Canada's Adventure Couple

Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel
Our Favorite Holiday Gifts for Travel
6 Ways This Introvert-Extravert Couple Makes Travel Work
The Fear of Travel: A Fireside Chat with Rick Steves
22 Photos that Will Make You Want to Visit Nova Scotia’s South Shore
Unplug and Recharge – My Sojourn in Banff, Alberta
Looking Sharp in TravelSmith’s Men’s Travel Clothing
You’ve found your Purpose, Don’t let it Consume You
Coasteering in Wales – Your Weekend Travel Video Break
Sziget Festival – Everything you Need to Know to Enjoy the Party
A Winter Wonderland in Banff Lake Louise
Coasteering, It’s Not as Scary as you Think

Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel

Posted: 02 Dec 2015 02:00 AM PST

Dave and I went on our first real travels in 2000 when we spent five weeks on a trip to Thailand that changed our lives. We've been avid travellers since then and can now boast having 15 years of travel under our belts. We recently heard that American Express is celebrating 100 years of travel service, and we immediately thought this would be a good time for us to look back and reflect on our most memorable travel experiences.

The early days in Thailand, the trip that changed our lives

We've always said that it is the people that make the experience memorable, and that notion has never changed. From guides who turned into lifelong friends to hotel staff that went the extra mile to help us out, we've had some amazing adventures. The service providers of the travel industry are the journeymakers that can change lives. Little do they know their friendly attitudes, words of encouragement, travel knowledge and offhand jokes will last with us forever. While they go on to help the next customer or lead the next group of tourists, we will always remember our experience abroad because of them.

journeymakers american express travel content

Our most memorable experience of excellent service was definitely climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp with our guide Deep. He was kind and gentle yet strong as an ox as he guided us up to view the world's tallest mountain. I never understood where he packed his endless supply of pomegranates that he peeled and separated for us each night as a treat before dinner. Sure, he guided us to base camp with ease and we felt safe in his hands, but it was the little things like the pomegranate and bringing me tea when my sinuses were congested in the middle of the night that we'll always remember.

Sher and Deep our Journeymakers on Everest

While Everest was a great adventure and a moment in time where we pushed ourselves to our limits, we've also experienced great service while also relaxing in the lap of luxury.

I remember sitting in a hotel in Santorini, Greece spending quite a bit of time on the phone with American Express as they helped me through my upcoming trip. I made two calls that day. One was to make sure the car I just rented on my Platinum Card was indeed covered by travel insurance (it was), and another call was made to book a hotel using Membership Rewards to book a week in a downtown Athens Hotel. As I sipped coffee overlooking the caldera of the world's most romantic destination, I was given peace of mind and confirmation for my upcoming travels.

Dave talking to American Express in Santorini

Read: In Search of Living an Enriched Life

I then chatted with the operator telling her about where I was at that exact moment and we exchanged a few stories before hanging up and going on with my day. It was the easiest experience, and I'll never forget how patient both representatives were with my barrage of questions.

Asking questions from my hotel room in Santorini

Throughout our 15 years of travel, we've always loved including a great adventure in our travels. Even during our days on a tight backpackers budget, we managed to climb mountains and book safaris. We'd divert our hotel budget to our adventure budget and stay in cheap guesthouses to satisfy our adventurous needs. As we aged, the guesthouses were no longer an option but we always hate to waste too much money on hotels. That's where rewards have come in handy. With our Amex Platinum Card we are automatically eligible for stays with several hotel programs and we often use our rewards to cover our hotels stays. While our accommodations have grown to a more luxury status to suit our age and taste, we still make sure to push beyond our limits and step out of our comfort zone. And while we love a good adventure, we won't turn down a pampering massage or luxury suite overlooking an incredible skyline.

We love a good climb

I remember talking with Liloo Alim: the concierge at Four Seasons Toronto about what makes great service.She said, "Excellent service is guest recognition, personalizing the service, trying to find that special connection, being genuine and sincere and, really loving what you do."

Dave with Liloo

We agree.It's the personal service that we always remember. Just recently we were staying at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai and each morning, we went to the omelette station. It was jam packed and filled with people from all over the world sampling food from 7 different international food stations. But the man preparing the food instantly knew what I wanted the second morning I stopped by. "Mushroom and cheese omelette?" he said. "Wow, you have a good memory." We then chatted about his home country of Nepal and it made my day. What a perfect way to start the morning.

Our friendly chefs in Dubai

American Express says, "Great service is making the consumer feel more than just a customer."I definitely felt like more than a customer in Dubai and it's the moments when I feel more like a friend than a customer that always make me remember my travel experience.

Check out: Create Lasting Memories in Your Own Backyard

American Express aims to provide their Cardmembers with a full service experience from end to end. From easy booking online or over the phone, to their Cloud 10 airport benefits at Toronto Pearson Airport like free Wifi, access to Priority Security Lanes, and quiet airport lounges around the world to offering 24-hour customer service, no matter where you are in the world.

Read: Tips for Stress Free Travel

Deb enjoying peace and quiet in the lounge

We've loved representing Amex Canada as their Travel Ambassadors for the past four of their 100 years of service. To us, they are at the top when it comes to travel service. We've been using them since our first travels in the 90's when we brought American Express Traveller's cheques wherever we went. We bought American Express Traveller's insurance prior to being proud Cardmembers as of 2011. The perks we've received from our Gold Rewards and Platinum Cards have offered us huge value, countless rewards, and impeccable service we'll never go back to traveling without it.

Learn more about American Express' travel offerings at americanexpress.ca/travel

Read the original post Here’s to the Journeymakers, Celebrating 100 Years of Travel on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Our Favorite Holiday Gifts for Travel

Posted: 30 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST

It’s that time of year again! The time when everyone is scrambling to find the perfect gift for the ones they love. If you are anything like us, I’m sure you have a friend or loved one that enjoys their vacation time, so we thought we’d help make things easier for you by rounding up a few of our favourite holiday gifts for travel.

Gifts for Travel by TravelSmith

And better yet, we’re giving you a deal! You’ll receive 15% off your purchase at TravelSmith when you spend $50 or more by using PlanetD discount code.

So without further adieu, enjoy our these holiday gifts ideas for the travel lover in Your life.

Holiday Gifts for Travel

For Him

See more gift ideas for men’s travel at Travel Clothes for Guys

Audio-Technica Noise Cancelling Headphones
If your husband is anything like mine, he loves his music. Dave cannot travel without it and noise cancelling headphones are the way to go when it comes to traveling.

Harris Tweed and Leather Dopp Kit
A man needs to be organized and this dopp kit is a classy way to store all his toiletries in one place. It’s leather base keeps things dry and easy to clean to.

Merino Blend V-Neck Vest
I’m ordering this one for Dave for Christmas (shh don’t tell him) I love how a vest spruces up a simple shirt and pants. It’s perfect for a night out when you want to look smart, but don’t want to look like you are trying too hard.

eTools Organizer
My guy loves his electronics but all the chords and accessories that go along with them can be overwhelming, that’s where the eTools Organizer comes in handy with elastic loops and different compartments for all his electronic accessories.

Leather Touch Screen Gloves
There’s nothing worse than having to take your gloves off on a cool day to to use your smart phone. The touch sensor technology has put an end to all that and they look classy too!

For Her

Looking for more gift ideas for travellers? Check out 10 Must Have Items to Make Air Travel Easier

Rejuvawear Footless Compression Leggings
These leggings are perfect for the after holiday season when we all have enjoyed a little too much holiday cheese balls and egg nog. The compression leggings hold everything in in all the right places.

Ushma Gold Silk Wrap
I recently ordered this wrap from TravelSmith and fell in love with it. It keeps me warm on the plane when the air conditioning is cranked too high, it dresses up my evening outfit, and it keeps me modest when walking into a temple overseas. It’s great for everything.

Pacsafe Cross Body Bag
I love my Pacsafe tote and if I didn’t have to carry a computer with me and so much camera gear, I’d use the cross body bag instead. It’s streamlined and stylish and best of all, it blocks cyber thieves with RFID technology.

Dual Voltage Flat Iron – I have ruined more than one flat iron and curling iron while traveling overseas. While many electronics now automatically have dual voltage, hair accessories normally do not. That’s why a dual voltage flat iron is a must for the female traveller in your life. I use my flat iron to straighten and curl my hair. I haven’t used a curling iron in years once I learned how to curl and manipulate my locks with a flat iron.

3-in-1 Sweater Blanket
Women love a versatile piece of clothing and the 3-in-1 Sweater Blanket is as versatile as it gets. Use it as a pillow, a blanket or dress up an outfit on a cool evening this is stylish and functional.

Also see: 9 Anti Theft Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel

Stocking Stuffers

Check out more holiday gifts for travel lovers: We Recommend 8 Great Travel Organizers

Handle Wraps
I cannot tell you how many times my handle wraps have helped me differentiate my luggage from someone else’s. We put them on every handle we’ve got to make them stand out from the crowd.

Smart Envelope
Dave has never packed so well since he got his smart envelope. His shirts come out almost perfectly pressed instead of a crumpled mess when flying. After we unpack, we just give them a spritz with wrinkle wiz garment spray and he’s good to go.

T-Shirt Cubes
If you talk to any well-travelled person these days, their favourite item for packing is most definitely cubes. Packing cubes are a great way to save on space and organize your clothes.

Bottle Protectors – If you are like me, you always buy the local spirit of the destination you are visiting. We’ve got a great 16 year old whiskey that we’re nearly out of and we can’t wait to go back to Ireland to replenesh it! A Bottle protector ensures that your treasured liqueur will make it to its final destination instead of broken in your luggage caused by a rogue piece of gear.

TSO Foldable DayPack
Travelers often need a daypack when sightseeing but I hate to pack another heavy bag. Instead, we opt for foldable day packs. This one packs into its own pocket and is lightweight making it easy to pack away in your luggage ready for use whenever you need it.

An Introvert – Extravert Travel Couple

And Introvert and Extravert Go Travelling Together…

Are you a couple looking to travel together? Check out How to Survive Couples Travel together

But introvert and extravert are simply labels. Though Nathan and I are on separate ends of this spectrum, we are not complete opposites, and our tendencies often overlap. As well, introversion and extraversion are not just about socializing, as is commonly thought, but have a greater significance relating to the way we deal with the world. Indeed, these qualities affect nearly everything we do, including travel.
Traveling as an Introvert& An Extravert

What is an Introvert?

An introvert is a person who deals primarily internally with things. They typically have an active mind of great depth and enjoy spending time in solitude. This is because introverts have a rich inner world which keeps them occupied and delighted. Socializing or spending time in groups tends to drain the introvert, who has to use a great deal of energy to engage outwardly. Introverts may or may not be shy, but no matter how social they are, they need time to recharge. Spending time alone and doing solitary activities is the best way for an introvert to feel at their best.

Hey Travel Couples, enjoy this read: A confession to my Travel Partner

What is an Extravert?

Extraverts aren’t always social butterflies, but they do find that connecting with others gives them energy. These folks relate externally with the world. Extraverts are likely to be talkative and energetic. They may need human interaction to feel vibrant and to have a strong sense of self. Although they may enjoy spending time alone now and again, most extraverts don’t require it. Much of the time they would prefer to be sharing moments and memories with those they love.

Based on the descriptions above, Nathan is a true introvert and I a true extravert. But people are unique and more than just a description. As an extravert, my personal quirk is that I process my thoughts out loud. Thus, I talk probably 95% more frequently than Nathan, who considers things privately in his own mind. He has to bear with me when I’ve got a lot to get out! Of course, there are no cut and dry rules and both of us drift into the opposite territory now and again. Nearly everyone possesses characteristics of both extremes.

Introvert – Extravert Travel Tips

Traveling as a ‘Vert

As a traveler, it may be easier to be an extravert, particularly if you’re traveling alone. Meeting people is often more doable when your inner energy is driving you to connect with others. Then again, traveling alone might be the dream for an introvert. Total freedom, total anonymity. It’s alone time all the time.
But whether you are an introvert or an extravert, travel is for everyone.
When traveling as a couple, there are many challenges that come into play. Add to that the balance of extraversion and introversion and you’ve got another quandary to contend with.
How do you travel successfully as a couple when one of you is an introvert and the other is an extravert?
After more than 3 1/2 years together, we’ve discovered several key ways to make sure your travel experience is fulfilling and wonderful… for the both of you.

Know Yourself

The best way to ensure your needs are met at home or on the road is to know what those needs are. This has been especially important for Nathan as an introvert. After days without any time on his own, Nathan knows he needs that break. Even I, his favorite person, can drain him after awhile. I’ve learned not to take that personally, but to realize that this is simply the nature of the introvert.Nathan knows he needs to have this time alone, so he has to plan for it. It’s easy to ignore that yearning to dive into a book or go for a solitary walk, but if he neglects his needs, he starts to get distracted, irritable, or even stop talking altogether.

Tips for Travel Couples: How Traveling as a Couple Makes Life Easier

When traveling as a couple, it’s a good idea to take time by yourself every couple of days, particularly if you are traveling long term. While I personally don’t usually feel a pressing need to do this, when Nathan goes off to recharge, I find that I, too, treasure this time on my own. I can shop all afternoon, go on a long, thoughtful walk, or sit around the hotel room and belt out showtunes to my heart’s content. And admittedly, singing loudly is sometimes what I need to recharge!

Balance Your Activities

The most successful relationships are those in which both people are willing to meet their partner’s needs, even if occasionally that means their own play second fiddle. Though Nathan is not as keen on constantly meeting new people or making rambunctious travel Snapchat videos with me (psst! follow us at twodrifters) he will do these things. Why? Because he loves me. While at times we may spend an afternoon or several hours on our own, mostly, we like to be together. Everything is more fun and more memorable when it is shared with our fellow drifter. So, now and then, we choose to give of ourselves for the other person’s happiness. In long-term love, it’s just what you do.
Since Nathan does it for me, I repay the favor. We ensure that our travel plans are pleasing to both of us. Fortunately, a lot of our interests are very similar, so we have plenty of activities we both want to pursue, but when our interests or preferences diverge, we make sure to include each of them in our trip.

Have a Code Word

It’s all about balance. As the extravert in this couple, I know I have to remain attentive to how Nathan feels (although the real responsibility for that lies with him). If we are out and about or socializing heavily with new people, we have a code word we’ve agreed upon that lets me know Nathan is fading fast. Introverts can only give so much, and though our lively conversations may be invigorating to me, they may be stealing every shred of energy from him. When the code word is spoken, we know it is time to wrap it up. This may mean we bid goodnight and head back home together, or it might mean Nathan excuses himself and lets me spend some more time socializing with friends. Either solution is great, and ensures we both get what we want and need.

Have Fun YOUR Way

As an introvert, Nathan says he often feels a certain pressure to be more social or to want to be outgoing. These pressures can increase when a person is traveling. You feel pushed to “take advantage” of every possible activity and meet every other traveler. Isn’t that what travelers are supposed to do? But most of the time, that isn’t what Nathan naturally craves, and sometimes, forced social situations, or moving fast to see every single site ends up as nothing but stress. You know what? He’s had to come to terms with the fact that that is okay. We are all unique and different and though he’d prefer to read in a coffee shop than party in a crowded pub or beat the crowds to the Trevi Fountain, that decision is completely normal and acceptable. And extravert or not, I am generally on the same page. Couches, lattes, and books are our jam.

Consider Accommodation Carefully

As we get older (cough cough, 30’s) we know we’ll stay in hostel dorm rooms less and less. When we were younger and single, dorms were fine. In fact, with a low budget they were ideal. But now we know we crave privacy as a couple, and would rather shell out a bit more cash to have the comfort and sanity of our own private room. Knowing that Nathan is an introvert, I can’t imagine how he handled those crowded, noisy dorm rooms in the past. A moment alone is impossible to obtain in those situations. If you are an introvert, consider springing for a single room if you’re on your own, or try to opt for the smallest possible dorm. Both solo and as a couple, knowing and meeting your needs starts to come first where travel is concerned. Saving a few pennies is not worth your happiness.

Most Importantly, Communicate

Nearly every relationship issue can be solved by simple, ongoing communication. How will your partner know what you need if you don’t tell them? Even now, as well as I know Nathan, he has to let me know when he’s yearning for alone time. And if I’m having a rough day and need to vent and cuddle, Nathan doesn’t automatically know this. I just have to ask.

Keeping an ongoing dialogue about our needs is what ensures we travel happily and successfully together.

And the next piece? Compromise. A mature relationship is about working together as a team. When one team member needs us, we have to roll up our sleeves and help them out. This isn’t always easy or pleasant (in fact sometimes it’s a downright pain), but if you love someone, it’s what you do.

And if you’re both committed to doing your best, when its your turn to be down and out, it’s your partner’s turn to be your solid rock. Compromise and giving when its needed will ensure that your introvert/extravert travels–and your life together–will truly go the distance.

Author Bio:

Amy is one half of Two Drifters, a couples travel blog that focuses on adventure and love. Alongside her fiance Nathan, Amy enjoys living a digital nomad lifestyle, working from home, and journeying wherever the wind takes them.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest & Snapchat

There is a lot of fear floating around the world these days. Each time I turn on the news, there are images of destruction and unrest all around the world. It’s no wonder people are fearful of travel. When all you see are countries in turmoil, you want to hold up in your own little corner and wait for things to settle down. But if you hold onto that fear of travel, you’ll be missing out.

fear of travel

Recently we spent some time with my parents in Florida. Mom and dad had 24 hour news stations going on whenever we were in the house. It was a barrage of constant negativity and destruction. They could filter it out and not let it affect them, but I felt depressed just watching it. When we told them our next stop after Florida was Dubai, my dad’s question was, Is it safe? As I read Rick Steves latest Op-Ed for the Los Angeles Times entitled Tune out Cable News and Turn Away Fear, I thought of my dad’s question. Rick Steves first line states “I miss the days when people would say “Bon voyage” to travelers heading off. Today, Americans instead say “Travel safely.”

Fight the Fear of Travel

You don’t have to fear travel.

Dave and I have travelled the globe for 15 years. We’ve been to 105 countries, and in that time we’ve travelled through many places that people are afraid of. Places like Sudan. We visited Sri Lanka during an election following a 30 year civil war and we were in Myanmar during the reign of the military junta. I don’t think we ever had anyone say “be safe”, or ask us” is it safe to go there” more than we have these past few years. But does a riot in Baltimore stop you from traveling to New York or LA? Of course not.

If I went by the images on my TV set, I’d never travel to the United States. Last year there were shootings at Canada’s national parliament. The images on the news were terrifying, but that hasn’t stopped people from visiting our country. So why do so many people decide not to travel abroad when something happens elsewhere?

Enjoy our: 6 Tips to Help you Face Your Fears

A Warm welcome in Sudan

We have always believed that travel breaks down barriers and opens people’s minds. That is why when we saw TripIt’s latest interview with Rick Steves talking about the fear of travel we were excited to share it. Rick Steves is a travel icon. He has been traveling through Europe for more than 30 years and has seen it all.

When we first travelled to Paris in 1998, we watched his videos on VHS to get an idea of what to see and do. He says, “It is really no more dangerous now than it was before.” And we agree. Sadly, human nature hasn’t changed. There has been violence and corruption since the dawn of time and I don’t see anything changing any time soon. However, through our travels, we have seen and learned that the majority of people in the world are kind and good.

Read: Inspirational People we’ve met during our travels

Rick Steves Discusses the Fear of Travel with TripIt

Now don’t get me wrong, Dave and I don’t go looking for trouble when traveling and we aren’t saying you should travel to unsafe places. We avoid places that have unrest or are in the middle of a military hotspot. We didn’t know elections were going on when we booked our flight to Sri Lanka, and when cycling through Africa, we made sure to steer clear of the Western side of the country and Darfur. As it turned out Myanmar, Sudan and Sri Lanka are the three countries that touched our hearts the most. The people were friendly and welcoming. They loved to talk to us and they made us feel safe. We aren’t saying to seek out areas of unrest, but we are saying, don’t let the images flashing through your TV screen scare you off leaving your house.

Need help overcoming your fear of travel? Read Gise and Andy’s Post: Top 10 Fears of Becoming a Traveler

What is Fear?

Travel helps educate us.

Fear is the unknown. Get out there and educated yourself and learn about other cultures and religions and you’ll see that we are all more similar than you think. Rick Steves says, “The flip side of fear is understanding, and we gain understanding when we travel.”

We’re not talking about travel to Disneyland. It was a sad statistic when Steves said that the only guidebooks that outsell his are the guide books to Disneyland. Is that what people think travel is? I like Disney, but wouldn’t you rather do something real than fabricated? I have had people talk to me about the international food they ate at Epcot Center like they were actually visiting Italy. It’s not the same people. Rick Steves is a little more eloquent than I am and simply says, “Maybe branch out a little bit.” After four or five trips to Orlando, maybe you could consider somewhere else like Portugal. That’s excellent advice.

Enjoy: Freedom to Travel, Never Take it for Granted

Smiling book sellers in Yangon, Myanmar.

Dave and I have been to Disneyland, Epcot, and Universal. We enjoy them for what they are, they are play time and they’re not real. We forget about them once we leave and the fun is over. Travel stays with us for years to come. We have never learned so much as we have during our travels. I think we are better people because of it. Travel is the best education. You can read all you want in a text book or look at photographs and research online, but until you visit a place and experience the sights, the smells and the sounds, you won’t understand it.

Enjoy: How to Make Your Travels Meaningful

Travel to Places People don’t Understand

Hanging out with locals in the Sudanese desert.

Many people worry about Iran, but we have only heard incredible things about the people there and it’s been high on our list of places to visit for some time. But looking at the news, one would never consider a visit to Iran. We were happy to hear that Rick Steves visited Tehran and talked about how he was nervous to bring his big camera. He didn’t know how the public would react to an American video crew. It turned out, he has never encountered such friendly people anywhere. This is a man that has been everywhere.

So the message is, don’t let your fears stop you from traveling. It’s a big world out there filled with beautiful people. Isn’t it time we started celebrating the diversity of the world rather than fearing it?

Traveling has never been easier and TripIt wants to help you make your travels easier. Visit www.tripit.com/pro and use promo code “Rick Steves” for 30 days free, plus 20% off a year of TripIt Pro.
*Offer valid for first-time Pro users only. Promotion applies only to purchases made on the TripIt website and is valid for a one year subscbription to TripIt Pro. After one year, the subscription price will be the regular

Nova Scotia Pictures

A picture says a thousand words and these photos of Nova Scotia will transform you to an easy-going destination filled with beauty, culture, and an interesting maritime history. So sit back and enjoy our Nova Scotia Pictures of the sensational South Shore.

Sunset in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably one of the most well-known towns in Nova Scotia. Famous for its colourful houses, it’s one of the most picturesque cities on the entire East Coast of Canada. The undefeated racing schooner, The Bluenose calls it home and here you can take a walking tour of Lunenburg hosted by an 8th generation local who will tell you tales past down from years gone by.

Sunset at Peggy’s cove, Nova Scotia

Peggy’s Cove is the most famous tourist destination in all of Nova Scotia. Located just 30 minutes outside of Halifax, it attracts tourists from around the world who marvel at the rocky landscape of the Atlantic Coast where a lone lighthouse stands guard warning ships of the treacherous waters that lay ahead.

Sunrise in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Peggy’s Cove is still a working fishing village and stilt houses line the harbour where boats constantly move in and out in search of lobsters, salmon and other Atlantic fish as they have done for centuries before.

Check out our video of our time in Nova Scotia

Cape Forche Lighthouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Cape Forchu Lighthouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Yarmouth is a city located on the South West shore of Nova Scotia, and here you’ll find another historic lighthouse standing proud in a striking setting. The Cape Forchu lighthouse dates back to 1840 and is second only to Peggy’s Cove as Nova Scotia’s most photographed lighthouse.

Looking down the port in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

The Fisheries Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history and fishing culture of Nova Scotia. This province was built on fishing and it is still a large part of their heritage.

The Three Churches of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

The three churches of Mahone Bay are a must stop on the lighthouse route. The three spires lining the waterfront are a popular spot for photographers.

Morning light in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia

Located just outside of Lunenburg, Blue Rocks is yet another picturesque fishing village. Make your way to Blue Rocks at sunrise when the tide is low for the most stunning captures.

The Milky Way on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia is famous for Astral Photography with a night skies preserve at Kejimkujik National Park. We didn’t make it to the dark skies preserve, but the noise pollution is light wherever you go in Nova Scotia and we managed to snap this shot from our Peggy’s Cove accommodation – Oceanstone Resort

The Library in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Downtown Halifax is growing fast with construction all over town. The new Halifax Library is a modern piece of architecture winning a Lieutenant Governor's Design Award in 2014.

Enjoying the sun in Lahave, Nova Scotia.

The LaHave is a good stop for lunch, coffee or snacks while driving through Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Located just 15 minutes from Bridgewater, it’s a popular gathering point for cyclists, and road trippers making their way along the Lighthouse Route (rte 331)

Sunset on the south shore of Nova Scotia

Make sure to take the time to really explore the coast. Nova Scotia has a gorgeous coastline that constantly changes before your eyes. It’s the rocky landscape that is the most captivating.

Lobster Poutine in Argyle, Nova Scotia.

Lobster is everywhere in Nova Scotia and locals are always creating new ways to enjoy it. While fresh out of the pot is preferred by all, there’s lobster mac and cheese and this dish above: Lobster Poutine

The view from the Liverpool Lighthouse in Nova Scotia

The view from the Fort Point Lighthouse in Nova Scotia

Liverpool was home to the Privateers defending the area in the 18th century. The Fort Point Lighthouse is a small lighthouse on the route, but it’s worth a visit with an informative video, a picturesque setting and interpretive stations as well as a chance to blow the fog horn!

Living local at Peggy’s cove, Nova Scotia

When visiting Nova Scotia, chances are you’ll see a piper or two playing traditional music.

Kayaking on the south coast of Nova Scotia

The best way to explore the coast is by kayak. There are several places you can rent kayaks along the lighthouse route, including blue rocks, Argyle and just outside of Peggy’s Cove at Lower Prospect Point.

Crescent Beach in Nova Scotia

Don’t miss Crescent Beach, it’s the only beach you can drive on in Nova Scotia and it stretches for 2 km.

Local food in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is fast becoming known for it’s culinary treats. With many places promoting farm to table and utilizing local produce, it’s a delicious journey through the province.

The Halifax Public Gardens in Nova Scotia

The Halifax Public Gardens are 16 acres of quiet solitude in the heart of the city.

Tasty food at the Fleur de Sel in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

The award-winning Fleur de Sel Restaurant in Lunenburg has been voted one of the best places to eat in Canada. It’s a must when visiting Halifax. Their specialty of local scallops is a must and don’t forget to try the lobster.

A Calm morning in Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia

The Haskapa Berry. Superfood of the future.

The haskapa berry is the next superfood. With more nutrients than blueberries, it has three times the antioxidents of other bush berries and more vitamin C than an orange. Originating in Japan, Nova Scotia is fast becoming the place to buy this healthy treat.

Sunrise at Peggy’s Cove. It pays to get up early

When visiting Peggy’s Cove, the crowds can be brutal. Make sure to stay in a nearby lodge and get up early to have it all to yourself. A word of caution, stay off the black rocks. People have been swept out to sea by ignoring the warnings. Don’t let that be you!

Our travels to Nova Scotia were in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism, visit their website for more information travel to the Atlantic Province.

Read the original post 22 Photos that Will Make You Want to Visit Nova Scotia’s South Shore on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Unplug and Recharge – My Sojourn in Banff, Alberta

Posted: 20 Nov 2015 02:00 AM PST

We all need time out from our busy lives. This means unplugging to the extent that it's feasible and connecting with nature, alone or with a partner, friend, family member or group. Without time out, stress accumulates and we burn out.

If you're craving a sweet escape from the madness of modern life, you may enjoy reading about my sojourn in Banff, Alberta. My temporary stay in Banff was all about re-charging my batteries and it did leave me feeling serene and refreshed. Chalk it up to the pure mountain air if you like, but there is real magic in this place. It's a tonic for mind, body and spirit.

Banff, Alberta is a fine choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of majestic mountain ranges, pure alpine streams and lush wilderness. However, you don't need to take my word for it – four million tourists explore the area every year!

Basic Banff, Alberta Facts

Situated within the natural splendour of Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, this jewel of a mountain town features high elevations, from fourteen hundred to sixteen hundred feet, as well as hot springs and terrain which lends itself to a dizzying array of outdoor activities, from gentle hikes to extreme sports (and anything in between).

To help you discover the beauty of Banff, I've written down my own experiences. I camped in the area for five days, which gave me enough time to appreciate the town's myriad charms…

Camp by Night, Sight-see by Day…

I traveled to Banff at twilight, by SUV, in mid-August, 2015. Once I arrived in the town, I planned to hit some of the area's key attractions, including Moraine Lake and the Cascade Gardens. I was accompanied by a buddy from high school, so we were basically two older guys on the road, with one air mattress each, rucksacks full of supplies, rain gear and sturdy hiking boots.

We were psyched up for our adventure and we started things off by setting up our campsite. The area features thirteen campsites, so we had plenty of choices. We used research before our trip in order to select a good one – this isn't a promo article, so I won't name names. However, our camp ground was a mere eight kilometres from downtown Banff, so it suited our purposes perfectly. As well, it was just a beautiful place and it had the amenities that we needed.

Love Banff? Check out: The Best Winter Activities in Alberta

Banff Alberta: The Perfect Place to Get Away from it All

Our plan was to camp at night, pack our gear into the SUV by day and then take part in plenty of hiking and sightseeing. We didn't structure things too much, because we were there to get away from structure. We had a couple of places we wanted to see and we left the rest of the itinerary wide open.

Want to hike in Banff? Read 8 things that can make or break your hiking adventure

As we explored, we'd reminisce about the good old days, sample some local cuisine and maybe enjoy a beer or two. This sojourn turned out to be the perfect way to forget about our busy workdays and family responsibilities. This is why I recommend Banff so highly. Its beauty is virtually incomparable. As well, it has an unspoiled quality that is very appealing. You'll feel different while you're there, in a good way…

Things We Saw and Did in Banff

We both love hiking at the moderate level and we wanted to do it around a glacially-fed lake. This is why we drove out to Moraine Lake, which is found in Banff National Park, within the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This beautiful waterway is the purest turquoise imaginable. It's so stunning it's almost surreal!

We checked out the walking trails around the lake and decided to do the Rockpile Trail. This would give us a perfect view of the lake (yes, we got out our smart phones to take pictures – so much for unplugging!).

Read: Unplugging in Cuba, Why you Should disconnect for your next trip

Another highlight of our trip was the Cascade Gardens, which is a convenient hop, skip and jump from Banff's Main Street. The gardens are a great place to sit down for a bit, chill out and look at everything around you. It's serene there, with well-maintained blooms and leaves and there are plenty of gazebos and bridges to check out.

In terms of our camping experience, we loved sunset, when we'd finish setting up camp and then reflect about what we'd done that day, as well as our lives in general.

Nature's wild spirit lives and breathes in Banff, Alberta. While the area does have stunning hotels and resorts, I think the best way to connect with Banff's untamed spirit is to contemplate it from a campground.

For more on Banff Alberta check out Canoe Banff Lake Louise

A good night's sleep on an air mattress, after an evening spent roasting marshmallows and talking, will make you feel reborn. So, you definitely don't need to spend a fortune or get too fancy in order to unwind in this town. It's probably easier to unwind at camp, where you're sealed off from commerce and everything that you're trying to get away from.

This is a place to see. I doubt anyone regrets visiting this Alberta town, so please try to explore it in the future. It's such a great place to escape.

Dave’s Favourite Men’s Travel Clothing

Convertible Pants.

Convertible Pants

We do a lot of hiking and sporty types of stuff during our travels and convertible pants are still our go to piece of clothing for both Dave and Deb. Why? Because if you start a morning trek and it’s cold, you’ll want your legs covered, but as you work up a sweat throughout the hike, you can zip off the bottoms and be in shorts. The shorts are stylish enough that you can wear them anywhere on their own and if you want to quickly become presentable at night, you can zip the legs back on for dinner.

15% of Men’s Travel Clothing and Travel Gear at TravelSmith

PlanetD Readers Save 15%Travel clothing and travel gear by TravelSmith when you spend more than $50. At check out use PlanetD promo code Click here to start shopping.

Dave loves his Jeans and I do too!

Stretch Bull Denim Jeans

We used to be dead set against packing jeans for travel. But as fabrics have become lighter, they are a good addition to the travel bag. The stretch bull denim jeans are comfortable for sleeping on the plane, for sightseeing and stylish enough for going out at night. They’re one versatile piece of travel clothing.

Travel Clothes for Men: Reversible Shorts

Margaritaville Reversible shorts

A new addition to Dave’s wardrobe, these Margaritaville reversible shorts are my personal favourite. They are two shorts in one. Fun and colourful on one side for the beach or plain and presentable khakis for the city. They fit will and look great!
travelsmith-hemisphere-shirt
Hemisphere Short Sleeved Shirt

This is a lightweight easy to wash and dry shirt that looks fabulous in any situation. For travel, Dave loves the chest pocket to keep his passport and boarding pass handy when flying. You can dress this shirt up or down but you can also wear it on a hike or to go trekking. It’s breathable material makes it good for all situations.

Love this linen shirt.

Margaritaville Washed Linen Shirt

Another shirt to look great at the beach or for checking out galleries. It is laid back and relaxed, but stylish enough to look good anywhere. This is the shirt that looks good for a night out. It’s like a bit of a Richard Branson type of I’m relaxed and confident, but I look good doing it.

travelsmith

CoolMax T-Shirt
One always needs a T-Shirt in their travel bag and TravelSmith has an array of Tees in their store. Dave likes the CoolMax short sleeve Tee because its lightweight, moisture wicking, and quick drying, it’s perfect for our travel style and it looks good enough to wear anywhere.

Deb hasn’t taken any photos of my in my shoes:(

Clarks Wave Trek Sneakers
Dave has always struggled with shoes. He either wears hiking shoes or flip flops but as we spend more time in urban areas in our travels, he’s been looking for something that is comfortable yet stylish. He finally found them with the wave trek sneakers. These are sporty enough that he can wear them sightseeing during the day, but once he dresses up at night with a smart pair of jeans and button down shirt, these babies look good enough to go out to the bar.

If you like any of Dave’s choices for Men’s Travel Clothing, make sure to visit TravelSmith where PlanetD Readers Save 15% off Travel Gear when you spend more than $50. At check out use PlanetD promo code Click here to start shopping.

Find your Purpose

This is our job!

When we partnered with Abbott to help them fulfill their mission of asking 1 million people around the world what living fully means to them, we took a long hard look at our own lives. We are living a fulfilled life, but it is always a work in progress.

Turn Your Passion into your Career

Our love for Travel Turned into a Successful Career

When we turned our passion of travel and adventure into a career, we thought that everything in our lives would magically fall into place. We were making money at a job we loved, we spent every day with the one we loved, and we were constantly inspired to try new things and push ourselves outside our comfort zone.

Dave punches through Ice – Pushing our Limits in the Arctic Watershed

But after a couple of years of living the dream we learned that old habits die-hard.

We have a tendency to be workaholics and when work consists of travel and adventure, it can easily consume every aspect of your life. We soon found that once again we spent every single day working.

Without knowing it, we fell into the pattern of working too hard and neglecting our health and relationship all over again. Even though we were together every day, we felt separate because we were both glued to our computers frantically meeting deadlines, editing photos and videos, and constantly trying to catch up on work. Even when we were doing adventures, we found that we weren't enjoying them because we were too busy documenting the experience.

It was last year that we started to realize that things had to change or we'd be right back in the rut we were in near the end of our film careers.

We Learned Your Purpose Shouldn’t Consume You

Life has a funny way of giving you a sign when it wants things to change. We were finishing up the last of our travels for the year and had every intention of slowing down after a frantic first half of 2014. We only had a few more months before we were going to take a much needed break from travel to focus on getting back in shape, spending quality time with each other, and taking on less work so that we could enjoy our travels and focus on creating a better website.

Wanting to slow down

A Wake Up Call

It seemed that Mother Nature had different plans and while on an Amazon Cruise, she forced us to slow down sooner than expected. Dave fell and broke two vertebrae in his back and had to be air lifted out of the Amazon and eventually air ambulanced back to Canada to recover. His recovery took 4 months, but we looked at this as an opportunity to refocus on the important things in our life.

Since his accident, we've started a new chapter in our lives. We have learned to balance travel with other interests and relaxation because we decided that we had to make sure that no one thing should ever consume our lives.

Last month when Abbott asked us how we learned to live a full life, we felt confident with our answer. Last year we may not have been so confident because we were needlessly stressed and tired. But because we took a step back and re-examined our lives, we now feel that we are living life fully.

Enjoying the quieter moments in life

This is Your Life

Take the Quiz and see how others around the world are living life fully

Take the Abbott Quiz

It's easy to put 110% of yourself into something when you’ve finally found your purpose. It's easy to put friends and family on the backburner when you are working on an exciting project but it is important to make sure that you live a well-rounded life.

To us, living fully is not only about finding the job you love, but having people in your life to share the good times and the bad. It's about having your health and endless energy to wake up each day because you are excited about what lies ahead.

Dave’s jumping for joy!

A full life is a balanced life. We've been talking a lot about balance this year because it's very important to us. Just because we found our purspose, it doesn't mean that we are one-dimensional. It's important to us to have stillness to appreciate the life we are living. If you live each day in high gear, you eventually burn out: no matter how much fun you are having.

So we have are making our declaration to continue to pursue balance and stability in our lives. It is our mission to encourage people to follow their dreams, but to make sure they don't lose themselves when doing so. Take it from us, it's a great thing to follow your dream and still have time to smell the roses.

Are you living a full life? Tell your story on LifetotheFullest.Abbott and share your mission to live life fully on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #fullosophy.

Coasteering with Preseliventure

Coasteering in Wales

I like that definition. We went coasteering with Preseliventure, and that is exactly how our guide Rob described it to us. I was worried about jumping off big cliffs and getting swept out to sea, but he assured me that Coasteering is what you make it. you don’t have to jump of 9 metre high cliffs. You don’t have to swim into churning waters of scary looking caves. You don’t have to do anything if you are not comfortable with it. But once you try coasteering, you’ll find that when you are out on the water, you are braver than you think!

Check out our Video: Coasteering in Wales!

If you liked our coasteering in Wales video: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for weekly travel videos

Coasteering in Wales was surprising. I can honestly admit I was intimidated and worried about tackling this adventure, but it ended up being fun, exhilarating and just enough of a challenge to put me out of my comfort zone. Dave and I have always believed that travel should involve stepping out of your comfort zone. You don’t grow if you don’t try new things. So if you are like me and one of those people saying, “Oh I’ll never try that” think again. If I could get in the water, anyone can. Honestly. Cold water is not my thing and I am a bit terrified every time I get in the ocean. But with each new adventure, my fear eases bit more each time. The next time we try coasteering, I’m going to be fearless!

Preseliventure is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales and they offer everything from sea kayaking adventures, surfing and of course Coasteering in Wales. You can drive to the eco-lodge or take the train and they will pick you up. Coasteering with guide is starts at €45.

Our coasteering in Wales adventure was courtesy of Wales tourism and Visit Britain, find out more about travel to Wales at Visit Wales

How to Enjoy the Sziget Festival

The festival is best experienced while camping, that said, staying at a Hostel/Hotel gives you the luxury of going back to a clean toilet and a warm shower. It is a trade-off between comfort and deeper festival experience, I have been to the festival two times, staying in a Hostel and Camping the other time. I stayed for all the 7 days on both the occasions, Yes! it’s worth it.

Camp Unknown: The Camp which I was a part of, during my time at Sziget.

Enjoy festivals? Check Out: Summerfest – The World’s Largest Music Festival You’ve Never Heard of

Staying outside the Sziget Festival

Budapest and it’s Danube river

While staying outside the festival, I spent most of my days exploring Budapest, eating food from the city and heading over to the festival around sometime in the afternoon. Budapest is an exciting and happening destination on its own and there is a lot of things to do, especially the Parliament, the Ruin pubs, the magnificent architecture and the natural thermal spring baths. During that visit, I loved the city so much that I skipped the festival for a couple of days and just enjoyed the city, which also has a great nightlife.

One of the Ruin pubs with bizarre ambience – Szimpla kert

Camping at the festival

During the second visit, camping on the island turned out to be a richer experience, but also a much more difficult one. You are given a Sziget passport when you enter the festival and you have all kinds of activities to participate in, where you earn a stamp as you visit a particular area of the Island or perform a certain task (Felt a lot like playing Pokemon again!). I realized that I could not get all the stamps on my passport even after 7 days, and saw another side of the festival which did not really make me miss the already amazing Budapest City.

After becoming an Official Szitizen of Sziget.

The Camping days usually begins with me waking up due to the people talking around my tent, and the adventure begins, we camped closer to the main stage and there were quite a lot of mechanised toilets, which were cleaned regularly. They also had charger plugs for trimmers, which were mostly used to charge phones by ‘Szitizens’. The biggest struggle is taking a shower, as the queues can be quite long and this whole process of getting ready takes about an hour, though the showers are pretty good and some do have warm water facilities. The next part of the day is usually finding your friends or going alone to explore the Island, the island is quite big and get tricky to follow the map. There are a lot of campers who prefer to sleep or just chill around their tents, let’s say I wanted to experience more of the Island.

The Sziget Beach

The Sziget Beach was calm and soothing.

This is a hidden treasure on the island, I managed to visit it only once during my first visit, but I was there almost every day during my second. It offers beautiful views, Shisha (Water pipe), non-alcoholic drinks, mats and pillows for sleeping and free yoga classes and massages everyday. This place also turned out into a haven for people this year, as it touched forty degrees in Budapest during the Sziget festival and many preferred sleeping here by the beach. You could find me lying here on most days doing nothing but sipping my Chai.

The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth – A place that tries to get your questions answered spiritually, eh, not so much.

You are supposed to enter this place with a question in mind and you are asked to perform a few activities and answer some questions to exit the lab with a clarity over the question in your mind. It was an interesting experience for me, I got more questions than answers by the end of the visit.

Read: The Top 3 Sizzling Open Air Festivals in Prague

The Foam Party

Wonderful addition at Sziget 2015 – The Foam arena.

This is one of the new additions of Sziget – 2015, and it was a pool filled with foam and dancing music. With foam being poured over from the top every fifteen minutes, it was a place I often visited. It was the place to be, as it was also a perfect alternative to one of those long queued showers on the island.

The Street acts and Circus

Cirque du Sziget – Full of mesmerizing acts.

Streets acts are to be found everywhere, from dances to magic tricks, you just need to keep your eyes open on this island. The Circus brings in some international talents from around the world to show some really cool acts. There is also a street theatre, which I could not make in time, but it seemed pretty cool, there is a lot of non music artists who are involved in this mainstream Music festival, which makes it very different from the conventional festivals.

If you like Sziget Festival, you’ll enjoy Montreal – A City of Festivals

The Ability Park and LGBT Center

Trying to play Football, blindfolded.

These two places makes Sziget a friendly festival. At the Ability Park, Szitizens go through activities like Blindfold walking, using a wheelchair to play basketball and other activities to better understand the life of a differently able person and experience what it’s like. The place gave me a better perspective about the differently able and I just felt a lot more grateful for life. The LGBT center aka Magic mirror has regular sessions talking about LGBT issues and has acts performed by the community.

For more on Ability Travel Read: Unlimited Freedom – Travel in a Wheelchair

Two of my friends from Camp Unknown got married at the Sziget wedding tent. Nope, it was not Official.

Among other numerous activities like Bungee jumping and The Giant wheel, there is a lot of artwork around designed by local artists and architects. You can basically do everything from yoga to play table tennis or solve some rubik’s cube. Besides these, there are crowd themed Color, Confetti, Bubble and Balloon parties that happen everyday on the Main stage.

Sziget Festival looks fun to you? Enjoy – 3 Awesome Asian Festivals

My Entourage at the festival after the Color Party.

The good bands usually play as the evening begins to kick in, so after a long day of exploring, we usually head off to the music stages to experience the big bands live. Last year had a great line up, with Blink 182, Queens of the Stone Age, Skrillex, Stromae and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis being my favorites.

Classic Sziget in the night.

This year, I was in more for the experience than the lineup, though there were some really cool performances from Robbie Williams, Avicci, Kings of Leon and Alt-J. One beer cost about 2 euros in the festival, it’s about the same for a cold coffee as well, It's pretty decent for a festival. Many prefer going to the supermarket close-by called ‘Auchan’ to get a cheaper meal or to buy some water, you can bring it into the festival. Auchan also sells some cheap tents, you could buy one of these, if you just want a tent for 7 days.

The Weather and struggles

Water sprayed into the crowd to keep the heat down.

It was burning for most of the days, and it was super dusty in the island. There were a lot of people coughing, it was quite difficult to breathe properly at a point, but I guess it’s part of the experience. I would suggest bringing a mask along, which can be really helpful. It rained quite intensively on the last night of the festival, luckily I left by then, but camping after that would have been quite a mess.

Confetti Party – Sziget 2015.

Sziget is a festival that lets you experience a high quality music festival in a completely different ambience, It offers adventure, culture and some really good music, It can be a festival that you want it to be. I met some really cool people there, the weather and the living conditions pushed me, But it was all part of an experience that I can never forget while not troubling my wallet too much.You will usually start the week with strangers and end with a family who you will want to visit again.

I got Szigeted, pretty much.

Watch My Experience at Sziget festival on Youtube here :

The Sziget Festival is held every August in Budapest and is one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe. For more information visit the Sziget Festival Website: A 7 Day Szitizen Prime Package costs 235€ and a 5 Days Sziget Festival Pass costs 199€

Bio:
Vishanth primarily works as a Research assistant at The University of Gent. He likes to write about his travels and life experiences in general and is the creator of vishualization.com with a goal to inspire and be inspired. His recent interests include travelling alone and volunteering with animals and children. Follow his journey at vishualization.com or via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Banff Lake Louise: Winter Wonderland

Beautiful Lake Louise

Our trip to Banff Lake Louise is a year in the making and we are so excited to finally make it happen. It was this time last year that we were in the final planning stages for our winter return to Banff/Lake Louise, but then Dave took a tumble in The Amazon and fractured two vertebrae in his back. We had to postpone our trip, and we are grateful for Banff and Lake Louise for their patience.

For more winter travel: See our post about the Best Winter Activities in Alberta

Banff National Park is going to be the perfect ending to 2015

Beautiful Banff National Park

I can’t wait to see Dave’s photographs of the night skies over the Rocky Mountains. There is something magical about astrophotography in the winter and I know Dave is going to capture something special.

The last time Dave photographed the night skies was in Ontario, Winter

I’m looking forward to cross-country skiing to the backcountry lodges of Skoki, Shadow Lake, or Sundance Lodge. It’s going to be a blast capturing our lack of cross-country skiing skills on video (but then again you are all used to that). This epic adventure take us 12 -14 km into the heart of Banff National Park all by the power of cross-country skiing. It is here that we will truly be able to show you the grandeur of the landscape.

The last time we went cross country skiing was in Alberta!

Love Winter travel photography? Check out Under the Veil Winter: 15 Image that Define Norther Ontario

Banff Lake Louise, For all Travel Lovers

This trip has been meticulously planned to suit not only the adventure lover, but also the lover in you!

Romance in Banff Lake Louise

A romantic skate on Lake Louise

Winter travel is becoming more popular each year. Technology is making cold weather trekking more comfortable, people are seeking more adventurous activities, and lodges and resorts are popping up in remote locations. Alberta is simply a winter wonderland.

Read: How to Pack for a Winter Vacation

Lake Louise Sleigh Ride

Something you may not know is that Banff National Park is the only National Park with an urban infrastructure. With more than 100 restaurants, and bars, hotels, and shopping, you can be in the backcountry one minute and then dining in a five-star restaurant while enjoying local wine and spirits before turning into your luxurious hotel room for the night.

Luxury Hotels like Romantic Deer Lodge

Speaking of spirits, we’re going to visit Park Distillery. It’s Banff’s first distillery. Their motto is from Glacier to Glass. Can you imagine how pure the water is that goes into that vodka! We’ll be sure to have a shot or two to let you know.

Nothing is more romantic than a winter vacation

Dave and I haven’t had a romantic getaway in quite sometime. After he took four months to recover, we had to get back on the road to fulfill some work commitments. Banff is going to give us the romance we’ve been seeking. There is nothing better than snuggling up by the fire while the snow falls outside.

See Romantic Lake Louise: The Perfect Couple’s Getaway

Snowshoeing while taking in the Rocky Mountains

Mixing up our romantic getaway with adventure is the perfect vacation for Dave and I. We have always loved pushing ourselves to the limits and then talking about the day over a candlelit dinner. Imagine the stories we’ll have after trying Heli-snowshoeing for the first time! It’s going to be magnificent and we’re going to share the entire story in real time as we go on Facebook, Snapchat (@theplanetd), Twitter and Instagram. After the trip, you’ll see it all on video and right here on the travel blog.

So, stay tuned and follow along. A winter adventure in Alberta is like nowhere else. For more information on travel to the Rockies, visit BanffLakeLouise.com

Have you dreamed of traveling to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta?

What is Coasteering?

Loving Coasteering in Wales

Coasteering was invented in Wales and we decided that if we were ever going to give it a try, it would be here. Wales is fast becoming the adventure capital of Europe. People here love to try quirky and zany things and coasteering is definitely at the top of that list. We were told that it was invented by cold water surfers who were looking for an alternative to surfing when Wales coastal conditions weren’t ideal. They still wanted to be able to get in the water and play, but they also wanted the challenge that surfing offered. Coasteering fit the bill and it has grown in popularity over the years.

Love adventures like Coasteering? Check out our adrenaline junkie page

Coasteering is all about getting in the water and having fun.

Preseliventures was one of the first (if not the first) outfitters to offer coasteering tours. Our guide Rob told us that Coasteering could be as extreme or as tame as you want it to be. Contrary to popular belief, it’s simply a traverse along shore and an excellent way to explore the coast. Once Rob put it that way, I relaxed. If I felt like jumping later, I could, if not, no worries.

See the Video! Coasteering in Wales, Your Travel Video Escape

Rob was such a great guide and made us feel comfortable.

The jumping is the popular part for marketing, but it’s only one small aspect of Coasteering. Coasteering is actually more about exploring and traversing than simply jumping from big rocks. There are caves, wildlife, rocks and islands to explore. So to put it plainly, coasteering is for everyone. Not just adrenaline junkie thrill seekers. Although if you are one of those, you won’t be disappointed.

Preseliventure Coasteering

We met Rob and owner Sophie at the Preseliventure Eco-Resort to suit up for our afternoon in the waves. The lodge is the perfect getaway for nature lovers and they even offer pick up from the train station. You can leave London in the morning and be on the coast of Wales in mere hours! There are several rooms where couples, families and groups can book accommodation and meals and drinks are available at the lodge.

Coasteering: The Essential Gear

When coasteering, you need to have a good pair of rubber-soled trainers that you don’t mind getting wet (or they have a few on hand that you can borrow if you are in a pickle) and they supply wetsuits, helmets, pdfs, and booties.

Once we were suited up and thoroughly looking like the Pillsbury Doughboy, we hopped in the van for the 5-minute drive to the coast.

Coasteering is all about fashion!

My heart was pounding as we walked along the shore to our jumping in point. I was trying to act confident, but Dave told me my face was white as a ghost. Coasteering was something I have avoided for much of my travel life. There is something about being swept out to sea that utterly terrifies me. But Rob had a calming way about him that made me feel confident and ready for the challenge.

I think Dave’s face says it all…The water was cold!

He and Dave got in the water first and I could tell by their reactions, it was cold. I followed Rob’s advice and bit the bullet and just jumped right in. It took my breath away and I could feel my chest squeezing shut as the cold water flowed into my wetsuit. It took a few minutes, but once the water warms against your skin, it’s all-good. And soon my breathing was back to normal.

See Dave and Deb take on the Polar Plunge in Antarctica

Hurricane Joaquin

Coasteering at the end of a Hurricane!

Leave it to us to go Coasteering during the tail end of a hurricane.

As we swam to the first set of cliffs, Rob said the ocean was quite rough as Wales was experiencing the remnants of Hurricane Joaquin. Great, just what I needed rough seas. But as we learned, it really doesn’t matter what the weather is like, Coasteering can easily be modified to suit the day. Lucky for us, we wouldn’t be able to go out to the high cliffs that Orlando and Aline jumped off of because the water was too rough to swim through to get there. Aw, too bad so sad. I shed my single tear and happily went on with our day knowing that I wouldn’t have to face the choice of jumping from high sea cliffs. It all turned out in the end!

So, we spent our time playing in some waves feeling what it was like to be in a washing machine. Dave was far braver than me and loved every minute of it. He’s a Pisces and was made for the water, so with each crash, wave, jump or churn, he was gung ho with full force.

Check out the Polarbear Plunge in the Arctic

After playing around on the shore for a while, Rob suggested we cross the channel to check out the views from the nearby island. Sea lions played in the water and watched intently as we crossed. At times I almost felt that they wanted to join us.

Incredible Views of Wales

Coasteering has its rewards…Like this view!

When we got to the other side, we climbed up more cliffs and then enjoyed a leisurely walk to the top. Wales is known for its majestic coastline and this was the most beautiful view we had seen during our time there. The swim was definitely worth it as we looked out over the sea and saw an endless line of imposing sea cliffs.

See the coastal shots of Ireland’s Sea Cliffs

We fell in love with the view!

I think we spent a little too long up there, but Dave and I couldn’t stop taking photographs and video. (Full Video to come soon on YouTube) It was magnificent. And I appreciated it when our guide said, “This is what coasteering is all about. The fun in the water is one thing, but exploring the coast is the payoff.” It was truly a great payoff to a great day.

It was truly a great day Coasteering.

The weather couldn’t have been better. It was early autumn, but the sun was shining, the air was warm, and our view was endless. Who could ask for more?

We made our way back across the channel and our sea lion friend was still out there keeping an eye on us. The van was waiting for us when we got back and after changing into our warm and dry clothes Sophie asked us how it was. I was amazed to reply, I loved it and I’d do it again!

Will I go Coasteering Again?

Now that I’ve done coasteering once, I know that it’s no the big scary thing that I made it out to be in my head. I do believe that when given the chance, I may even jump off one of the high rocks into the churning sea. But that’s easy to say when I’m sitting here warm and dry at my computer. You’ll just have to follow along to see if I follow through.

Preseliventure is located in Pembrokeshire and they offer everything from sea kayaking adventures to surfing. You can drive to the eco-lodge or take the train and they will pick you up. There are multiday adventures or single day activities and an afternoon of coasteering with guide is a very affordable €45.

So what are you waiting for? Want to try a brag worthy adventure? Coasteering is for you!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015