Canada's Adventure Couple |
- It’s Aussie by Air New Zealand Time!
- Our Most Memorable Moments from Wales in Photos
- 10 of the Most Unforgettable Winter Things to do in Banff
- Spectacular Banff Helicopter Tours with Exclusive Snowshoeing in the Rockies
- Experiencing Mandalay: Myanmar’s Hidden Gem
- A Good Ol’ Hockey Game: Skating on Lake Louise, the Most Beautiful Rink in the World
- Hotels in Banff – Our Top 8 Picks for Where to Stay in the Rockies
- Hello Goodbye: Real Life Tales from the Airport
- The Best place to go Dog Sledding in Banff National Park
- Catch of the Day – a Lobster Safari in North Wales
- 2015 Wrap Up – Why Learning from Mistakes and Shifting Focus is Important
- Our Most Beautiful Photos of 2015
| It’s Aussie by Air New Zealand Time! Posted: 16 Jan 2016 02:00 AM PST It’s been nearly two years since we were last in Australia. It was February, 2014 and we spent two glorious weeks in Queensland’s tropical North doing everything from diving the Great Barrier Reef, hanging out at Surfers Paradise, and exploring the Daintree Rainforest.  Australia by Air New Zealand This trip to Australia is taking us to places we have yet to visit and we are very excited to explore more of one of our favourite countries. When planning our trip, we had our choice of visiting two of the seven hubs that Air New Zealand flies to. It was a tough choice because all hubs are awesome, but since we have already explored the beauty and adventure of South Australia, the spectacular Gold Coast, Noth Queensland and extraordinary Sydney we went for Brisbane and Melbourne.  Spectacular South Australia The last time in Oz, while hanging out on the Gold Coast, Dave and I talked about how we could live in this magical land of sunshine and sand. Our dream of living in Australia has yet to come true, but we are lucky enough to be able to go back for another visit. Enjoy our photos of The Best of Kangaroo Island.  Excited to be back Australia by Air New ZealandAs you read this, we’re flying to Brisbane with Air New Zealand trying out their premium economy class on the way there and their Skycouch service on the way back. Air New Zealand is one of the funnest airlines. I can’t wait to see what their new safety video will be. The last time we flew to New Zealand, Richard Simmons told us how to act in case of an unlikely emergency. There have been several epic safety videos by AirNZ since that time. What will they offer us this time? Check out all the AirNZ Safety Videos at their YouTube channel Read all about our adventures in New Zealand Air New Zealand Safety Video Air New Zealand is part of our favourite airline network; Star Alliance. We’re very interested to see what the AirNZ premium economy class is compared to the Air Canada premium economy and I’m doubly interested in seeing what the Skycouch is like. The Skycouch is a row of three economy seat where the footrest comes out from under each of the seats to create a flat, flexible space to enjoy however you like. Now that sounds cozy. If Johnny Jet loves Skycouch, I know we will too! Johnny Jet loves SkyCouch Read Johnny Jet’s review of Skycouch. So, After we arrive refreshed and relaxed thanks to the affordable and easy ways Air New Zealand allows passengers to enjoy long haul flights, what are we going to do in Australia?  We love Australia Wildlife Enjoy our photos of the wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Well, we have a jam packed schedule of fun end excitement. We’ll be visiting both Queensland and Victoria during our visit. These two very different states are going to offer us some great adventures. Australia AdventueresWe cannot wait to do the four day 12 Apostles Walk. This lodge to lodge walk is going to be a challenge, but it’s also filled with luxury and gourmet meals at the stunning eco-lodges run by the TwelveApostlesWalk.com  Australia has gorgeous eco-lodges See our stay at an eco-lodge in the Daintree Rainforest We can’t wait to do the Story Bridge Adventure Climb in Brisbane, take a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne, go paddle boarding in Noosa and our four wheel drive experience on Fraser Island. Oh Yeah, this is going to be fun.  Hot Air Balloon Queensland Read about our Hot Air Balloon Adventure in Queensland It’s only just begun, so make sure to follow along to see what shennanigans Dave and I get into this time. We have 15 days in the Land Down Under and we aren’t going to waste a second. So join us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as we share our adventures in real time at the hashtag #AussiebyAirNZ. See you tomorrow! Our trip to Australia is in partnership with Australia Tourism and Air New Zealand. Read Next: 13 Mind Blowing Photos that will Make you Fall in Love with QueenslandRead the original post It’s Aussie by Air New Zealand Time! on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.     |
| Our Most Memorable Moments from Wales in Photos Posted: 14 Jan 2016 02:00 AM PST Have you ever had an OMG Moment? While visiting Wales last autumn, we had many. It makes sense that Great Britain has taken the abbreviation OMG to the next level and it’s now #OMGB. (Oh My Great Britain!) While visiting Wales, we said “Oh my” so many times and to celebrate the launch of #OMGB Home of Amazing moments, we thought we’d share our favourite OMGB moments from Wales in photos.  Looking over Snowdonia #OMGB You’ll love the new website OMGB.com, it’s filled with amazing moments from all around Great Britain including a few from yours truly. It’s an inspiring way to explore a country. A picture says a thousand words and these moments truly capture experiences all around England, Scotland and Wales. So, I really don’t need to write much more to showcase the amazing time we had in Wales, I can just show your pictures! But before we go on, we want you to have your own OMGB moment with a vacation in Britain! Read on…..  Deb hiking in Snowdonia Win a Trip to Great Britain Oh My Great Britain! #OMGB We are very excited to announce that Visit Britain is giving one lucky winner a trip for two to Bath and Edinburgh to enjoy their very own #OMGB moments. All you have to do is visit OMGB.com and complete the entry form either with your email address or your Twitter or Facebook accounts. You can gain additional entries by sharing your entry via Twitter with the hashtage #OMGB. See full terms and conditions here.
Need inspiration to enter? Enjoy our favourite moments from Wales in photos.Exploring Carreg Cennen Castle Carreg Cennen Castle Wales is filled with Castles and having Carreg Cennen Castle all to ourselves on our way to Llandeilo was a highlight. A wedding was going on that day and as we were walking down, the bride and groom were walking up. Priceless. Coasteering in Pembrokeshire Coasteering: A Major #OMGB moment Coasteering was invented in Wales and one of the first operations was Preseliventure. They are still going strong and if you want to explore the coast by traversing along the sea, jumping into the water and swimming into caves and waves, this is for you. See: Coasteering in Wales, it’s not as scary as you think! Seeing Snowdonia Taking the train to spectacular Snowdon Mountain Snowdon Mountain in Northern Wales is the highest mountain in Wales. You can hike up to the top in a few hours, but if you have limited time you can take the train. When you reach the top, you have the option to look around for about an hour, or you can take your time and hike down at your own pace. Bouncing Around at Bounce Below Bounce Below One of the most unique tourist attractions we’ve ever been to was Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog. It is a giant underground cavern filled with trampolines, ziplines and a via feratta. This part of Wales is fast becoming the adventure capital of the country. See our video and read about Bounce Below at our post: The Ultimate Playground for the Kid in You! Discovering Portmeiron Walking around Portmeiron Portmeiron is a cute little village modelled after Riomaggiore in the Five Villages of Italy. There are hotels, shops and artists studios in the village located on a picturesque lake. We stayed at the Portmeiron Hotel which was like stepping back in time. Lobster SafariA unique safari experience is going out to catch lobster with North Wales Sea Fishing Trips. Read all about our Lobster Safari at Catch of the Day, A Lobster Safari in Wales Admire the Coast Wales Coast line Wales has a beautiful coast and you must hike along the many coastal trails, get out on the water either kayaking or on a boat tour and admire its beauty. Serene MomentsWhen travelling it’s easy to get caught up in running from place to place, but taking the time to enjoy the stillness at sunrise or sunset can help to put your travels into perspective. When we sit quietly on the beach, we realize just how beautiful this world is and how lucky we are to be able to explore it. Go for a Walk
Quiet MomentsHow could we not end with a sunset? One of the glorious things about travel is the opportunity to see the sun set from a different part of the world. The skies were on fire during our time in Wales and this evening was a beautiful moment snapped from our hotel room window. One of our favourite parts of travelling is remembering moments. It’s the little moments that often stand out. Sure the adventures make for great stories, but it’s often the quiet moments that we remember most. Travel lets you connect to each other, make new friends and find peace and stillness within yourself. It’s about finding moments that will occupy your memory forever and that is what Wales will do for us. We’ll remember each moment there for the rest of our lives. Our trip to Wales was in partnership with VisitWales and Visit Britain. For more information on #OMGB and how you could win a trip to Britain visit the OMGB Website.Read Next: The Best Things to do in Northern IrelandRead the original post Our Most Memorable Moments from Wales in Photos on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| 10 of the Most Unforgettable Winter Things to do in Banff Posted: 12 Jan 2016 08:43 AM PST Okay, so you normally book a flight to the Caribbean for the winter. But this year, you want something different right? Something that will make you feel alive, change your life and give you memories, that will last a lifetime. Anyone can sit on a beach drinking Mai Tais, but not everyone can brag that they’ve soared through the Rocky Mountains, plunged down a massive peek or glided through and ancient forest before a night on the town. These are just some of the unforgettable winter things to do in Banff if you turn north instead of south for your next vacation.  You’ll have an unforgettable time in Banff Winter vacations aren’t just for the hearty anymore, Banff and Lake Louise have made winter trips comfortable, glamorous, elegant and exciting for everyone. If you dress the part, take advantage of the hot pools, spas, fine dining and elegant hotels, you’ll have a well-rounded trip that will blow away anything on the beach. So try something new this year and see all the great things to do in Banff. I bet you change your mind about winter. Before you go any further, check out our latest video: We round up the best things to do in Banff – Winter Edition Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for weekly videos in your inbox. Unforgettable Winter Things to do in BanffLearn how to pack for winter travel by reading our Packing tips for Winter Adventures and Layering Tips to survive Winter Travel Heli-Snowshoe Tour over Banff Helicopter over Banff – Like Nowhere else on earth If there is one helicopter tour that you do in your life, do it over the Rocky Mountains. Dave and I have had the privilege of taking scenic flights on 6 continents, but our flight over Banff National Park was the most breathtaking tour we’ve ever taken. I believe flying over Banff in winter is what made it special. The peaks covered in snow made you feel as if you were staring at heaven itself. The helicopters that RockiesHeli uses are state of the art with bubble windows and plenty of space to give everyone the best possible views. Add the opportunity to go snowshoeing in the mountains and you’ve got yourself the most unforgettable experience of your life.  Just one of many things to do in Banff Read more about our heli-snowshoe tour here. Snowboarding and Skiing Nothing like snowboarding in powder A person cannot round up a winter vacation without mentioning snowboarding or skiing. Banff has some of the best ski conditions in North America. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you can count on a long ski season, with lots of fresh powder, world class runs and fun for all levels and ages. There are three ski resorts located directly in Banff National Park – Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay. You will never tire of trying out all the backcountry bowls, trails through the glades or gentler runs on the main hills.
See our video and check out our snowboarding adventure at Lake Louise Take Photo Tour Checking out the shot with Rocky Mountain Adventures Banff is one of the most scenic destinations on earth. Bring home your own memories on a photo tour with Rocky Mountain Adventures. You will be taken to the hottest photography spots for photographers, but you can also have the option of learning how to process your photos and optimizing them for print where you can hang your memories on your own walls. Love Alberta? Check out our Alberta Summer Road Trip Like this! Photo captured on our photography tour in banff There’s great travel to Southern Alberta too: Enjoy seeing the Hoodoos of the Badlands Dog Sled to British Columbia Unforgettable Dog Sledding in Banff There’s only one place you can go dogsledding in Banff National Park and that is with KingMik Dog Sled Tours. Their team of dogs are fast and filled with pep and zip as they run through the Great Divide Trail all the way to the border of British Columbia. As you are snuggled up inside a warm sleeping bag and zipped into the windproof canvas, you glide through the forest looking for lynx tracks while your guide tells you about the area, the dogs and the scenery. On the way back, it’s your turn to drive the sled and you’ll feel like a true explorer as you mush through the old Trans Canada trail. Read all about Dogsledding in Banff: There’s video and pictures too! Hot Springs and Spas At the Banff Hot Springs I told you that it wasn’t all about being outside in the cold, there are a lot of things to do in Banff that don’t have to take you through a snowy wonderland. (although who wouldn’t want to?) Banff is home to thermal pools where you can bask outside in a tub while taking in the views. The Banff Hot Springs are the most famous hot pools in Banff, and you can even rent an old timers bathing suit to feel like you are in a bath house of the roaring twenties.  Get a hot tub in your room like this one at Sunshine Mountain Lodge Most hotels have outdoor hot tubs and our favourite was the views at the Juniper Hotel and Deer Lodge. But Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village has Banff’s largest hotel hot tub located right on the side of the ski hill where after a day on the boards, you can soothe your aching muscles in the tub.  Enjoy the outdoor spas with a view! – Juniper Hotel Want recommendations for the best accommodation in Banff – Read our post: Hotels in Banff: 8 Great Stays in the Rockies. Couple’s MassageBanff is filled with spas and luxury hotels. You can book many a spa through your own accommodation, but we tried the downtown spa Cedar and Sage. As many of you already know, Dave and I have a lot of massages around the world. Our massage at Cedar and Sage worked all the knots out of our backs in a tranquil setting with certified massage therapists. With it’s downtown location, we could stroll the shops and enjoy a coffee afterwards to truly get that sense of peace that one is looking for after a week of so many adventures. Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Johnston Canyon Ice Walk Want to see frozen ice like you’ve never seen before? Take a hike through Johnston Canyon. It’s an easy walk on a well maintained steel walkway where you’ll see frozen waterfalls all around you. Make sure to go to the very end to see the most beautiful of them It’s only a two and a half mile walk taking you to six different frozen waterfalls and a deep pool of swirling water that is reached by walking through a stone arch. You may spy some ice climbers there as well, or you may want to give it a try yourself! See our Ice climbing Adventure in Canmore, Alberta. Skate on Lake Louise Enjoy a couple’s skate on Lake Louise It’s the most scenic ice rink in the world. Just out front of the Fairmont Lake Louise is the world’s prettiest hockey rink complete with zambonies, hockey benches, and figure skating. It’s free to skate on Lake Louise and the ice is ready and waiting as professionals maintain it with state of the art equipment. You can rent your hockey gear at Wilson Mountain Sports located about 5 minutes away on your way into the lake or you can bring your own. There’s spots for figure skating and hockey so don’t be shy, enjoy some hot chocolate and have either a romantic date with your loved one or join a game of pick up hockey!  Pond Hockey Anyone? Order a Flight of Spirits A flight of Spirits It’s the only distillery in all of Banff National Park. As a matter a fact, it’s the only distillery in a national park in North America. Park Distillery makes smooth vodka and rye right on sight. Direct from the glacial waters of the Rocky Mountains you can be sure that they use the purest water on earth. They offer distillery tours where they’ll tell you most of their secrets and you can sit down and sample all their spirits in one tasting. Be prepared, they go down so well, you’ll be feeling it when you stand up. But you know what they say about great booze, no hangover! The tasting has a mix of pure vodka and rye as well as spiced, and coffee flavour. Everyone in your party will have a different favourite. I’m a purest and loved their straight, silky vodka! Go to the Back Country Sundance Lodge – 16 km from anywhere If you ever make it to the Rocky Mountains, you must make sure to go to a back country lodge. This is the epitome of things to do in Banff. Why? Because it is where you completely get away from it all. Don’t fret too much about bears or cougars in the winter. For the most part they’re hibernating and if you are a party of two or three, they’ll be more afraid of you than you are of them. Imagine sitting in a log cabin heated by a wood burning stove as the snow falls around you outside. That is pure heaven. Sundance lodge has an executive chef, hot water for showers, solar power and cozy bedrooms. This is where luxury meets rustic living and if you go home and tell everyone that you trekked 16km into the Rocky Mountains to stay at a lodge, you will be the hero of all your friends. You can get to the Banff Alberta Back Country by snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Relax with the One you Love Sitting by the fire each and every night After being outside all day, there is nothing more romantic and calming than sitting by a fire. I don’t know about you, but we could stare at a fire forever. There’s no need to make small talk, just relax, watch the wood burn and contemplate the amazing time you had in Banff National Park. Making a fire each night in our hotel or lodge was a ritual we looked forward to. We would sip wine or tea and do nothing but let the flames lull us to a slumbering state where we were ready to climb into our beds and dream about the next day in Banff. Read Next: Hotels in Banff – Where to Stay for your Next VacationOur trip to Banff is in partnership with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism. All opinions are our own, all activities and lodges were chosen through lengthy discussions to make sure that they suit our travel style and likes. We planned our trips the way anyone would, through research and information tailoring it to ThePlanetD Read the original post 10 of the Most Unforgettable Winter Things to do in Banff on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Spectacular Banff Helicopter Tours with Exclusive Snowshoeing in the Rockies Posted: 10 Jan 2016 07:37 AM PST When viewing spectacular landscapes like the Rocky Mountains in Banff, there is really only one way to truly understand the magnitude of their beauty – from the air. Yes, hiking through the mountains, taking a dog sled tour or driving up to lookouts can offer outstanding views, but it’s from a helicopter that you really get to see how massive, awe-inspiring, and extraordinary the Rocky Mountains are. We met with our pilot Ralph Sliger of Rockies Heli Canada for one of their Banff Helicopter Tours on a crisp and clear winter’s morning for the most impressive helicopter tour we have ever taken. The views from our Banff Helicopter Tours with Rockies-Heli. Banff Helicopter Tours with Rockies HeliLocated just an hour from Calgary and a short drive from Canmore or Banff, Rockies Heli is one of the premiere helicopter tour companies in Alberta. Our helicopter tour was taking us over Banff National Park to witness the famous peaks like Mt. Assiniboine, The Three Sisters and Mount Lougheed, but we also had the added bonus of landing on a peak just outside the park to go snowshoeing where nobody else dares to go. When landing a helicopter on the top of a mountain, you can be sure you won’t see crowds of people during your hike! The helicopter is state of the art with headsets and bubble windows giving everyone inside great views of the rockies. A helicopter tour is on our list of the most unforgettable things to do in Banff. See what else there is!  Beautiful Rocky Mountains It was our last day in Banff and we stopped for our flight with RockiesHeli en route to the airport. We couldn’t believe our luck that our last day just so happened to be the clearest day of our entire trip. The skies were blue with just enough clouds in the sky to create perfect photo opportunities. Enjoy This Video Journey Through the Rocky MountainsSubscribe to our Youtube channel for weekly travel videosAfter going through our safety check and being weighed, we were escorted to the helicopter where we were strapped in and suited up with our headsets so we could hear the commentary of our captain and talk to each other. See our Helicopter Tour over Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Dave managed to snag the front seat giving him an excellent vantage point but I felt that my backseat view was equally extraordinary. I could look out both sides of the window and even look ahead as the bubble windows bulged out enough letting me see the side of the helicopter. Our chopper pilot Ralf, made sure that he circled around each sight enough to give each person on each side of the helicopter a birds eye view. There were so many sights to see, I could have soared through the air all day. Spray Lake, endless mountains, and extraordinary glaciers. It was the glaciers that really took my breath away. I could see deep into the crevasses carved out in the side of the mountain and Ralph flew so close it felt as though we could reach out and touch the peaks. The beauty of a helicopter tour is that it is never the same. We were originally planning to fly over one part of Banff National Park, but a low cloud came in making it impossible to land. I didn’t mind that we couldn’t land because the mountains peaking out of the top of the clouds made for the most breath-taking views. Check out our helicopter tour over Victoria Falls at our Top 5 Adventures in Zambia Our flight lasted for about 45 minutes mixing together two of RockiesHeli most popular tours, the Ultimate Alpine Glacier Tour and the Grand Rocky Mountain Tour. The flight was smooth, comfortable and we were toasty warm and safe inside from the winter air outside. But soon it was time to face the elements. The second part of our tour took us to a peak where we landed high on a mountain just outside Banff National Park. (no helicopters are allowed to land within the park boundaries) We put on our snowshoes and set out on a 30 minute hike through the forest.  Landing in the Rockies Ralph pointed out animal tracks as we hiked and showed us different viewpoints to witness the Rockies. It was a fun walk through the woods, hiking over a few logs and making some fresh tracks. The best came when we stopped for hot chocolate and Baileys. This was the spot. The clouds opened up to let the most beautiful landscape unfold before our eyes.  Dave shows off the Rocky Mountains of Alberta We could have used a blanket had we wanted to, but with our blood pumping from the hike, we felt warm and comfortable as we looked on at Mother Nature’s finest work. Enjoy our Helicopter Tour of Maui It was a special feeling to land in a secluded spot at the top of a mountain. Normally when you do a helicopter tour, you take off and arrive only at the launch pad of the company. But when doing a heli hike tour, you get to feel what it’s like to land and take off in the wilderness. It also makes for some pretty sweet photo stops!  Amazing views over Banff Rockies Heli offers many different helicopter tours over Banff and Canmore. They also have another branch for helicopter tours over the Columbia Icefields near Jasper. If you go to Alberta make sure you take a helicopter tour over Banff. Seeing Spray Lake slice through the snowy peaks of the Rockies is something you won’t soon forget. See our helicopter tour over the Great Barrier Reef in Australia  Our group! During our time in Banff Lake Louise, we went on a backcountry tour with fellow travel lover Johnny, of the Banff Lake Louise tourism board. While skiing, he asked us what mountains we thought were more beautiful, The Rocky Mountains or the Alps. We said, that both are beautiful there is no doubt about it, but if we had to choose, it would be the Swiss Alps. But after doing our Banff helicopter tour, we’d like to change our answer. We’ve now seen the Rocky Mountains in a whole new light and our heli hike tour through Banff was definitely more extraordinary than anything we saw in the Alps. So if you ask us again what is more beautiful? Our answer will be, “The Rocky Mountains” For more information on Banff Helicopter Tours visit Rockies Heli Canada.
Read Next: Hotels in Banff – Our Top 8 Picks for Where to Stay in the RockiesRead the original post Spectacular Banff Helicopter Tours with Exclusive Snowshoeing in the Rockies on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Experiencing Mandalay: Myanmar’s Hidden Gem Posted: 09 Jan 2016 02:00 AM PST In the center of Northern Myanmar lies the country's second largest city of Mandalay. Serving as the last royal capital before the country came under British rule, the city is home to stunning historic structures, a wealth of history, and, like all of the country, wonderful people. Surprisingly, you won't find my tourists there. Mandalay The Hidden GemMandalay's draw must be taken within the larger context of Myanmar. In recent years, the country's economic and political liberalization has led to a steady increase in the number of foreign tourists permitted to enter the country. Today, western tourists certainly aren't uncommon, but frequent sightings of foreigners are most typical in one of perhaps three or four major destinations – for example, Bagan, Inle Lake, and the capital city of Yangon with its Shwedagon Pagoda.  Mist of Mandalay Elsewhere, outsiders are far less common. Even major tourist destinations will generally see mostly Burmese sightseers, with only an occasional international traveler spotted among them. Throughout much of Mandalay and the surrounding area, I even discovered that I was often a tourist attraction & asked countless times to pose for selfies or other photos with friends and family, just for the novelty of being a westerner! Mandalay Palace The most prominent feature of downtown Mandalay are its breathtaking Palace Walls, a huge structure nearly 5 miles in perimeter and surrounded by a moat, which occupies the city's central tract. Contained deep within those walls are the Mandalay Palace grounds, which constitute the buildings of the last royal palace of Burmese monarchy. Although by no means huge, I would recommend dedicating more time to such attractions than you may anticipate, especially if traveling in the hottest months of April and May, as I did. Temperatures of 112 degrees with a heat index of 115 (46 Celsius) were not uncommon. As a result, a few hours in the heat warrants a cold drink and some time in the air conditioning before setting out again. That said, I walked the perimeter of the palace two days in a row and loved it each time, getting a sense of this city and its wonderful people on my own terms. The heat was not as oppressive as I had feared. Mandalay Hill Not far from the palace lies Mandalay Hill, home to several significant pagodas and monasteries, as well as excellent views of the city and its surrounding countryside. Visiting major pagodas also provides the opportunity to see and interact with Burmese locals in a more natural environment – like you, many come to these temples to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the view! An afternoon could easily be spent exploring the various pagodas along Mandalay Hill, many of which see few visitors, despite being located in a central area of a major city. It is almost obligatory to stay and view a sunset from the hill. Unlike many western countries, it is fairly easy to find a taxi driver to take you up, then wait for you or return at a pre-determined time. In my experience they were always punctual! Beyond Mandalay As countless guidebooks will tell you, there are a number of wonders to explore beyond Mandalay as well. Most can be reached on a day trip, and I recommend hiring a taxi to take you – they know the area extremely well, can act as a tour guide, and it spares you having to worry about logistics or getting lost. Rates are affordable – hiring a taxi for nearly a full day was about $40-50, and included up to 3 passengers. One of the most famous sites near Mandalay is the ancient imperial capital of Inwa with numerous historic structures. Getting there entailed a taxi drive, a boat across a river, then hiring a horse and buggy to explore the ruins, which provided for a once-in-a-lifetime experience itself! After visiting perhaps a half dozen structures, my driver recommended we return to the car and visit the famous U Bein bridge, a long teak foot bridge not far from Mandalay. U Bein was not only beautiful, it was lively! This is where many Burmese must go to relax on a Friday evening, as we saw plenty of people (nearly all locals) and a slew of beer, ice cream, and other food vendors. The bridge itself is breathtaking, especially seeing traditionally-dressed monks stride gracefully along. Go Off the Beaten Path Visiting Mandalay revived for me one of my forgotten joys: traveling off the beaten path and exploring places organically, without a travel book or foreign guide pointing the way. This allows you to meet new and interesting people who are often most representative of a country's diverse social, ethnic, economic, and religious composition. In my opinion, there are few better cities in which to do it, especially if you're up for a little adventure, unpredictability, and more than a little hot weather!
Bio: Matt is a travel and photography enthusiast and author of The Prodigal Dog, a blog featuring his photos and peregrinations around the world. He loves hiking and has visited over 30 countries — he hopes to visit all seven continents (five down, two to go). He can be found on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Read the original post Experiencing Mandalay: Myanmar's Hidden Gem on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| A Good Ol’ Hockey Game: Skating on Lake Louise, the Most Beautiful Rink in the World Posted: 07 Jan 2016 02:00 AM PST “The good ol’ hockey game! Its the best game you can name! Music and Lyrics by Stompin Tom Connors Game On! Ready for our Good Ol Hockey game and Skating on Lake Louise If you find yourself in Banff National Park in the winter, you must go Skating on Lake Louise.It’s the most beautiful ice rink in the world. I dare anyone to claim a better spot for a game of pond hockey than Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Set at the foot of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise is an incredible setting surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in a corner of the lake is the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and once winter arrives and the ice freezes over, it’s time to skate. Don’t want to stay at the expensive Fairmonts? Check out our Top 8 Recommendations of Banff Hotels Skating on Lake Louise There is nothing more Canadian than skating on Lake Louise and a game of pick-up hockey Lake Louise is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. Every year they host world cup events and it was home to the Winter Olympics downhill race. It’s as world class as it gets drawing tourist from around the world. But there are other things to do in Lake Louise during the winter months such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, spas, and fine dining. For your outdoor winter adventures, Wilson Sports has you covered. We met up with Bill and Julie at Wilson Mountain Sports where they suited us up with skates, pucks and sticks for a friendly game of pond hockey on the ice. Enjoy our Video of Skating on Lake Louise!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Travel Videos every Tuesday and Thursday Bill took us downstairs to see his state of the art skate and ski sharpening machine before heading out and told us the story of how his sharpening is so good, he recently had someone FedeX their cross country skies across Canada from Quebec to have his guy sharpen their skis. Now that proves just how good the job is done.  Chillin’ with Bill from Wilson Mountain Sports When visiting Banff and Lake Louise, you don’t have to come with every piece of winter sports gear you own. You can rent from Wilson Mountain Sports or buy any forgotten items. Never fear, Bill is here! Read: The Romance of Lake Louise: The Perfect Couples Vacation Destination After we gathered all our gear, we took a short drive to the Lake Louise parking lot where we left our trucks and walked along the path towards the Fairmont and the lake. Zambonies were hard at work clearing the ice and creating different skating rinks for people to enjoy. One skating rink was for people wanting to skate around or learn while the other was for the pond hockey players.  A Wayne Gretzky view from behind the net. Bill told us that as the season goes on the entire lake is cleared of snow and fit to skate on. Now that would be awesome! The arenas have mini pond hockey nets so you don’t have to bring your own and it’s the perfect size to play a good game. It had been years since we’d been on skates, but as Canadians, we grew up on skates, so it didn’t take long to get our legs. Soon we were shooting the puck and scraping to a halt with ease. The only time I fell was when I went to get a puck in a puddle of slush and misjudged the spot where the ice meets the slush and turned right where the show went deep. It was a bit of a wet mess, but luckily the weather was balmy so I stayed warm, even if I wasn’t dry.  Deb looking like a pro skating on Lake Louise.  Dave looked like he know what he was doing too! Playing pond hockey at Lake Louise is a communal game. Anyone can join in at any time and everyone is friendly and talks to each other. Nobody felt up to joining the four of us though. I put it down to we were just too darn good. The couldn’t bring themselves to being slaughtered by our team of four shooting the puck back and forth. (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little) Pond Hockey made our list of the best things to do in Banff. Check it out to see what else made it!  Deb playing goalie in front of the Fairmont Lake Louise Check out another iconic Canadian place to go ice skating: Ottawa’s Winterlude and skating on the Rideau Canal  Taking in the view after an afternoon of skating on Lake Louise We never did get a proper game going, but it was fun shooting the puck around and taking turns at being goalie. We ended up on the ice for a lot longer than I expected. I had forgotten how much fun it is to skate on an outdoor arena. It’s way better than in the rink where you are forced to skate around in circles. At Lake Louise, there’s so much room. The beginners can stay on one rink in the middle, while everyone has free run to go wherever they please. If you go to Banff in the winter, make sure to skate on Lake Louise at least once. You’d be doing something truly Canadian.
Read Next: Get Your Winter Adventure on at Arrowhead: Fat Biking and Skating on the Ice TrailRead the original post A Good Ol’ Hockey Game: Skating on Lake Louise, the Most Beautiful Rink in the World on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Hotels in Banff – Our Top 8 Picks for Where to Stay in the Rockies Posted: 05 Jan 2016 06:02 AM PST We’ve had the luxury of visiting Banff on three different occasions during our travels. Whenever anyone asks us where we think the most beautiful place is in the world, Banff always springs to mind. It’s no wonder we jump at any chance to return. We’ve visited Banff National Park in winter and summer and have sampled many different lodges and inn during our time in Alberta. Since many people are planning their ski vacations and winter holidays, we thought it would be a good time to share our opinion of what the best hotels in Banff are. Besides the Banff Springs and Lake Louise Fairmont hotels, there are plenty of other options for where to stay in Banff. So without further ado, here you go! Traveling this winter? Check out our Packing Tips for Winter Travel Hotels in Banff – Where to Stay in the Rockies. Hotels in Banff: Buffalo Mountain Lodge Buffalo Mountain LodgeIf you want to be in the heart of the action of Banff proper. Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a great choice for a hotel in Banff. Situated just minutes from downtown, Buffalo Mountain Lodge offers free shuttles for guests to go out for dinner, drinks or downtown shopping. We loved building a fire in our room as we overlooked our Rocky Mountain view. Staff provide kindling, newspaper, matches and wood to create the perfect fire for a romantic or cozy atmosphere. The Sleeping Buffalo Dining Room is a great choice for dinner featuring local fruits, vegetable and grains plus hormone and antibiotic free bison and elk raised on their own game ranch. For an authentic Alberta meal, this is the place to dine. By the way, we had deer and elk walking through our backyard. How incredible is that? See more about dining and hotels in Banff at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge Website Juniper Hotel   Our room at the Juniper Hotel was to die for with whirlpool bath, wood burning fireplace, and leather couch propped in front of a big screen TV. But its the outdoor hot tub looking at the striking Rocky Mountain view that sticks with us. Juniper sits at the foot of Mount Norquay making it the perfect getaway for families wanting to ski nearby. There’s a trail leading into the woods from the hotel that we took a great little hike on spying a family of deer, and the Juniper Bistro offers delicious home cooked meals straight from farm to table. Check rates for your next stay in Banff at the Juniper Hotel Looking for things to do in Banff? Check out The Best Place to go Dog Sledding in Banff National Park Sunshine Mountain Lodge     For serious ski lovers, Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the top choice. It’s the only slope side hotel in Banff. This luxury hotel is located at the top of the gondola giving guests the unique opportunity of being first on the hill. With spa service, ski and snowboard lockers, and Banff’s largest outdoor hot pool, Sunshine Mountain Lodge is a full service winter retreat. Their restaurant offers Albertan beef and vegetarian options, and the loft rooms overlooking the ski hill are outstanding. We turned on the gas fire and ate fresh local cheese as we looked over the ski lifts while staff groomed the trails for our day on the hill. For skiing and information on accommodation visit the Sunshine Village Website Sundance Lodge      It may not be a typical hotel in Banff, but when visiting the National Park, you really need to get out to the backcountry at least once. Sundance lodge is a cross-country ski or snowshoe in during the winter months, or a horseback ride or hike in the summertime. This 10-room log cabin is nestled on the bend of Brewster’s Creek in the valley of the Sundance Mountain Range. Located 16km from Banff, it takes you away from it all where you can truly get away from cell service, noise and light pollution. You are in the true Canadian wilderness but you’re not roughing it. Your stay offers a personal chef, wood-burning fire, hot showers and solar heating. A great Rocky Mountain escape awaits. For backcountry tours, trail rides and lodge information visit the Banff Trail Riders Website Storm Mountain Lodge A view of Storm Mountain For the truly romantic getaway, Storm Mountain Lodge is our top choice. Guests stay in private cabins ranging in size for couples to families with a spectacular view of Storm Mountain. The lodge was originally built as a way for the Canadian Pacific Railway to attract more tourists to the Rocky Mountains in 1922. Eight log cabins which are still used by guests today. Storm Mountain Lodge is completely self sufficient with water, power, and sewer creating a sustainable green environment. Our cabin had a fireplace and sofa where we sipped wine reminiscing about our day before dining at their all Canadian menu. It’s fine dining in a forest setting, nothing could be more superb. It’s a bit away from it all and that is exactly the way we like it.  Beautiful cosy rooms at Storm Mountain Lodge. For more information on the history and accommodations at the lodge visit their website: Storm Mountain Lodge Looking for Romantic things to do in Banff? Enjoy our post Romantic Lake Louise, a Perfect Couple’s Getaway. Deer Lodge Hotels in Banff- Deer Lodge The sister lodge to Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Deer lodge is located just a short walk from Lake Louise. If you are snowboarding or skiing at Lake Louise, this is a great nearby choice. During ski season, daily complimentary shuttles run from Deer Lodge to the ski resort. Originally built in 1923 as a teahouse, it has grown and expanded over the years to a four season lodge. The accommodation is rustic yet elegant offering fine dining at one of the most noted dining rooms in the Rockies. There is an incredible rooftop hot tub that looks out at Victoria Glacier and new traditional dry wood sauna. Visit the Deer Lodge Website for rates and packages Check out our snowboarding experience at Lake Louise Ski Resort Fox Hotel and Suites Hotels in Banff: Fox Hotel Located downtown Banff, Fox Hotel and Suites is walking distance to all the main dining and hot spots. What sets Fox Hotel and Suites apart from other hotels in Banff is the large hot pool modelled after the Cave & Basin hot pools. The original Cave & Basin was Canada’s first national park. We had a two bedroom suite that echoed the perfect ski lodge setting. For roadhouse dining we ate at Chilis Restaurant located in the lobby. When you’ve had a busy day of adventures in Banff, sometimes a quick meal at the hotel restaurant is in order. For this downtown Banff Accommodation visit the Fox Hotel and Suites website Num Ti Jah LodgeWe last stayed at Num Ti Jah Lodge on Bow Lake back in 2009, but we visited it again this trip to take some winter photos of the mountain setting. Num Ti Jah is closed during the winter months, but I wanted to put it in this round up because it really is one of the legendary hotels in Banff. Surrounded by mountains with the Crowfoot Glacier towering overhead the lodge is as rustic as it is historic. Founded by Jimmy Simpson in 1898, you really feel that time has stood still here. If you want to get away from it all, this is the place to be. The main lodge has cozy fireplace with simple rooms keeping with traditional virtue the simple life. The Elkhorn dining room has many elk, bears, moose, wolverine and deer trophy's hanging on the walls but never fear, they were hunted and killed during the early 1900s. But that shouldn’t stop you from sampling some of the elk or bison on the menu! 
See more and check availability at Num Ti Jah Lodge There are many choices of accommodation in Banff. From Inns to lodges and full blown hotels in Banff, there’s something to suit every need and budget. We’ve had the good fortune of testing out several hotels in Banff and can attest that whatever you choose in the list, you won’t be disappointed. Our latest trip to Banff is in partnership with Banff Lake Louise tourism more information on hotels in Banff, visit the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Website. Read the original post Hotels in Banff – Our Top 8 Picks for Where to Stay in the Rockies on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Hello Goodbye: Real Life Tales from the Airport Posted: 04 Jan 2016 07:30 AM PST Dave and I fly a lot. After 7 years on the road, it’s been awhile since anyone has been waiting for us when we arrive home. Our families are used to it. They are actually a bit blasé when it comes to our world travels. We may not have crowds with signs welcoming us home, but each time we land at Toronto Pearson, I can’t help but come out beaming when I see the crowds of people searching for their loved ones. It warms my heart. I often wonder what their stories are? How long has it been since they’ve seen the person that is about to step through that door? Are people coming home for a celebration or is it a tragedy that brings them to the airport?  As a storyteller, I make up scenarios in my mind as we whisk through arrivals and head to our car. Many times their faces are etched in my memory and I hope that they have a happy outcome. I’ve watched people say tearful goodbyes and scream joyful hellos. The airport is one of the most emotional places to be on earth making it the perfect setting for a heartfelt drama. A Real Life Love ActuallyDuring the holidays I re-watched one of my favourite Christmas movies, Love Actually. The airport scene at the end definitely brings happy tears to my eyes every time. It’s amazing to me that nobody has thought of capturing these real life moments on film before. Until now! The CBC series Hello Goodbye launching this January is a touching series showcasing the stories from people in Canada’s busiest airport. We had the chance to watch a couple of episodes, and Hello Goodbye accomplishes exactly what Love Actually did in the movie, only this time it’s true life. Remember this scene? Hello GoodbyeThe ten episode series airs Fridays at 8:30pm ET on CBC and runs from Jan 8 to March 10. I like how they hired a professional psychotherapist who operates a practice in Toronto rather than a hired actor. You can tell that host Dale Curd is in tune with the people he’s talking to. He knows what questions to ask without prying too much. Instead he lets them tell as much or as little of the story as they like. Curd’s approachable manner makes strangers open up telling their most intimate stories of love and loss.  Hello Goodbye Host: Dale Curd Episodes of Hello Goodbye are a mix of stories submitted in advance and stories discovered in the moment on location. Only 20% of the scenes showcased are submitted in advance giving the series a raw and honest feel. I had a difficult time telling the submitted stories and discovered stories apart. The entire episode feels off the cuff and unrehearsed. The format starts with Dale talking to people about their story. He asks them what brings them to Canada’s busiest airport and they freely let him into their life. It is at this time that we get to meet the people, discover why they are at Toronto Pearson and have them share their personal feelings. It is moving, funny, and heartbreaking depending on the situation. The camera then pulls back to let the travellers and loved ones have their personal moment letting the reactions and emotions play out on their own. What’s interesting is once the moment is over, they don’t follow up with more interviews. The people have either arrived, left, said yes to marriage or sometimes don’t receive the reaction they were hoping for. It is real life after all. As we watch them walk away, we wonder, how will things unfold in the future? We may never know. Just like the people I see when Dave and I arrive home on our own, I am left with thoughts about their lives. Will things work out? Will they live happily ever after? Life is unpredictable and one can never know. Unlike fiction, not every story has a proper ending. Instead, Hello-Goodbye captures a moment in time and we’re left to wonder what the next chapter will bring.  What’s next for Dave? In a world of Kardashians and TMZ videographers chasing down stars at the airport trying to embarrass them with silly questions, Hello Goodbye is a breath of fresh air showing the bonds of family, joyful moments, and grief that one feels with loss and love. It moved me to tears on many occasions. The soundtrack blends beautifully with the story and the truth coming from each person resonates with you long after the credits roll. For more information on check out the Hello Goodbye website and Follow Hello Goodbye on Twitter and Facebook.Read the original post Hello Goodbye: Real Life Tales from the Airport on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| The Best place to go Dog Sledding in Banff National Park Posted: 03 Jan 2016 06:30 AM PST It’s the quintessential Canadian adventure, dog sledding in the Rocky Mountains of the Canadian North. If you go to Banff National Park in winter, you must add this to your to do list of winter activities. We met our team of Alaskan huskies waiting not-so-patiently in the parking lot of the Great Divide trail leading deep into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Their energetic barks alerted everyone that they were raring to go and couldn’t wait to be let off their chains and left to run freely into the wilderness. Check it out! The Video of Dog Sledding in Banff NPKingMik Dogsled Tours is not only the best place to go dog sledding in Banff National Park they are also the only dogsled outfitters allowed in the park and they put on a great adventure. We’ve gone dogsledding before with pure Siberian Huskies and they are the more beautiful dogs of the breed, but they are smaller than the mixed breeds of Alaskan Huskies. Alaskan Huskies were bred to run and when they took off from the starting line, they went with vengeance. Dog Sledding in Banff National Park, Alberta Dog Sledding in Banff National Park, Alberta Before setting out, Dave and I met our musher Kylie from Australia. It seems nearly everyone that works in Banff, Lake Louise is from the Land Down Under. They already know what most Canadians still need to find out. Banff is perfection. I don’t know if there is a better place in Canada for beauty, adventure, and outdoor activities. It’s attracting people from halfway around the world to live and work here and more and more Canadians are finally catching on! Not sure about Dog Sledding? Read our article, The Misconceptions of Dog Sledding  Our guide from KingMik Dog Sledding Kylie from Australia Kylie has been with KingMik for years and looks after the dogs in the off season, so she knew a lot about our team of eight. Two of the dogs – Lexi and Hamish are on the racing team and were out with us for what is an easy training run for them at the anchor position right in front of the sled. The rest – Snapper, Tuzu, Ginger, and Blackie were following our two strong lead dogs Two Step and Bronte. This made our list! See what else made it on our Most Unforgettable Things to do in Banff.  Cozy and ready to go with KingMik Dogsled Tours in Banff National Park Wrapped in a cozy and thick sleeping, Dave and I spent the first half of the 16km tour relaxing inside the cocoon snuggled up in the windproof sled. We were toasty warm as Kylie drove the dogs through the fresh snow telling us about the personalities of each dog.  We hit the trail! Some were young and new to the game while others were old vets that refuse to go into retirement. Whenever Kylie stopped the sled to look at lynx or porcupine tracks, the dogs looked back in frustration wondering why she put on the break. “Doesn’t she know by now that all they want to do is run?” Traveling to Banff? Check out Ottsworld’s post on What to do in Ski Town if you Don’t Ski  Each sled dog has his own personality. The Great DivideThe Rocky Mountain scenery is one of the most spectacular locations on earth and out here in the Great Divide, you get to see it in all its beauty. The Great Divide Trail from Banff was part of the original Trans Canada Highway which must have been a hair raising experience for driving crossing Canada. There are twists and narrow turns on going through a high mountain trail. It is also the spot in the Rocky Mountains where the East meets the West. It’s the pinnacle of the Rocky Mountain Range where the water drains on one side towards the West and on the other towards the East. We’ve been lucky enough to trek now to two of these interesting watershed locations. The first time we were out in the winter witnessing the change in waterflow was when we trekked 100km to the Arctic Watershed in Northern Ontario. It was there that we reached the spot where the water stopped flowing south to the Atlantic Ocean and instead began it’s flow North to the Arctic Ocean.  Deb at the Great Divide! I am always in awe of spots like this. It seems like a sacred place. It is here that is the water source and from this point is where water spreads to all living things, north, south, east and west. British Columbia Too!It’s also a spot where we briefly crossed into the province of British Columbia. If you have never been to Canada before, this is your chance to tick two provinces off the list in one trip! We were there for just a short time but it was pretty cool to cross into BC in what feels like the middle of nowhere.  Time for us to help mush the dogs Read: Dog Sledding Ontario – Your Ticket to Adventure  Deb takes her turn at the wheel! After a brief rest for the dogs, we turned around and it was on the way back that Dave and I had the chance to join Kylie and help mush the dogs. They didn’t need a lot of encouragement though, they still had tons of energy, so all we had to do was hang on and enjoy the ride. The views back were even better than the views heading out and we saw the massive rocky peaks of Banff National Park welcoming us home. At the end of our trip, we rewarded the dogs for a job well done with a big piece of frozen chicken. They each caught it like a tennis ball and devoured it with delight as we gave them big hugs and pats for working so hard for us today.  A reward for a job well done They take turns running so after their tour, they get to relax in their kennels while the next set of dogs goes out with the next group. I never knew how much these dogs love their kennels until we went dogsledding with WinterDance and saw the excitement in their eyes when they saw the trucks.    These dogs were the same. For now, their bellies were full of chicken, water and chow. They got a good dose of loving from the mushers and guests and it was time for a nap in their cozy kennel. Ah, it’s a dogs life. Thinking of doing Winter Travel? Learn from our 8 Tips for Safe and Comfortable Winter Trekking  The dogs take some rest time in their kennel. For more information on Dog Sledding in Banff visit KingMik Dogsled Tours. For more information on what to do in Banff, visit Banff Lake Louise Tourism for information and accommodation. While dog sledding at KingMik, we stayed at: Storm Mountain Lodge Tip to Know for Dog Sledding in Banff:
Read Next: Our Yukon Quest Training RunRead the original post The Best place to go Dog Sledding in Banff National Park on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Catch of the Day – a Lobster Safari in North Wales Posted: 02 Jan 2016 02:00 AM PST Dave and I have been on our fair share of safaris. We’ve seen lions and cheetahs in Kenya, Leopards in Sri Lanka, and Polar Bears in Canada. But a lobster safari in North Wales is definitely the most unique safari idea we’ve ever heard of. Not just anyone can catch a lobster. You need a license, a fishing boat, and there are many rules and regulations that you need to follow.  Lobster Safari We met with marine biologist and skipper Carl Davis at Beacon’s Jetty in Conwy Morfa North Wales. Today, we were going on safari to learn how to catch a lobster, but to also understand the conservation of this popular seafood entrée known as the Black Gold of the Sea. Skipper Carl has more than 20 years of fishing experience taking over his father’s business after working for several years in conservation. We didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see lobster being caught, but I do believe that if you are going to eat something, you should understand where it comes from. Our food isn’t just neatly packed in plastic for us to enjoy after magically appearing from nowhere. Someone has got to do the dirty work. Having recently gone vegetarian, I’ve had a difficult time with food. The reason I decided to stop eating meat is because I was disheartened with humanity. I know that sounds ridiculous, but with all the senseless hunting, animal cruelty, over fishing and excess waste, I felt the need to do something, even it if was very small. I miss meat, I love meat, and I want to eat it, but the other half of my brain is telling me, no you don’t, you feel terrible for the pain and torture animals go through each day. I don’t think there is anything wrong with eating meat. I actually love the taste and believe that humans should be able to have proper protein in our diets. The problem is how raising livestock was taken to a whole new level in the 21st century. I feel that if you are going to eat it, you should understand where it comes from and you should be very aware of conservation. And that is why this lobster safari is very important to me. Carl Davis cares about the seas, cares about the future of the seas and cares about conservation of lobster fishing (or is it trapping?) for years to come. Moving on.The two hour safari isn’t about catching lobster at all, it’s about having fun on the sea and learning about the fishing industry. We set off through the bay enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Wales Coast. Taking in the view, we spied many sea birds soaring through the air and we even spied the Kashmiri goats teetering high on the cliffs of the Great Orme. The goats live in the wild here and they are so popular that they are the mascot of military battalion, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers for the past 200 years! It was a beautiful ride out to Carl’s fishing grounds where he has lines of traps strung out on the ocean floor waiting for their catch. Wales is famous for Coasteering, check out our post about it: Coasteering, It’s not as Scary as you Think During our lobster safari, he brought up the last four traps on each line in search of the week’s catch. Each cage had 1-2 lobsters in them. We learned that the size of the lobster is very important. If they are too small, they are put back. Carl measured each lobster carefully and decided whether they were ready to be kept. For a lobster to grow to legal size, they are approximately 5-7 years old. When it comes to size, regulations are strict and fishermen can’t sell lobsters that are too small. I like that they have a long free life before they meet the boiling pot. We learned the difference between male and female lobsters, although if I saw one again on my own I probably wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. Basically a female lobster is thicker and wider in the tail giving her breadth to carry her eggs.  A female with eggs Speaking of eggs, Carl snagged a couple of pregnant females. Female lobsters carry thousands of eggs at one time. When he turned them over, we saw huge clusters of black eggs attached to their underbelly. Carl told us that they don’t have to throw pregnant females back, but he always does as it’s an important part of conservation.  pregnant female lobster If they kill the females before their eggs hatch, they’ve just killed off the future of their business. We agree with Carl, this is a good way to assure future catches. But I guess some fishermen are desperate and don’t think of the consequences. He told us that they used to not allow pregnant lobsters to be caught, but fishermen were just scraping off the eggs anyway and throwing them in the batch. They found it to be a losing battle.  Carl explains the lobster lifecycle In the end, Skipper Carl came away with 3 lobsters that day. Instead of taking them into shore, he put them in a holding cage for when he was ready to take his catch in. Watch: Coasteering in Wales – You Travel Video BreakAfter banding their claws: because lobsters are cannibalistic and will eat each other, he put them into another holding cage under the water, and we went in for the night. The life of a lobster fisherman is hard work. It can be dangerous with all those heavy ropes and cages being thrown off the side of the boat that could potentially drag you to the sea and there are many a cut hand and finger that go with the job. But it can be a very lucrative life if you know what you are doing and with people like Carl Davis working the waters, it will hopefully be an industry that is around for years to come.Watch Next: Bounce Below – The Ultimate Playground for Adults
Read the original post Catch of the Day – a Lobster Safari in North Wales on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| 2015 Wrap Up – Why Learning from Mistakes and Shifting Focus is Important Posted: 01 Jan 2016 07:03 AM PST 2015 turned out to be memorable year of travel. It was also a year of soul searching, change and discovery. We weren’t sure how it was going to turn out since Dave spent the first couple of months recovering from breaking two vertebrae in his back. This time last year we thought our lives would be forever changed. I think about how far we’ve come. It took four months for Dave to recover from hospital stays in both the Peruvian Amazon and Canada. He had to learn how to walk again but after his ordeal in hospitals, home care and physiotherapy he was back in action exactly four months after his fall. As a matter a fact, we were already on the road again in March 2015 doing a cross Canada media tour discussing travel health. A very fitting and timely subject.  Dave talks about his road to recovery By April we were ready to start our travels again, and started with a Caribbean Cruise. We thought that would be a light enough travel that wouldn’t affect Dave’s tender back too much. We looked at the as a way to enjoy tropical weather and some much needed pool time. But we weren’t prepared for group travel, the crowded ports or the poolside parties. We had made the wrong choice and instead of having a positive experience for our first time back in action, we felt numb and uncertain of the future. Enjoy our Best Adventure Video Round up of 2015
After the cruise we set off to Costa Brava, Spain where we spent two months getting our travel feet back. While there, we realized that we may have pushed things a little too soon. We weren’t there mentally yet. Dave’s back had healed, but both of us never dealt with the trauma we faced. We couldn’t motivate ourselves to get out and do things. A hike downhill caused Dave to remember the feeling of falling in the Amazon and he lost the joy of being outdoors. I had spent the past four months caring for Dave and stopped taking care of myself. In Spain, we were both mentally unprepared and had a lot of physical strength we had to rebuild. We didn’t know how to balance travel and work anymore. All we wanted was to go home, start over and create a healthy routine. But that routine would have to wait. While in Spain, we had many offers on the table and like so many things in life, one feels that they have to “make hay while the sun shines.” A TV show offer came our way that we couldn’t pass up. So we flew home to Canada only to have that sweet deal fall through. We were bummed, but we realized that this was probably a blessing. We weren’t camera ready after gaining a lot of weight by sitting on our butts for four months. We weren’t prepared to face a gruelling shooting and travel schedule and now that we were home, we could start to focus on the future. What now?A little while later an Instagram trip came our way and we decided we wanted to take it. Instagram had turned into the hot thing of 2015 and we wanted to be a part of it. It turned out to be another wrong choice for us. We had already done group press trips at the start of our travel blogging career and quickly learned that wasn’t for us, so starting over again on a group Instagram trip was a mistake. While an Instagram trip allows you the chance to get photographs of all the hot spots, we don’t feel it gives you a good sense of the destination. We didn’t have a moment to catch our breath, talk to the people or learn about the little things. It felt empty, even though it looked gorgeous. Travel Blog to Tell a StoryI didn’t have time to find the story I wanted and I felt like a third wheel being there capturing videos and taking notes while everyone else focused on snapping photos. Even though Dave is the photographer, he is also a storyteller and always looks for more than just a pretty shot. He likes to capture the true to life moments, to think about what story we will tell on ThePlanetD, and discuss the camera angles and script we will use on our videos. (as well as capturing his gorgeous sunrises and sunsets through the lens.) We like to travel alone, on our own schedule and hand pick the activities we want to do and the sights we want to see. While our photographs let our readers see the beauty of South Dakota, we felt that we never couldn’t get a story beyond a Top 10 or Photography round up. That was our mistake. We should have done what we always do when invited to a destination. We should have said, we’ll come on our own and do what we do best.  Beautiful photo, but it was a moment put together for the photographers to take a photograph, not capture a moment in time Staying trueSo we came home from that trip discouraged. Is this the future of travel media? A series of snapchats and Instagram photos creating an endless stream of noise? We wanted more, so we decided to refocus on our travel blog and put more emphasis on our travel videos. We want to dig into the good, the bad and perhaps the not so glamorous side of it all. Because like every day life, travel isn’t perfect. How many vacations have you been on where you have had a huge fight with the one you love? How many times have you chosen the wrong hotel room, or the wrong side of the island? We’ve made so many mistakes in our travels. We’ve overpaid, gone at the wrong time of the year, missed out on visiting something because we arrived too late or stood in line too long. It’s never perfection. It has its ups and downs and that’s the way we like it.  Travel is not all glamour So the rest of the summer was spent doing short and sweet trips, attending conferences, and catching up with friends and family while we “found ourselves” again. We’ve always said that you should never run away from life to find yourself. We’ve never encouraged people to use travel as a crutch to find themselves. You can refocus and reinvent your life exactly where you are. At home. And that is what we did. While home, we had the peace and calm to decide what the next chapter of Dave and Deb would be. Why We Are Travel BloggersWe got into this business for the love of travel. It was a way for us to spend more time together and build something out of our passion. We got into this because ever since our first trip in 2000 we always yearned to show people the beauty of this world. We often said “If only others could see what we are seeing right now.” Eventually that became possible and our travels felt complete. We found that we had purpose. We could inspire people to visit new destinations, try new things, and travel together with the one they love.  To us, there’s nothing better than traveling together Shifting FocusSo when the final half of 2015 began, we started taking projects that excited us. We have already travelled extensively independently and we will continue to do so, but we also want a fulfilling career. We thrive to be creative and to work. For the first time in our seven years of blogging, we are in a confident place where we can pick and choose. We don’t need to take projects that don’t inspire us and we don’t need to jump on every opportunity that comes our way. Once we focused on what was important, the latter half of our year was filled with working on the right projects with the right people. Visit Nova ScotiaWe loved working with Pam of Visit Nova Scotia where we travelled the province showcasing the South Shore. We met the people of the East Coast TMAC chapter through Pam and talked about photography and videography with them. We were excited again and it showed. Our content from Nova Scotia went crazy around the Internet. Dave’s photograph of Lunenburg went wild in social media and sales offers of his photography from that destination have gone through the roof.  One of Dave’s many popular photos from Nova Scotia Nova Scotia was followed by a fulfilling and creative collaboration with Visit Britain. We loved capturing travel moments from our time in Wales. We can’t tell you about it yet as it hasn’t launched yet. But our travels through Wales are going to be a part of one of the most creative campaigns we have seen from a tourism board yet. We then flew to Greece to explore the lesser known destinations of Skiathos, Pelio, and Meteora and met one of our favourite new men in travel, George of Visit Meteora. All this time we thought we were working with the Greece tourism board, but when we landed in the country, we learned that George is an entrepreneur who has put Meteora on the map. He and his brothers have opened a travel agency that is determined to draw tourists to this fascinating destination. And with good reason. It is one of the most interesting places we have been to on earth. We’ll be writing about it more in the coming months. Seeing the photographs of these three destinations will inspire you to add them to your Greece itinerary.  Meteora, Greece We slowed down a lot in 2015. And after Greece we took time to relax, speak at a conference and visit my parents in Florida. We went to Key West, a destination we have wanted to see for years. We combined that trip to partner with IHG rewards Club and learned that we could travel on our own terms and find people to work with along the way. We enjoyed the feeling of what it’s like to travel again.  Enjoying our time in Key West Our final chapter of 2015 travel took us back to Alberta where we worked with our friends at Banff and Lake Louise. This was a magnificent winter campaign that was as fun as it was creative. It was a year in the making. We had phone calls and meetings with Kym and her team discussing the best activities that would suit our audience and fulfill their needs. We talked about how we would promote and support each other and we created an editorial schedule for both social media and content. This planning will now become the blueprint for our future campaigns as we have never worked so intimately with a tourism board before. And it paid off. We had so much fun and it shows in our content. We loved every single moment in Banff Lake Louise and our followers and readers will love it too. When you have fun in a destination, you can’t help but inspire others to go.  The beauty of Banff What’s Next for 2016Last year, we both decided that it was time to slow down, scale back and only do things that inspire us. A paycheque isn’t worth feeling unfulfilled. So we are excited to continue to work with companies that spark our creative side. We are continuing to work with TravelSmith as Travel Advisors through 2016. We feel that they are a strong travel brand offering amazing gear and clothing to travellers but we also love the creativity that they bring to the table. They have carefully and slowly picked travel advisors that we are honoured to be along side. Each person is doing their own thing focusing on their own strengths and creating their own campaigns with the company.  Deb modelling TravelSmith Like TravelSmith, TripIt is another company that has let their travel representatives keep their own identities and focus on their strengths. Everyone that works with them does so in a different capacity bringing their travel experiences and media expertise individually to the table. We were excited with our final quarter of American Express pulling together creative ideas and thinking outside the box and are looking forward to our conversation in January to brainstorm 2016 ideas. And we are thrilled to take our relationship with Quark Expeditions to larger scale. Keep an eye out for another polar adventure in 2016!
I think that 2016 is going to be the best year yet. It has been 7 years of travel blogging here at ThePlanetD. After 5 years we reached all the goals we had ever dreamed of, and the past two years were about working to find a balance between life, travel, and making a living. We feel that we are in a comfortable place to speak our minds, and take our readers on a journey with us around the world. So stick around, it is going to be a wild ride. Read the original post 2015 Wrap Up – Why Learning from Mistakes and Shifting Focus is Important on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.   |
| Our Most Beautiful Photos of 2015 Posted: 30 Dec 2015 05:11 AM PST |
Going for a walk through any village in Wales will probably lead you to a castle somewhere. If you want your fill of castles, Wales is the place to be!
Author: Matt, 
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