Tag: travel

Last updated:November 22, 2022

Debbie Olsen, my friend and fellow co-author of 200 Nature Hots Spots in Alberta, is the author of another book, Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta, published in summer 2022 by Firefly Books. If you thought you knew the province – and I certainly did, then I think you would be shocked at what she has uncovered.

In the 272-page book, Debbie will take you across Alberta and show you loads of unusual things including unusual foods invented in Alberta, unusual festivals and events in Alberta, unusual bathrooms for regular people, and unusual sites around the province. What I also appreciated was her “Did you know” additions to many of the write-ups.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra

Last updated:December 1, 2022

It’s that time of year already – when I sit down to pull together the annual HikeBikeTravel outdoor lover’s holiday gift guide. I’ve got lots of suggestions from books to boots, energy bars to food dehydrators and some cozy winter wear. I’m hoping I save you a few trips to the shopping mall, and you find some new ideas that friends and family alike would enjoy.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

Good reads

The Art of Misadventure: The Outtakes and Mistakes of an Adventurous Photographer by Dave Brosha. This is a great read if you need to laugh. Follow along as Dave takes you on some of

Last updated:December 5, 2022

Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah is a gem filled with soaring multi-coloured sandstone cliffs, lava flows, and canyons along with a diverse array of plants and animals including 14 sensitive species. Snow Canyon is not nearly as popular as famous Zion National Park – where everyone seemingly heads for, but a few of the hikes here are mind-blowing. Described are a selection of the best hikes in Snow Canyon – some of which you can knock off in 30 minutes to an hour. Hike at least a couple of them if you’re anywhere near the area.

There are a total of 19 hiking trails in the park covering 38 miles. Although many are short and family-friendly, they still have broad appeal. One of the best hikes in Snow Canyon we did was the Petrified Dunes trail. If you only do one hike,

The Sulphur Skyline trail hike in Jasper National Park draws the crowds, even though it’s take-your-breath-away steep for a good part of it. But the popular hike is a rewarding one, offering up 360 ° degree views from the summit, especially of the Fiddle River, Utopia Mountain, and Ashlar Ridge. It’s one of the view hikes in the Canadian Rockies where you can combine a strenuous hike with a soak in a hot springs – with the other hike being the Sulphur Mountain hike in Banff National Park. The hike starts within spitting distance of the Miette Hot Springs, so while you’re working hard on the hike, you can dream about the soothing waters you can enjoy after.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Buckskin Gulch is a famous slot canyon in Utah boasting the title as the longest continuous slot canyon in the world. According to the Bureau of Land Management, Buckskin Gulch travels through approximately 16 miles of unique formations and rippled sandstone walls in the northern stretch of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. Although you can do the whole Buckskin Gulch hike in a long day, you can also have a wonderful and shorter experience doing the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike. That hike takes only about three hours.

On the Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch hike, you are also able to explore the Wire Pass slot canyon – a worthy experience in my view. If you’re in the Page – Kanab area, this is a great way to experience two slot canyons on one hike. Over several miles you’ll walk through a wash, pass the turnoff to the

#1 Stay Along Canggu’s Main Street Batu Bolong

The main parts of Canggu can be found along Jl. Batu Bolong running towards the ocean. Restaurants, boutique shops, spas, bars, weekend markets, accommodation, it’s all here.

Great idea to stay around here if it’s your very first time coming to Canggu. It’s easily walkable as paved sidewalks have now arrived in Canggu!

#2 Stay At Berawa Beach – Close To Seminyak & Finns Beach Club

Across the bumpy shortcut from here, you will get to Jl. Pantai Berawa, another area I really like. Places are set a little more apart and I recommend a scooter to get to all the cool places.

On this side of Canggu, you will also find Finns Beach Club, a beachfront club with an infinity pool, daybeds, bars and the waves of Berawa right in front of you.

#3 Stay Near Echo Beach & Right Near

Did someone say boujie, chic, or ultra-posh? Referred to by locals as the UES, the Upper East Side of town is where luxury meets fancy with a side of classy.

The Upper East Side is quite a large area and is broken down into three smaller neighbourhoods:

• Lenox Hill
• Carnegie Hill
• Yorkville

The gorgeous streets showcase one stunning mansion after the other and you’ll find plenty of charming parks, coffee shops and incredible museums.

Perhaps you’ve wanted to visit the UES ever since watching Gossip Girl or maybe you’ve never heard of the neighbourhood before – whatever the reason, it’s worth it. It will be one of New York’s best areas you can stay in.

Life moves at a slower pace on this side of Manhatten which is perfect if you want to escape the flashiness of Midtown.

You’ll find a different type of flashy here, as you gaze at

Where are the Moqui Caverns/Kanab Sand Caves?

 The Moqui Caverns are located 6.4 miles north of the Kanab Visitor Centre via Highway 89. Allow 10 minutes of driving time. From the Mount Carmel Junction, they are a 12-minute

Which is Better: Canggu, Seminyak, or Jimbaran?

Canggu, Seminyak, and Jimbaran are all desirable areas when it comes to deciding where to stay in Bali.

However, each of them has slight differences that might make one better suited for you than another.:

Canggu is a laid-back beach town known for having great surfing conditions, plenty of yoga classes, and fun bars where you’ll want to dance the night away!

And then there’s Seminyak which is known for having beautiful resorts, a variety of dining options, and also great options for a lively night out.

You’ll find Canggu and Seminyak are much busier areas than Jimbaran, as they are more popular tourist destinations.

But this might make Jimbaran more appealing for those looking to get out of these bustling areas, and enjoy spending time on quieter beaches with less traffic.

There isn’t quite the same nightlife in Jimbaran as the other

The official countdown has just begun: 41 days left till our Tibet journey and believe me, we can’t wait!

Unfortunately, according to the rules and regulations of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), foreign passport holders should apply for the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) before entering Tibet, and it is not available by independent travelers at the moment. For this reason, we had to book a tour with a travel agency and asked them to apply for the TTP. We were hoping though, as we’ve heard some rumours, that at the beginning of 2012 this regulation should have been changed but it has not till now. Looks like we won’t be able to go sightseeing freely without a travel guide following us all the time, but at least, we will enjoy the view and scenery of magnificent Roof of the World 🙂 and… it’s worth it!

I spent days trying