Just-because solo trip to freezing Chicago
I went to Chicago! I’d always wanted to go, and I had some unexpected time off in early January. I braved the awful winter we’ve been getting near the Great Lakes and flew out the day all the airports opened back up. This was my first trip alone after the end of my long-term relationship and after moving back home with my parents. Needless to say, the time to myself was well-appreciated. Chicago ended up reminding me a lot of Toronto, one of my favourite places. The new-ness mixed with familiarity was just what I wanted for a solo trip.
Take a virtual trip around the world with this open-ended, world-traveling honeymoon
We both LOVE to travel, over the course of our relationship we’ve gone on a number of international hosteling/backpacking trips together. We’d been joking about going around the world, but when we found out that Alex would be getting laid off the same week that Sara would finish grad school it seemed like the perfect opportunity to actually do it!
Get your kicks on this Americana-fueled road trip on Route 66
Technically, our trip was all of Route 66 (through: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California), plus the driving it took to get us to the start — we came from Nate’s folks house; so, Ohio and Indiana. And then from California to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois. We spent the better part of a month living out of our car and tent, traveling across America together.
A three-day road trip and hiking getaway in Yosemite
We took a road trip up to Yosemite National Park from where our wedding was held in Temecula (Southern California). I won a three-night stay at the Redwood Cabins in the southern tip of the park at an auction for one of my firm’s nonprofit clients, and it ended up being just what we needed.
Jenna & Brendan’s five-country, Central American, backpacking adventure
It’s summer time and as my mind starts to turn to vacation schemes, we also have new Home & Life schemes. We’re thinking of moving Offbeat Bride’s honeymoon profiles over here to continue our celebration of life after weddings. And, you know, to hook you up with awesome travel ideas!
For example, longtime Empire reader “Chanamasala’s” month-long trip through Central America will teach you things such as where you should be sure to drink coffee (in the only country that doesn’t export its best coffee!). Or the non-touristy places you should make sure to visit.
You are totally planning your first canoe trip right now
Once upon a time, in University, my friends and I sat around our living room, discussing all the things we’d rather be doing than studying for our finals. Somewhere between sky-diving and climbing Mount Everest, portaging came up as an option. Before we knew it, a trip was planned and packed, and we headed out into the Ontario wilderness less than one hour after our last exam. We were rained on, got lost and sidetracked down a disused, flooded snowmobile track, and ate mostly rice flavoured with soup mix in a tortilla with salsa. We came home tired, sore and dirty. And it was completely amazing. In honour of that first trip, here’s a guide on everything important you need to know/do to survive your first canoe trip into the wild.
Our “shit happens!” anniversary staycation
As our one year wedding anniversary drew closer it became apparent we had…no money. So we had to do the tried-and-true: staycation. Maybe because it was our first anniversary as married humans or because I can be a sour puss, but Mike, with his ultimate optimism when it comes to us, reassured me it would be fun.
How to book a staycation and tour your own town
Lots of us are looking at summer vacations. And staycations! The concept is great — if you can get the execution down, you’ll have a blast.