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Surprises and Serendipity In Ontario's Highlands

31/8/2018

 

#ComeWander with us in one of Ontario's most delightful travel destinations - Ontario's Highlands.
​
Our Serenity Seeker's travel experience was sponsored by Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization and we thank them for their support. 
​Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase .

Almonte Ontario waterfall Ontario's Highlands Picture
If you're searching for serenity, this is a fine place to start!
Travel enthusiasts have probably heard of the highlands of Scotland, Iceland, Ireland, and Guatemala - but have they discovered Ontario's Highlands? The Ontario's Highlands Tourism Organization encompasses a large geographic territory in the south-eastern part of Ontario, Canada, including the Haliburton Highlands, Hastings County, Lanark County, Frontenac County, Lennox and Addington, and the Ottawa Valley. The vast landscape of Ontario's Highlands is famous for its natural wonders and its bragging rights include the title of Canada's geocaching capital and Canada's whitewater capital.  When Ryan and I visited the Highlands though, we had a different approach to discovering its outdoor treasures.

Thanks to Ontario's Highlands website, we discovered we were "Serenity Seekers", travelers who like to explore with purpose but also with leisure. People who soak in the beauty of nature in a relaxed way. Serenity Seekers are in pursuit of peace, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Sometimes that comes through a vigorous hike to see a waterfall, but it's just as likely to be found in a beautiful spa, enjoying a lovely view, or indulging at local restaurants. 

If you suspect you're a Serenity Seeker like me, there's an enticing three day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Ontario's Highands. We did as much of it as we could, spending a lot of our time around the towns of Almonte and Carleton Place, and we added a few surprise stops of our own! Here are some of our most memorable and serene moments of discovery along the Serenity Seeker's route. 

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Dreaming of a Travel Scarf with Pockets? Meet Your New Favourite Piece of Gear!

11/8/2018

 

I should have been on vacation but I couldn't stop thinking about the next big thing to share with you. If you've dreamed about a travel scarf with pockets, you're going to love this post!

Waypoint Goods provided me with a complimentary infinity scarf with pocket of my choice for review, as well as a scarf for a blog giveaway and I thank them for their support. Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase through said link.

Testing out a scarf with pockets while traveling at Craighleigh Provincial Park: Posing in front of tents Picture
What you see: A big smile while I stay cozy with my hidden pocket scarf in the dining shelter as a rainstorm rages outside. What you don't see: My frantic worry that Ryan left me for some gal with a dry tent when he was late arriving back from a coffee run.
What does summer vacation look like for a travel blogger? Probably a lot like it looks for everyone else! First, there are plenty of indulgent snack foods (hello there, poutine, ice cream, and popsicles). Next, there's a lot of laziness and lounging about in the sun, enjoying the breeze and watching the leaves ripple on the trees. There's even a good amount of time hanging out by the shore, collecting feathers and shells, and generally being thrilled to put social media on snooze. 

Of course, there's also the unexpected rain - but we'll get to that in a moment!

This year, our summer vacation brought us to Craigleith Provincial Park for four nights of southern Ontario camping. Ryan and I stuffed our car with camping gear, beer, extra beach towels (but no pillows.... not our finest moment), a backpack brimming with books, magazines, and board games - and, of course, our dog, Oliver! Aside from the pillows, just one thing was missing and this one was intentional. My laptop was left at home and I couldn't have been happier!

But while I had officially banished work, I couldn't turn off the blogging side of my brain. Case in point: while camping, I was able to try out an incredible travel scarf with pockets, something I've been enamored with ever since I first heard about it. And I couldn't wait to tell you all about it! An infinity scarf with pocket features has been on my travel wish list for a while now. Originally I had visions of cuddling around the campfire in a chic scarf, looking glamorous while keeping my phone and keys safe, but Mother Nature delivered a heck of a rain storm that really let me put things to the test. 

Check out our video showing just how gorgeous Ontario camping at Craigleith Provincial Park really is - on clear days and stormy ones alike! Then read on to learn more about my new favourite travel scarf (and enter to win one for yourself....)

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Washington DC in 2 Days: A $200 Challenge Budget Travel Guide

9/7/2018

 

Washington DC sightseeing is budget friendly travel! Here's how we explored Washington DC in 2 days with just $200 on hand. 

My Washington DC budget travel trip was was sponsored by Hostelling International USA and I thank them for their support. Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase through said link.

Washington DC in 2 days - visiting the Washington Memorial is a classic activity. Picture
If you haven't posed with the Washington Monument in the background, have you even really been to DC?
When I announced my intentions to tackle budget travel in Washington DC in 2 days, people were skeptical. REALLY skeptical. When I further clarified that I was targeting the city for my next $200 Challenge (two people travel for two days and just spend $200), folks were downright incredulous. In fact, one friend warned me that she once had to spend $600 for a "cheap" hotel in the city center! But I wasn't worried. For when it came to Washington DC sightseeing on a budget, I had an ace up my sleeve. After all, I live and work in a capital city. I figured I knew all the secrets to cheap eats and free activities in a political town.

But did I? Planning a 2 day trip to Washington DC was about to test my budgeting chops! With my good friend and fellow blogger Hannah from Eat Sleep Breathe Travel by my side though, I was up for the adventure.

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Passion For Points: Inside Our Round-The-World Aeroplan Extravaganza.

3/7/2018

 

I'm so excited to be telling CTV Ottawa Morning Live viewers (and all of you!) about our amazing upcoming Aeroplan round the world points trip. 

Picture
I'm so proud and excited to have presented travel information (and hopefully a little inspiration too!) with my friends at CTV Ottawa Morning Live. I've had the pleasure to visit them before to talk social media in my role as the owner of Sculpt Social - on my last segment, we chatted about the best designed apps for organization. 

This visit however was extra special as I got to talk about the first love of my life - TRAVEL! Specifically, crafty travel that allows regular folks (like you and me) to maximize their frequent flyer miles. In case you didn't get to see the entire segment - or if you loved it so much you want a recap  - this mini post is for you!

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Our Secret Minimalist Packing Trick: Traveling With Straps and Paracord

23/5/2018

 

What's the secret to minimalist packing? Maximizing the space in your bag by using straps and paracord, the stealthy workhorses of the travel world. 

This post was originally sponsored by Strapworks.com, a proud blog partner and we thank them for their support. Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase through said link.

Backpack with white and green packing cubes to illustrate minimalist packing lists and traveling with paracord Picture
This humble black strap is secretly a travel workhorse.
Five shirts  - never four, never six - some brightly colored packing cubes, a couple of hot chocolate sachets... You probably know my minimalist packing list as well as I do! But there are a few items among my otherwise discerning selection of gear that may just catch you by surprise. One of them is a stick of menthol body glide. It keeps blisters and chaffed skin at bay. Another random addition is the handful of colorful pens I always toss in my purse at the very last minute. After all, you can't have ill-coordinated lists, even when traveling! And the most unexpected item of all? Rope.

Yes, this light packing, anti-adventurist gal carries rope in her backpack. Well, not rope exactly, but, depending on the trip, webbing, straps, and paracord might come along! No, I haven't secretly taken up mountain climbing or hang-gliding or even off the grid camping. Can you imagine? Yet this unusual gear is one of the unsung heroes of my packing success. And with our incredible round-the-world trip looming on the horizon, it is going to be more important than ever before. 

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Where To Stay in Budapest: Hotel Moments Budapest Review

13/2/2018

 

Wondering where to stay in Budapest? Read our Hotel Moments Budapest review to see why it makes great travel memories.

Our Budapest accommodations were sponsored by the local tourism board. This post may contain affiliate links, which pay us a small commission should you click on them and then make a purchase. 

Where to stay in Budapest Hotel Moments Budapest review - headboard and light. Picture
Deciding where to stay in Budapest? I think this incredible headboard is going to make you curious about Hotel Moments Budapest!
If you wondering where to stay in Budapest, we have a great suggestion and it comes from the heart. Hotel Moments Budapest is an ideal mix of everything we look for in a hotel - unique, memorable, comfortable, well thought out, and well positioned to explore. There are abundant architectural features from centuries past which remind you with every turn that you're in one of the world's most beautiful cities  - but the hotel doesn't skimp on modern touches that make even the fussiest of travelers feel at home. If that isn't enough, it's also just steps away from the incomparable Hungarian State Opera House. In short, it's the perfect hotel to make the most of a first time visit to Budapest. 

​Read our Hotel Moments Budapest review to see what our experience was really like... 

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15 Flights for $500: Inside Our Star Alliance Around the World Rewards Trip

18/1/2018

 

In 2013, we created the most incredible reward trip with Aeroplan, circling the globe with Star Alliance.  And in 2018 we're doing it again!

2021 Update: Remember, rules change and Aeroplan has tweaked some of theirs since we wrote this post. So please use it as inspiration and a guide, but double check the fine print on FlyerTalk, our go-to online forum for all things Aeroplan.

Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture
Sailing the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.
Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points.
Hot air balloon ride in Bagan.
Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture
Landing back home in Ottawa.
Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture
Heading to New York.
Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture
In Mandalay.
Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture
In Bruges.
TurnipseedTravel debuted nearly six years ago (and does anyone else remember our very first green and grey template?). Nearly 18 months later, that debut became a fully fledged launch when Ryan and I took our readers along for the journey of a lifetime.

We cashed in all our points for what was technically a trip to Australia but instead embarked on an amazing round-the-world trip fueled entirely by Aeroplan.  See, we had learned about all the reward flight loopholes needed to "hack" our travel plans and create a mini round the world trip with Star Alliance partners. With stops in Europe, Asia, North America (and, of course, Australia), we had 9 flight segments on Star Alliance flights (and visited about 15 different locations) and paid about $300 each for taxes and fees. As you can tell from our nostalgic photos, thanks to Aeroplan, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

​Or so we thought.... 

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Luxury For Less In Budapest: Touring The Hungarian State Opera House

30/11/2017

 

Updated for 2022! Luxury travel in Budapest comes at a very low price when you're touring the Hungarian State Opera House.

Our time in Budapest was facilitated by the local tourist board and we thank them for their support. All research, writing, and opinions are our own. Note that this post contains affiliate ads and links.

Touring the Hungarian State Opera House - panoramic view
Touring the Hungarian State Opera House means taking in gorgeous views like this.
Chandelier seen while touring the Hungarian state opera house.
Ornate ceiling details seen while touring the Hungarian state opera house.
Who doesn't want to add a little bit of luxury to their lives? Budapest may just be the perfect destination for opulence, romance, and grandeur, all on an affordable budget. During our visit, we discovered a destination that loves chocolate, wine, and fine living as much as paprika and goulash, and all at a much more economical price point than Western Europe. I'll count that as a travel win any day! There's so much in Budapest that will sweep you off your feet but the touring the Hungarian State Opera House may just be the finest embodiment of luxurious living. Here are three bargain priced ways to elevate your travels that will have you singing a sweet song!  

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Prague's Best Beer Tour

13/11/2017

 

Updated for 2022! Prague's best beer tour comes with Czech tapas and wine? Yes! And it's perfect for the non-beer drinker.

Our visit in Prague was facilitated by Czech Tourism and we thank them for their support. All research, writing, and opinions are our own. This blog post contains affiliate ads and links.

Wine bottles during Prague's Best Beer Tour Picture
Don't laugh - I did have wine on Prague's best beer tour.
The Czech Republic is home to Pilsner, beer halls, brew pubs, and huge, frothy mugs of your favourite suds for less than a dollar. But none of this makes much of an impression on me. I'm just not a beer drinker. My beer aversion is one of several annoying travel quirks that occasionally challenge our social lives and our budgets. I'm the gal always requesting a fancy mineral water at ten times the price of a regular bottle of beer! So why join in on Prague's best beer tour? When in Rome, er.... Prague..... you do as the locals do!

When Ryan and I had the opportunity to hang out with the team from Urban Adventures and be a part of the Prague Beer and Czech Tapas tour, I knew it would be a neat way to see the city. And I was confident that Ryan would love it. But me? I hardly suspected that a wine and lemonade loving girl like myself would have such a fun night! (Update: Sadly, Urban Adventures no longer operates in Prague but you can use this post to create a DIY tour).

​Here's where we explored, what we sampled, and how we fell for the different flavors of Prague.

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