fisherman's wharf victoria

A Day In Victoria BC

I recently visited Vancouver and spent most of my time adventuring on its west coast in Ucluelet and Tofino.  While I prefer small towns like these, city goers should not overlook beautiful Victoria!

There ae many things to do in Victoria for all tourists, from families to solo travelers.  I saved one day of my weeklong trip to Vancouver Island for a self-made walking tour of the city.

TAKE A TOUR
camel ride in eqypt

Unveil the Secrets of Egypt: Your Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel

Egypt—just the name evokes images of pyramids, ancient tombs, and golden deserts, right? But beyond these iconic landmarks, Egypt offers something that many travelers don’t realize: a chance to experience the country in pure luxury. Imagine exploring the land of the pharaohs with private tours, staying in five-star resorts, and indulging in exclusive experiences that most can only dream of. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? If you’re looking for a vacation that combines history, culture, and indulgence, Egypt should definitely be on your radar. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes Egypt the ultimate luxury destination.

INDULGE!
tofino hot springs tour

Tofino: Hot Springs Cove Tour

A popular tour in Tofino is to Hot Springs Cove.  The six-hour tour includes a boat ride, a hike, and a soak in the hot springs in Maquinna Provincial Park.  The only way to get to Hot Springs Cove is by float plane or boat.  As a result, the tour time is dependent on the tides and coordinated among the many companies that have a park permit.

SOAK IT IN!
Wild Pacific Trail

Hiking the Wild Pacific Trail

The Wild Pacific Trail travels along the rugged coastline and through the magnificent rainforest of Ucluelet, BC on Vancouver Island.

The trail may be hiked in three sections, the Lighthouse Loop, Big Beach Section, and Browns Beach to Rocky Bluffs including Ancient Cedars Loop. Each section has a parking area and is extremely well marked.

HAPPY HIKING!

Canso Bomber Trail in Tofino

I spent several mornings hiking during my week in Ucluelet and Tofino.  Despite the mud, I particularly enjoyed the Canso Bomber Trail, which is a 3.2 mile hike to the crash site of a WWII bomber.

HAPPY HIKING!

New York City: Weekend Walking Itinerary

You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City.  While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.

During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.

WANDER!
siesta key

Things to Do in Sarasota

When I think of Florida for vacation, Sarasota doesn’t come to mind.  That said, this underrated Florida city of 60,000 is a low key place to visit.  While in Ocala, I took a few days off from the horse shows and popped down to the west coast for a lovely 48 hours in Sarasota.

EXPLORE!
silver springs state park in ocala

Things to Do in Ocala

Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting.  With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim.  While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.

EXPLORE!

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!!  The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala.  It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.

I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee.  At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4.  I couldn’t believe it!  I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.

HAPPY HIKING!
ringling circus museum

The Ringling Circus Museum

As a kid, I loved the circus.  While I have a few fond memories of sitting in the nosebleed section, eating cotton candy, and seeing all the performers, I also remember being disappointed that we stopped going.  Maybe that is why once I learned of the Ringling Circus Museum, located in Sarasota, I was set on visiting.

Sarasota is only a few hours from Ocala where I am spending a few months horse showing at the World Equestrian Center.  I took a two-day break to explore Sarasota with visiting the Ringling Circus Museum being the main draw.

STEP RIGHT UP!