What was it like to travel in the 1970s? What’s better? Then or now?
Updated May 1, 2023 During the pandemic when travel as we knew it felt like a remnant of the past, I found myself reflecting on my early international travel experiences. Musing involved three questions. What was it like to travel in the 1970s? What's better? Then or...
How to apply for a NEXUS card
Updated March 30, 2022 Think of a NEXUS card as a traveller's speed pass. Answer a few questions at a kiosk when crossing the border. Whizz through airport screening using the fast lane. Join the NEXUS lane at land crossings and cross the border faster. It's a...
A comprehensive questionnaire to help choose a compatible travel partner
Selecting a compatible travel partner is serious business. It’s not enough that you both enjoy travel, want to visit the same place, and are looking for a travelling companion. This is Part 2 of a two-part post. Part 1 offers tips on How to choose a compatible...
How to choose a compatible travelling companion
Updated January 31, 2022 As many people have discovered, travelling with a friend, colleague, or life partner can put the most solid of relationships to the test. Unfamiliar surroundings, a foreign language, fewer comforts, unusual food, and unexpected challenges can...
Reach into your past to find a travel companion
Updated October 12, 2021 If the plethora of Facebook groups is any indication, people are looking outside their existing circles of family and friends to find compatible travelling companions, or encouragement and advice on travelling solo. If you're hesitant about...
Is a NEXUS card worth it?
Updated September 4, 2021 I’m sitting at the gate at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) with my boarding pass, passport, and NEXUS card, waiting for my flight to Halifax via Boston. I can’t help but reflect on my experience a couple of hours ago with U.S....
Breeze through the airport with these 20 tips on how to prepare for airport security
Updated May 22, 2021 Are your trips through airport security angst-free and uneventful? Do you factor screening into your packing regimen? If the answer is “yes” to both of these questions, it sounds like you know how to navigate airport security like a pro. If you’ve...
Ethical animal tourism: what are our responsibilities as travellers?
Updated March 17, 2021 Occasionally in my travels, I’m forced to confront my attitudes towards animal welfare and tourism. Before a trip to Morocco, it had been relatively easy. I steered clear of zoos and avoided riding or handling any animal I perceived to be...
Plane and simple: how to find good airline seats
Updated April 18, 2018 Accept seating assigned by the airline, and you'll soon figure out how to find good airline seats. At least that's been my experience. There have been a few occasions when I haven’t checked which seats I’ve been allocated and have paid...
The book that changed my life
Scouring book lists of stories set in various countries will invariably uncover examples of travel that has inspired books, and books that have inspired travel. In my case, doing so reminded me of the book that changed my life. Setting the scene I’ll try not to be too...
Lost and found recovery services for travellers
Updated December 20, 2016 Anyone who travels is aware of the huge number of bags that go missing each year. In addition, consider the amount of stuff that’s left behind at security checkpoints, in hotels, planes, taxis, restaurants and anywhere else people...
How to create a pre-travel checklist
If travel is in your future, you might want to create a pre-travel checklist. It sets up a framework for listing both the important and mundane tasks that need to be looked after before heading off on your adventure. A checklist makes preparing to travel less...