Visiting Mexico’s Marvelous Monarchs

Monarch Butterflies at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Mexico.

As soon as the morning sun warms the air, the forest and sky spring to life. Bold splashes of orange speckle the blue sky as countless monarchs take flight and land on branches, logs, the ground, and even on our heads and shoulders. The sound is unlike anything we have heard before: a gentle, whispering whir like a million pieces of confetti swirling in the… Read moreVisiting Mexico’s Marvelous Monarchs

Kite Festival Highlight of Sumpongo, Guatemala

Kite festival, Sumpango, Guatemala.

November 1 is All Saints Day, an important holiday through much of Latin America. But the small town of Sumpongo, Guatemala puts its own special spin on the holiday by combining it with a major kite festival, making it one of the most popular events for visitors to this Central American country. Traditionally, kites were flown in the graveyard. It is believed that spirits of… Read moreKite Festival Highlight of Sumpongo, Guatemala

The Best of Yoho National Park

Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia’s Yoho National Park ranks among Canada’s most magnificent landscapes. The name says it all – Yoho is a Cree word expressing awe and wonder. While that may describe many places in the Rocky Mountains, things here seem cranked up another notch, with 36 peaks soaring over 3,000 metres, raging rivers and waterfalls galore, and postcard views at every turn. It had been three… Read moreThe Best of Yoho National Park

The Pros and Cons of Airbnb

Capetown view from Airbnb

A lot has changed in the world of travel recently, but one of the most significant developments in the past decade has been the emergence of Airbnb. Starting with an idea in 2007, it has become bigger than the five largest hotel chains combined. The odd name originated with two young cash-strapped roommates in San Francisco who saw an opportunity when a major conference came… Read moreThe Pros and Cons of Airbnb

Saskatchewan’s Springtime Bird Extravaganza

Buffleheads, Saskatchewan

Springtime in Saskatchewan brings one of the most exciting times for wildlife viewing and photography. While this is prime time for a variety of critters, where Saskatchewan really excels is the phenomenal bird activity and dazzling colour on and around its many ponds and wetlands. Many birds flaunt their finest spring regalia and are ready to party. The guys try to impress the gals by… Read moreSaskatchewan’s Springtime Bird Extravaganza