In 16th century Scotland, Reformation mobs were sweeping through the country targeting Catholic churches, tearing down altars, stripping chapels, and gutting medieval cathedrals that had stood for centuries. And the most ancient of them all, Glasgow Cathedral, was a prime target on their hit list. How did it survive this religious and societal upheaval? And…
Glasgow has a sense of humor and absolutely no interest in being told what to do. And between cone-headed statues and the Glasgow Mural Trail, they can prove it. During the Tartan Army’s time in Boston during the World Cup, they enthusiastically imported their irreverent habit of placing traffic cones on the heads of civic…
Even before we’d booked a single night of our seven-day Scottish Highland tour, Jackie had already picked the highlight of her vacation: the scant ninety seconds it would take to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard the Jacobite steam train, also known as the Hogwarts Express. As a long-time Harry Potter fan, Jackie agreed to this…
I wasn’t trying to prove anything by going hang gliding in the Outer Banks. I’d actually been thinking about it for years, and for a long time it lived in that familiar mental category of someday. Hang gliding looked exhilarating and a kind of validation of those early, Superman-inspired dreams of being able to fly. Now,…
I’d heard about e-bikes before, but it seemed a bit like cheating, you know? Nova Scotia influencers Davey and Sky raved about them on one of their YouTube videos and my Vancouver Island friend, also called David, urged me to buy one saying it would be a game-changer for “those of us with a few…
Featured photo by Almaty If you’re like me and enjoy winter sports and activities, some of the best things to do in North Carolina in winter are in the west where the cold season turns the Blue Ridge Mountains into an exciting, snow-dusted playground. Here, winter has its own kind of magic — crisp days filled with skiing, tubing,…
I love being on the water — especially in a kayak. There’s nothing like sliding into a clear mountain lake, dipping your paddle into the still surface, and watching the wake and eddies around you. It’s a slower pace than whitewater rafting and more nimble than a canoe or pontoon ride. In past posts I’ve…
I still remember my first visit to Western North Carolina to see the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. I’d seen the majestic Rockies in British Columbia before and the Blue Ridge Mountains seemed — well, not particularly high. But as I got to know the area better, that didn’t seem to matter very much. I started…
I saw a sticker once that read, “You can take the boy out of Scotland, but you can’t take Scotland out of the boy.” And I’ve found there’s a lot of truth in that. When we visited Scotland earlier this year for a tour of the highlands I felt at home, just like I have every time…
If you hear “ecotourism” and picture rustic camping or skipping vacation comforts, you’re not alone. But true ecotourism isn’t about roughing it — it’s about HOW you travel as much as WHERE you travel. Let’s be honest, “ecotour” is an overused term these days and it’s not uncommon to see it slapped on anything with…
There’s just something about being by the sea, don’t you think? Maybe it’s my roots growing up on the coast of Scotland, but water and waves just seem to put my soul at ease. When I first arrived in North Carolina, I had no idea that so many wonderful Crystal Coast beaches were close at…
Looking for something new and unique? — how about trying North Carolina glamping domes for your next travel experience. These amazing geodesic accommodations are popping up all over the state, from the Blue Ridge mountains to quiet and peaceful vineyards. Although I’ve stayed at several domes before, I haven’t tried every one of these (yet)….
Welcome to our comprehensive North Carolina glamping domes directory — your one-stop guide to all the amazing dome retreats dotted throughout the state. Dreaming of sipping wine under the stars or waking up to Blue Ridge mountain views? I’ve got you covered: I’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. I’ve mapped out the…
Let’s face it—some of the world’s most iconic travel spots are getting a little fed up with us. The Louvre in Paris just shut its doors for a day because the staff couldn’t keep up with the crowds. Last year, we visited Barcelona and just missed by a month or two protesters spraying tourists with…
My uncle used to warn me against whirlwind, jam-packed vacations that go by so fast that you find yourself saying: “If it’s Thursday, it must be Frankfurt!” I was good at taking his advice — until now. This spring we booked a unique Scottish highlands tour: TourRadar’s seven-day Scotland by Train tour (actually trains, coaches,…
I didn’t know much about Madrid when I found out I’d be traveling there in May for business. Yes, I had spent three days in Barcelona last year, but that was the entire sum of my Spanish experience so far. In planning my trip, I quickly discovered that Madrid has been the capital city of…
Looking for the best Nova Scotia glamping domes for your 2025 getaway? We’ve got you covered. We’ve personally stayed at several of these dome sites, from the ultra-comfy Blysteiner Lake Dome to the back-to-nature simplicity of Blue Bayou Resort. What have we learned? Every site brings something different to the table — and there’s a…
If you’ve been daydreaming about Punta Cana, odds are you’re picturing sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and maybe a cocktail (or two) with a tiny umbrella. There’s nothing wrong with that, but here’s the thing—there’s a whole other side to Punta Cana that starts when you step beyond the gates of your resort. Whether you’re…
There’s so many things to do on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, there’s no way you can do it all in one trip. Between the highland views, coastal cliffs, sea views, hiking trains, Scots and Irish culture, and more — well, it’s a lot to take in! This is exactly what I was thinking while…
So, you’re dreaming of a vacation getaway in the Dominican Republic but can’t decide between Puerto Plata and Punta Cana? Trust me — it’s a tough call. If you’ve Googled “best beaches in the Dominican Republic”, you’re now swimming in photos of turquoise waves, golden sands, and people holding coconuts like they’re Hollywood Oscars. I’ve…
Let’s be honest—airport lines are the worst. The security shuffle, the customs bottleneck, the stress of making a tight connection… not exactly the dream start to your vacation. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to waste your time waiting. The Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) can get you through security and customs much faster so you…
I didn’t learn to swim properly until I was about 12 years old. Sure, I could make my way through the water well enough, but keeping my face above water to breathe? Not a chance. And you can only swim so far without air… Imagine my joy when I got my first face mask, snorkel,…
As a native Scot, I’ve been to Edinburgh a few times in my life. But this was my first solo trip there. I say solo, but in actual fact I was there with business colleagues for the first part of the week as it was one more of those business trips to which I’d tacked…
Before my visit, I didn’t know much about Amsterdam, or the Netherlands for that matter. Some of us might remember the famous childhood story about the young lad saving Holland by sticking his finger in the dyke. I also knew about Dutch wooden shoes and windmills, the fact that the country was lower than sea…
The holiday season is drawing near and this is the time of year when travelers either need gift ideas or finally treat themselves to something useful. The goal is simple: So I’ve refreshed last year’s best gifts for travelers list with the gear I relied on this year. I’ve also added a few items that…
Before touching down in Barcelona for a business trip earlier this year, my only brush with the city had been through television: watching the Spanish Grand Prix in the early 1970s and the Olympics in 1992. I honestly didn’t know what to expect beyond some great architecture and a coastal vibe. What I found, however,…
Full confession: Jackie and I moved here about a year ago and we’re only just starting to discover and explore all the incredible things to do in New Bern, North Carolina. It’s full of rich history, charming streets, southern architecture, and gorgeous waterfront views. I had one day to pack in as much as I…
Switching from roller bags to backpacks changed the way we travel. They’re easier to lift, easier to store, and they eliminate a lot of the stress around checked luggage. Last year we reviewed the best backpacks for air travel, and many readers found their new favorite carry-on because of it. A year later, the market…
Several years ago, we visited our daughter and her family in Texas. We packed all our belongings in one big roller-bag and I hauled it around several airports, hoisting it on and off various belts and baggage carousels. By the time I got home, my right elbow was killing me and it didn’t get better…
Updated: October 1, 2025 You’d think I wouldn’t need an introductory tour of my own hometown. Well, apparently, I did. Last fall, Jackie and I spent a few days in Glasgow and, let me tell you, it’s changed a lot since I lived there. There’s so many new and exciting things to see, I could…
Updated: May 20, 2024 This glamping dome directory is the result of our online research and talking to glamping site owners to keep up with the events of this fast-moving business in Nova Scotia. We’ve compiled all our findings into this easy-to-follow listing and map sorted by geographic region: Glamping dome directory Cape Breton Annapolis…
I was born in Glasgow, raised in Glasgow, but left Scotland for Canada when I was just seven. My memories of the Scottish countryside are more like fragments: family holidays in Millport, the fishing village of Portsoy, a day trip to St. Andrews. For years, my returns to Scotland revolved around family visits—always time well…
There’s so many things to do on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia that there’s no way you can do them all in one trip. We proved that to ourselves last year when we spent three days on a long weekend to see the island and barely scratched the surface. We drove around the world-famous Cabot Trail, mouths…
Traveling by air and getting through an airport can be a daunting experience. From navigating the security lines to dealing with long waits and tight connections, there’s plenty of potential for airport anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With these few simple tips, you can make your next trip through an airport…
What is it that we humans find so captivating about sunrises and sunsets? Is it the stillness of a waking sun on a clear morning? Or the gentle warmth and brilliant colours that signal the end to another day? When I’m on vacation, I seem to stop whatever I’m doing for just a little longer…
EAST COAST USA The Carolinas Wild barrier islands, sand dunes where the Wright Brothers took their first flight, ancient Appalachian mountains, lakes and rivers galore, skiing, small coastal and mountain towns that feel like secrets — all reward the traveler willing to slow down and take it all in. 11 Stories published 4 Videos on YouTUbe…
Most of my paddling has been done in a kayak. So when my outdoorsy friend Laura invited me on a canoeing trip, paddling the Black River in North Carolina, my first thought was “do I know how to paddle a canoe?” Now, it’s not that I’ve never paddled a canoe. I have, but about 25…
When my plane first broke through the clouds over the Dominican Republic, I was like a kid at a candy store window, my nose pressed firmly against the glass and my mouth agape at the beautiful countryside, shorelines, and … the beaches! Punta Cana on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic is currently one of…
Years ago in an email, my father gushed that he and 14 others had just been on a bus tour around Scotland’s Whisky Trail, including the famous Bowmore distillery on the island of Islay (pronounced “eye-la”) in the Inner Hebrides. Though he was 1400 miles away in Canada, his enthusiasm was palpable. The Bowmore Distillery…
Central America The Caribbean White sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and resorts that know how serve up luxurious accommodations; the Caribbean delivers a particular kind of vacation that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Our coverage focuses on the Dominican Republic, where Punta Cana offers adventure and relaxation in equal measure. 4 Stories published Visited visited and enjoyed WHY THE CARibbean? The Caribbean experience is unique. And…
EAST COAST Canada Nova Scotia & the Canadian maritimes A unspoiled rugged coastline, impossibly fresh seafood, Celtic music, a Cape Breton coastal road that curves through autumn color so vivid it looks invented, tidal bores that move like walls of water — Nova Scotia and the Canadian Maritimes are what the rest of Canada has…
Scottish highlands Scotland & Europe Ancient castle battlements above historic cities, single malts distilled on a wind-swept Atlantic island, and a steam train crossing a viaduct best known by Hollywood wizards, desolate yet beautiful highlands, small fishing towns and large metropolitan cities — Scotland doesn’t reveal itself to people in a hurry. 10 Stories published…
There’s nothing like spending a relaxing day on a boat tour — especially when you’re in a maritime location that’s full of natural wonders, expansive lakes and oceans, and a rugged coastline — and where many people really know their way around a sailing boat (or even a ship!). With a history that includes schooners…
They say that Peggy’s Cove lighthouse may be the most photographed attraction in Canada. It’s also one of the most popular destinations and Peggy’s Cove tours are high on most people’s vacation planning list. During our time in Nova Scotia, Jackie and I have been touring the province learning about all it has to offer…
Guided group wine tours are a great way to enjoy the best wine experiences that Nova Scotia has to offer without the worry of driving between wineries. Annapolis Valley is the centre for Nova Scotia group wine tours When we first arrived in Nova Scotia, we travelled through the beautiful Annapolis Valley learning all about…
The first time I went camping as a young boy with my parents in Ontario, nature kindly gifted us a raucous midnight thunderstorm. The rain was so heavy that the campground began to flood and the old-time canvas tent began to leak. I remember my Dad and our neighbour outside in the rain frantically digging…
Imagine a place where you are able to pick up any old rock from the beach and be pretty sure it contains fossils as old as 350 million years, a time before even dinosaurs walked the Earth. There is such a place in Nova Scotia. The coastal cliffs along the Bay of Fundy are constantly…
If you’ve been reading our other posts about forest bathing in Nova Scotia, you’ll have learned that it originated in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere”. Forest bathing simply means spending time in nature while being mindful of the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. It can be done anywhere there are trees and…
If you’ve read our first post about forest bathing in Nova Scotia, you’ll know that it’s something that can be practiced almost anywhere — all you need is that connection with nature and the natural world. Finding the best places for forest bathing in Nova Scotia might take you to a peaceful, natural woodland — there…
When I first heard the term “forest bathing in Nova Scotia”, it made me think of wading into slimy muddy ponds in the woods — let’s just say the idea was not appealing. Thank goodness I’d got it all wrong. It turns out that forest bathing can be the best medicine for exhaustion, burn out,…