3 Lessons Learned From 22 Years of Luggage

10/3/2026

... And do backpacks really deserve a funeral? Here's what I've learned while sorting through all my suitcases and backpacks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

A black and white cat sniffs a white hard suitcase with brown trim, which is standing on a hardwood floorPicture

Admittedly not the best photo - Ebenezer checks out the "new" suitcase.

This winter, Ryan went on a friends' trip to the Dominican Republic. He had everything he needed for a week of sun, sand, and surf - everything except one thing: A suitcase.

Upon learning that his friend planned to check a suitcase, Ryan decided he would do so as well. After all, he'd be hanging around the carousel waiting for his friend's bag. Might as well check one as well and have all the benefits that come with a bigger bag (namely the ability to take along sunscreen unencumbered by carry on restrictions and sufficient shirts to eliminate the need for sink laundry.) There was just one problem. We didn't actually own a mid-sized suitcase. Thankfully, his friend could loan one from his own collection.

The Sweetest Travel Surprise: My Introduction to Apitourism

12/6/2025

Beekeeping is creating sweet new travel adventures. From rooftop hives to Slovenian bee cabins, these are bee-friendly travel experiences you’ll actually want to try.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Bumblebee sits on top of a bright yellow flowerPicture

I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon beekeeping during my travels. It was 2013, at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. I was there on a press tour to learn more about one of the city’s most iconic moments—John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed-in For Peace” in 1969. But while the peace movement was in the past, the hotel was hosting a different kind of quiet revolution in the present—one that was happening on the roof.

Twenty-two floors up, surrounded by the hum of traffic far below, I found something completely unexpected: a rooftop garden bursting with heirloom tomatoes, fragrant herbs—and bees! The hotel had installed hives and was producing its own honey, which they used in everything from cocktails to pastries. As I later learned, this wasn’t a one-off project. In fact, many Fairmont Hotels across Canada and beyond have embraced beekeeping. And I had just gotten my first taste of apitourism.

What To Do In Edmonton When It’s Cold Outside

15/1/2025

Looking for fun things to do in winter in Edmonton? Here’s how to make the most of snowy days, chilly nights, and everything in between.

My trip to Edmonton was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Side of a building with green exterior and sign advertising the home of the Green Onion Cake ManPicture

Edmonton knows how to do winter. Whether it’s bundling up for an outdoor skate or tucking into a warm pastry, this is a city that embraces the season with heart and charm. During my chilly stay, I discovered art, comfort food, quirky museums, and unforgettable moments under the stars—both literally and figuratively. Here are some of my favourite ways to enjoy the city when the temperature drops

The 400 Year Old Hospital and the Crazy True Story of Canada's Most Notorious Hotel Thief

11/12/2024

I got more than I bargained for when I checked into Quebec City's most unique accommodations.

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Antique windows in white frames look out over a courtyardPicture

In the spring of 1639, three young nuns set sail from France, each carrying a hidden key in her habit. Upon landing in the new settlement of Quebec City, they would unseal three sturdy locks on a large wooden trunk that safeguarded all their worldly goods. It also contained something invaluable—a contract to found a monastery hospital, the first in North America outside Mexico.

Little did they realize that one of their future guests* would become Canada’s most notorious** hotel thief, taking three round canisters with them in their luggage after their visit.

*Me. This story is about me.

** The dozen or so people who know this story won’t stop teasing me about it.

At The Nest, I Found My Favourite Place To Perch In Hong Kong

8/12/2024

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Courtyard in Hong Kong showing trees and greenery, benches, a wooden cafe table with a green journal and a bright yellow cafe take out cup Picture

“They love a social enterprise in Hong Kong.”

I wasn’t much more than 12 hours into my first trip to Hong Kong and was eagerly sharing a report of my morning’s adventures to a friend who was on their umpteenth visit yet hadn’t heard of where I had been, a teeny-tiny non-profit coffee shop. Given that we were in a luxury hotel lobby, surrounded by sumptuous designer shops, I couldn’t see much evidence of her declaration. Still, I deferred to her superior knowledge of the region. In the coming days, I would soon see she was right, and with every visit I made to The Nest, I observed just how much Hong Kongers and the people who love visiting them appreciate something different that makes a difference.

The Travel-Inspired Ingredient That Changed the Way I Cook: Vanilla Salt

4/12/2024

From ice cream to barbecue sauce, this easy homemade vanilla salt recipe will change the way you cook and it all came from a cool trip to Hawaii.

This trip may contained affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, this blog may receive a small commission.

A close up shot of kitchen items, including a vanilla pod in a silver dish with sugar and pieces of pottery in the backgroundPicture

Have you ever noticed that nearly every recipe calls for a pinch of salt? Whether you’re baking cookies or simmering soup, salt brings everything to life. It adds texture, balances flavors, and works culinary magic in both sweet and savory dishes. But nothing has transformed my cooking quite like discovering vanilla salt.
Yes--vanilla salt. It might sound a bit strange at first, but stick with me. It’s now one of my favourite kitchen staples.

I first stumbled upon this game-changing ingredient during a visit to the Hawaiian Vanilla Company, the only commercial vanilla farm in the United States. Tucked among jars of vanilla sugar and extract was a small, unassuming pouch labeled “Vanilla Salt.” I thought it might be a typo! But owner Jim Reddekopp quickly assured me it was very real—and very special.

Jim told me his favourite way to use it was to sprinkle it over dark chocolate caramels. Salted caramel with a vanilla twist? Yes, please! I brought a bag home and immediately started experimenting—and let’s just say my cooking hasn’t been the same since

Experience Christmas Magic at Cumberland’s Vintage Village Of Light

25/11/2024

At Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa, you'll be transported back to 1920s-style Christmas at the Vintage Village of Lights event.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Colourful holiday lights adorn heritage buildings, fences, and trees on a snowy evening.

Some of the very best holiday experiences are rooted in nostalgia. From decades-old family recipes to nights spent carolling the tunes of yesteryear, something about celebrating the many layers of Christmas past feels incredibly cozy and comforting. Those feelings are in full force at the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum.

Every December, the Museum opens its grounds for visitors to enjoy the Vintage Village of Lights. The Museum is covered in Christmas lights, 30,000 of them, in fact! They adorn the fences, the trees, and the beautifully preserved buildings in one incredible, delightful display of holiday cheer. If you're attending this year, here's what you should know before you go.

Packing Tips for Traveling with Eyewear

19/11/2024

If you're planning a trip away, you've likely included some form of eyewear in your suitcase or carry-on. Whether it's a pair of glasses for vision correction, sunglasses for UV protection, contact lenses to help with eye dryness, or even goggles for water activities, eyewear is always essential to help you soak in the sights at your chosen destination.

However, a misplaced lens or some broken frames can happen at any time. Often, it's the little things that can put a damper on your sightseeing — the plastic nose pads could break off, or the tiny metal screws on your frames' arms suddenly become loose or unhinged. A visit to an optometrist might save your eyewear, but taking a side trip to get some assistance could put a dent in your travel plans and eat up some precious time.

If you want to make good use of your glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses throughout your trip, here are a few packing tips for traveling with eyewear.

Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Rides A Chair Lift

17/10/2024

In Mont-Orford, Quebec, my eyes were amazed but my stomach was queasy. This is what it was like riding a chair lift for the very first time!

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Scenic vista from a mountain top, with stairs and chair lift support system seen.Picture

When I travel, I like to explore twists and turns: A windy road, a crooked bookstore, the cozy nooks in tiny coffee shops. What I don't like, and generally avoid at all costs, are ups and downs. I avoid mountains, caves, ledges, edges, ladders, crevices, tunnels, and trenches. I am not a gal designed for adventure and I'm rather proud of the fact that I've proved that you can travel around the world without the need to parachute, paraglide, or procure a pair of trekking poles.

But every now and then, there's a chink in my armour. I ignore decades of ironclad evidence that I don't have daring bone in my body and I do something rash, something utterly beyond my bravery. And that, precisely, is what I found myself doing at the Mont-Orford Ski Resort in Quebec's Eastern Townships.

This is what happens when an anti-adventurist rides the world's tallest*, steepest*, most terrifying chair lift.

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3 Lessons Learned From 22 Years of Luggage

... And do backpacks really deserve a funeral? Here's what I've learned while sorting through all my suitcases and backpacks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

The Sweetest Travel Surprise: My Introduction to Apitourism

Beekeeping is creating sweet new travel adventures. From rooftop hives to Slovenian bee cabins, these are bee-friendly travel experiences you’ll actually want to try.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

What To Do In Edmonton When It’s Cold Outside

Looking for fun things to do in winter in Edmonton? Here’s how to make the most of snowy days, chilly nights, and everything in between.

My trip to Edmonton was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

The 400 Year Old Hospital and the Crazy True Story of Canada's Most Notorious Hotel Thief

I got more than I bargained for when I checked into Quebec City's most unique accommodations.

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

At The Nest, I Found My Favourite Place To Perch In Hong Kong

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

The Travel-Inspired Ingredient That Changed the Way I Cook: Vanilla Salt

From ice cream to barbecue sauce, this easy homemade vanilla salt recipe will change the way you cook and it all came from a cool trip to Hawaii.

This trip may contained affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, this blog may receive a small commission.

Experience Christmas Magic at Cumberland’s Vintage Village Of Light

At Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa, you'll be transported back to 1920s-style Christmas at the Vintage Village of Lights event.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Packing Tips for Traveling with Eyewear

Tales From The Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Rides A Chair Lift

In Mont-Orford, Quebec, my eyes were amazed but my stomach was queasy. This is what it was like riding a chair lift for the very first time!

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

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... And do backpacks really deserve a funeral? Here's what I've learned while sorting through all my suitcases and backpacks.​Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Beekeeping is creating sweet new travel adventures. From rooftop hives to Slovenian bee cabins, these are bee-friendly travel experiences you’ll actually want to try. ​This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

​Looking for fun things to do in winter in Edmonton? Here’s how to make the most of snowy days, chilly nights, and everything in between.My trip to Edmonton was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

I got more than I bargained for when I checked into Quebec City's most unique accommodations.​My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

​From ice cream to barbecue sauce, this easy homemade vanilla salt recipe will change the way you cook and it all came from a cool trip to Hawaii.This trip may contained affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, this blog may receive a small commission. ​

At Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa, you'll be transported back to 1920s-style Christmas at the Vintage Village of Lights event.​This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

In Mont-Orford, Quebec, my eyes were amazed but my stomach was queasy. This is what it was like riding a chair lift for the very first time!My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Post Categories

Posts by Date

... And do backpacks really deserve a funeral? Here's what I've learned while sorting through all my suitcases and backpacks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Beekeeping is creating sweet new travel adventures. From rooftop hives to Slovenian bee cabins, these are bee-friendly travel experiences you’ll actually want to try.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Looking for fun things to do in winter in Edmonton? Here’s how to make the most of snowy days, chilly nights, and everything in between.

My trip to Edmonton was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

I got more than I bargained for when I checked into Quebec City's most unique accommodations.

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

From ice cream to barbecue sauce, this easy homemade vanilla salt recipe will change the way you cook and it all came from a cool trip to Hawaii.

This trip may contained affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, this blog may receive a small commission.

At Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in Ottawa, you'll be transported back to 1920s-style Christmas at the Vintage Village of Lights event.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

In Mont-Orford, Quebec, my eyes were amazed but my stomach was queasy. This is what it was like riding a chair lift for the very first time!

My trip to Quebec was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.