the city provides all the escape you need. A stroll through the university’s Botanical Gardens will inspire your imagination as you gaze at ferne leaves bigger than yourself with stems as round …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Cuba, Compassion is a universal language

Photo Credit: Lori Speirs, TWI Hippies Today’s Wanderlust Wednesday post, is by guest writer Talya Meltem. Talya is cofounder of the TWI Hippies  blog.  In her article, she shares her experience of visiting Cuba. We made it to Cuba. Our lifelong dreams of seeing the famed colourful old time cars and Spanish colonial architecture of La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), had finally came true when we stepped foot onto Cuban land, last Friday. It was hard not to stare at the beautiful people, or tune into every word that we recognized as vocabulary from Spanish Class years ago. We were greeted by two friendly taxi men, holding up a sign reading: “Lori Speirs.” By this time it had started raining cats and dogs, and even as they kindly helped us get into the cab without getting wet, it still hadn’t hit us that we were really in Cuba. Photo Credit: Lori Speirs, TWI Hippies Our driver sped down the rainy highway, zooming past the gorgeous, lush greenery of trees and mountains. For 38 minutes, I had to …

garden of the gods colorado

Wanderlust Wednesday: Why You Should Visit Garden Of The Gods

Colorado, is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.  My absolute favorite spot is Garden of the Gods.  It has an incredible display of red rock formations— a true natural wonder of epic beauty.  I recommend all world travelers should visit this spectacular place at least once. Why You Should Visit Garden of the Gods Garden of the Gods is famous for is red rock formations.  Throughout this National Natural Landmark you have a multitude of dramatic scenic photo opportunities.  There is much serenity walking along the pathways and feeling connected to nature.  It is a great leisurely walk with striking views and vantage points.  One of the coolest vantage points for me was being able to see “The Incline” (Manitou Incline, Colorado Springs)  hiking trail in the distance.  It is a hiking trail that is most definitely on my bucket list. Colorado, is a wonderful place for hiking and Garden of the Gods is one of the easiest hikes with paved pathways.  Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. …

Wanderlust Wednesday: Travel Junkie’s Guide To Hiking The Quilotoa Loop

Photo Credit: Antony Scott The Quilotoa loop is a hike in Ecuador that spans across the Cotopaxi province.  It is a relatively easy hike and you can even find families along the way.  The highlight of the trek is reaching the lake hidden beneath an extinct volcano, but you can also alternate and start at the lake and make your way backwards.  The indigenous people of the region believe that there are mystical powers from the bottomless lake. Expect to get lost Photo Credit: Antony Scott The route to Quilotoa is not very well marked, although this is quickly changing as it becomes more popular; but still expect to get lost.  It is inevitable, don’t lose faith if you do get lost and enjoy the detours in the meantime.  Try your best to plan your route, but be prepared to have to improvise.  At each of your stops speak to other hikers, passersby and the lodging staff.  Everyone will have something to offer or tips for what to do or avoid.  Also, remember that you don’t have to …