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Destination: COSTA RICA
"Centering yourself on a surfboard or yoga mat, descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks, hiking, biking or ziplining – your only limit is your return date." - From our friends at Lonely Planet * as of January 5th, 2022 ENTRY: No need for a COVID test to enter country. Unvaccinated travellers must have proof of travel health insurance. Must acquire a Digital Health Card online prior to arrival, regardless of vaccine status. This QR Code must be shown at border upon entry. WHILE THERE: Mandatory masks indoors and public transport. Must be fully vaccinated to enter most venues (bars, restaurants, malls, theatres etc). A helpful video that touches on the history of Costa Rica, but focuses on 12 great travel tips that will no doubt help your trip planning. Leave a comment below and share some of your Costa Rican travel experiences...can't misses, helpful tips, how to get around etc.
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Destination: SCOTLAND...in the Fall
"Scotland has many treasures crammed into its compact territory – big skies, ancient architecture, spectacular wildlife, superb seafood and hospitable, down-to-earth people" - From our friends at Lonely Planet
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Destination: NEW ZEALAND
Get ready for mammoth national parks, dynamic Māori culture, and world-class surfing and skiing.
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Destination: ZION
Get ready for an overdose of awesome. The soaring red-and-white cliffs of Zion Canyon, one of southern Utah's most dramatic natural wonders, rise high over the Virgin River. Hiking downriver through the Narrows or peering beyond Angels Landing after a 1500ft ascent is indeed amazing. But, for all its awe-inspiring majesty, the park also holds more delicate beauties: weeping rocks, tiny grottoes, hanging gardens and meadows of mesa-top wildflowers. Lush vegetation and low elevation give these magnificent rock formations a different feel from the barren parks in the east. Most of the park's 4.5 million annual visitors enter along Zion Canyon floor. Even challenging hikes become congested between May and September (shuttle required). Yet, there are other options. Up-country, on the mesa tops (7000ft), it's easy to escape the crowds – and the heat. And the Kolob Canyons section, 40 miles northwest by car, sees one-tenth of the visitors year-round. - From our friends at Lonely Planet Looking to Commemorate The Parks You've Visited?
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Currently Reading: Raven Smith's Trivial Pursuits
Matt C. Each summer I tend to devour a few handfuls of 'beach reads' wether i'm lounging by Kitsilano Pool or at Secret Beach here in Vancouver. We've had our hottest days yet this summer, and I'm currently (audibly) laughing my way through Raven Smith's Trivial Pursuits. A collection of essays about modern life comes from the journalist, which are much in the style of the candid and humorous nature of some of my fav others, Nora Ephron, David Sedaris and Carrie Fisher. He discusses the 'minutiae of everyday modern life and culture' talking about what goes through his head in a yoga class, to being tall to his struggles as a lonely teenager coming out - which are all brutally, hilariously relatable. You can order the book on Amazon by clicking here.
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How to Stay Cool in a Heatwave: Camping Edition
Rebecca L. Temperatures are rising this week in British Colombia, and we are about to be baking under 30 plus degrees over here! I’m heading out to alpine meadows for a much-needed camping trip this weekend, and with the heat coming in I thought I’d share a few tips on how to stay cool whilst in a tent…. PITCH IN THE SHADE Pretty obvious, but if your tent is out in the sunshine, you’re gonna be waking up to some serious rays over your head. Find a spot where you’re going to be shaded by the trees of a morning, and mid-afternoon.TARP UPIt’s all good finding shade for your sleeping spot, but if you can set up some extra tarps over-head, you’ll really benefit from the extra sun protection. You can set up a few to cover your tent, and your table area so you can enjoy your food without sweating into it too much. Tarps are also great for rainy season camping, so they’re a great piece of kit to add to your camping gear. REFLECTIVE BLANKETS Another good idea is to cover your tent with a reflective surface. The blankets from a first aid kit work great, and you could even use the reflective window covers for cars too. Having a surface that can reflect some of the sun from your tent will make a huge difference! STAY BY THE WATER If you’re camping near a river or a lake, it’s nice to be close so you can dip in for a little cool off. Nothing better than getting your toes into some cold water when you’re feeling a little overheated. Plus, if you can take a few beach balls and floaties, could be a fun time too! DE-LAYER If you're pretty certain there’s not gonna be any rain, you could always remove the rain fly from your tent and sleep inside the mesh inner section. This would be the coolest way to sleep through those super hot nights, and you will have a full view of the stary night sky too! HYDRATE The most important thing you can do in any hot weather is stay hydrated. Drink lots of water!What are your tips for staying cool in the summer camping heat? Let us know in the comments!
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Women Who Wander
An organisation aiming to increase female participation in all things outdoors!
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The Best Swimming Pools in the World
Rebecca L. With the weather getting hotter here in British Columbia, there is nothing more satisfying than a cheeky dip in the pool to cool down. Yesterday the sun was shining, and it was pretty much the hottest day of the year so far, so I headed down to the beach for a swim after work. Our pools are finally opening back up and it’s looking to be a nice season for pool-side chillin’ and swimming. So here’s a short list of some of the most amazing pools from around the world. First up…. San Alfonso Del Mar, Chile This private resort in Algarrobo, Chile held the Guinness Book of Worlds Records for the largest pool in the world by area back in 2006. Holding around 250 million litres of filtered seawater from the Pacific Ocean, and stretching 3,323 feet in length, this is truly a huge swimming hole. The Cambiran Hotel Pool, Switzerland Located in the Swiss Alpine village of Adelboden, this outdoor heated infinity pool looks out onto the Swiss Alps. The hotel is a wellness hotel & spa and looks to be a very beautiful location for a retreat. One & Only, Maldives This luxury island getaway spot is bougee AF, but check out this adult-only, 30-metre infinity pool. Stretching out into the lagoon, this pool gives the illusion you are floating within the ocean. What is the most amazing pool you have ever swam in? Tell us in the comments!
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Listen: Song of the Summer
Matt C. After a long 4 year hiatus from new music, New-Zealander Lorde has dropped her new highly anticipated single (and music video!), Solar Power. The song, co-wrote and co-produced with Jack Antonoff, (along with Phoebe Bridgers and Clario on back-up vocals) is a stripped-back, chilled out new sound, which will have me gleefully skipping to the beach this summer. As for the album? Here’’s what she has to say: “The album is a celebration of the natural world, an attempt at immortalising the deep, transcendent feelings I have when I’m outdoors. In times of heartache, grief, deep love, or confusion, I look to the natural world for answers. I’ve learnt to breathe out, and tune in. This is what came through. I want this album to be your summer companion, the one you pump on the drive to the beach. The one that lingers on your skin like a tan as the months get cooler again.” With my summer companion in place, Lorde and I will meet you at the beach! You can listen to Solar Power on Spotify here.
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