Go! Lifestyle and Travel Blog

You love to travel and you do it any chance you get.  In fact, you've just booked your fourth trip this year! But, now you're feeling guilty with all the talk about climate change. You know that long haul flights are one of the most costly activities (carbon wise) you can do. So, what should you do? Cancel travelling altogether? Let's explore some alternative ideas. Travelling By Airplane Personally, I get a little irked when influencers, travel bloggers and musicians who are well travelled are now jumping on the band wagon and saying they are no longer travelling by plane and want everyone to do the same. I'm like, you had your chance, it's my turn!  No one denies the benefits of travelling by plane. Since 1914, the first commercial flight, people have had more opportunity to connect with others in the world than ever before. Previously, travel was done by boat, trains or horse (before the motor-car and bus) which meant it would take a long time to...

Whistler, B.C. is a well-known destination for skiing, mountain biking and all things outdoors. With its mountainous topography and rain forest climate, it should come as no surprise that rivers and lakes are in abundance. There are five waterfalls in the vicinity of Whistler, B.C. that are definitely worth chasing! The most direct way to reach Whistler is to take Hwy 99 (The Sea to Sky Highway) from Vancouver which is about a 90 minute drive. The waterfalls are listed in the order they would appear on the way. While there are one or two waterfalls you could see in the winter in the snow (which would be beautiful by the way!), most trails that lead to them can only be accessed in the spring- fall when the trails are clear. All of the hikes are relatively easy, but come prepared with appropriate footwear (hiking boots), water, and camera to take epic shots! Also, be aware that the Whistler area is a bear habitat - black bear sightings are not uncommon so practice bear smarts!...

Looking for a shortish road trip? The drive from Vancouver, B.C. to Banff, Alberta might be the thing! Banff, Alberta is a world class resort destination throughout the year. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains bordering British Columbia and Alberta, Banff is approximately 1.5 hours from Calgary and a 9 hour drive from Vancouver. You could fly to Calgary and take the short route to Banff, but what would be the fun of that! Why Would You Want To Go To Banff?                      Lake Louise Blue 1) Bluest Water Ever There is a reason Banff is the location of the most instagramable photos! You know the ones - girl sitting with her back to you in a red canoe on the bluest of waters? Having been there I can now assure you that those waters pictured are true to colour! Definitely no Clarion filter needed.  The reason the water is so blue (or green or turquoise depending on your colour perception) has to do with sil...

Palm Springs is absolutely one of my favourite vacation destinations! As a child, my grandparents were snowbirds (Canadians who winter in the south) so we vacationed there every year. What I love about Palm Springs is that, from Vancouver. B.C., it is a direct two hour flight to the Palm Springs airport. The area is also a two hour drive from Los Angeles and a short drive to Disneyland or the coast. Where To Stay In Palm Springs Palm Springs is famous for its retro/cool hotels like The Ace. As well, there are many condo resorts you can check out if you are wanting your own kitchen. I have friends who love staying at Airbnb's in Palm Springs because you are able to rent a whole house with your own pool! The Riviera  has a sexy couples or singles vibe. It was a hollywood hotspot back in the day, hosting such famous guests as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and even Elvis! The rooms are funkily decorated and the pool is a non-stop party with loud music from the speakers and groups...

I love lists (who doesn't?) There's something about being able to see a goal and check it off that is so satisfying! Disclaimer: I am over twenty (insert crying emoji here!) But as someone who is now able to reflect on her life in her teens and twenties, I believe there are some essential goals and milestones you should try to cross off on your journey to adulthood and independence. So, here's my list of twenty things to do before you turn twenty. 1. Go on a trip alone While I think you should always take an opportunity to travel with your family or on a school trip, there is something so exciting about taking an airplane (or even a car) by yourself to a destination. Bonus points if you made your own way there! 2. Spend a Few Months Away From Home Whether it's at a summer camp, a relative's home, a school trip or exchange, having an adventure away from your family can give you an unforgettable experience. You will be exposed to new people and situations ...

One of the first things I noticed on my Alaska cruise were the advertisements for shopping in Skagway, our first stop. There were pamphlets handed out, lectures you could go to, and coupons for "free charms" from specific jewelry stores in the port.  "I didn't know buying diamonds in Alaska was a thing," I said to my boyfriend and not as a hint:) Cruise Ship Sponsored Stores What I didn't know, as this was my first ever cruise, was that cruise ship sponsored stores, mainly selling jewelry and luxury goods, are set up in each port.  Diamond International/Tanzanite International is an example of one of these stores with over 130 locations in cruise ports throughout North America and three stores in Alaska specifically. I heard so many people on the cruise, mainly women, excitedly talking about the jewelry they bought. "Such a good deal!"  The shops are purposely set up near the cruise terminals to take advantage of the disposa...

Whistler Mountain, located just outside of Vancouver, B.C. is one of my favourite places in the world! Besides snow sports in the winter and mountain biking in the summer there are many things to do in Whistler regardless of the season. Here are five of my favourites. Ketel One Ice Room   If you like vodka,  or are not adverse to drinking four shots in fifteen minutes, the Ketel One Ice Room is the place for you. Situated in the Listel Hotel, the Ice Room is one of the culinary experiences that the Bearfoot Bistro offers. For $62 per person (tax and tip included) you have access to the world's coldest vodka tasting room (-32C) and more than 50 different vodkas from around the world. Don't worry about bringing your winter coat, the Ice Room provides heavy goose-down parkas. Forged Axe Ax throwing at the Forged Axe is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Whistler. An instructor will introduce you to the sport, giving you tips and watching as y...

Like many fair-skinned women of Nordic descent and of a certain age, I struggle with Rosacea. Rosacea is a skin condition that is generally characterized by chronically red cheeks and nose, sometimes misdiagnosed as acne because of pimples that may erupt in the area. What is Rosacea? It's a maddening condition because apparently there is no cure, only ways to control it.  There are also many theories about what causes Rosacea - from skin mites to an autoimmune disorder. The most recent research, however, suggests that Rosacea stems from digestive issues. Common Rosacea Treatments Anthony William, known as the Medical Medium , asserts that Rosacea is actually caused by "mercury present in both the liver and the small intestinal tract, plus a virus, most commonly EBV" (p. 151 Medical Medium Liver Rescue ).  William suggests ways to improve liver and gut health through foods to consume (the famous celery juice challenge), foods to avoid (alcohol, caffeine, soy), a...