Listen to the Locals: Discovering Gordon’s Wine Bar

During a recent visit to London, my friend and I stumbled upon Gordon’s Wine Bar, thanks to a local’s heartfelt recommendation. Tucked away near Embankment tube station, this hidden gem claims the title of London’s oldest wine bar, dating back to 1890. Its unassuming entrance gives way to a charming 19th-century cellar adorned with low … Read more

How to Plan a Girls Getaway in London

Planning a girls’ getaway to London has become more accessible than ever, especially with direct flights now available from various Canadian cities. Even with the recent cancellation of WestJet’s direct route from St. John’s, the competition has driven down prices, making London a feasible option for a quick escape. Why London? London offers a perfect … Read more

What to Pack for London in the Spring

Spring in London brings mild temperatures and a mix of weather, making packing a bit of a puzzle. Here’s how to nail your travel wardrobe for a chic and comfortable stay in the city. Dressing for London’s Spring Weather London’s spring temperatures hover in the teens Celsius—pleasant but not quite shorts weather. Be ready for … Read more

I Went to a Ball Pit Bar…and Things Got Weird

Imagine being submerged in a sea of quarter million white, semi-translucent plastic balls, pulsating to the beats of techno music while colorful cocktails with names like “Neptune” and “Saturn” await. Welcome to Ballie Ballerson, a one-of-a-kind adult ball pit bar nestled in Dalston, London. Arrival and Atmosphere Upon arriving at Ballie Ballerson on a Saturday … Read more

I Got Schooled in Street Art in Shoreditch

London is a city that wears its history on its walls, quite literally in the case of Shoreditch, where vibrant street art has transformed the neighborhood into a gallery of urban creativity. During my recent solo trip to London, I decided to delve into this artistic underworld with a guided tour from Shoreditch Street Art … Read more

Cool Things to Do on a Second Trip to London

You’ve done the major sites in London: Tower Bridge, Globe Theatre, Harry Potter tour, Big Ben—check, check, check, and check. So, what’s next? Here’s a guide to some cool and offbeat things to do in London that go beyond the usual tourist itinerary. Capture Notting Hill’s Charm Notting Hill is a pastel-colored, Instagram dream. It’s … Read more

Learning to Surf in Tamarindo

Paddle, paddle, paddle. Push up. Plant left foot. Plant right foot. Stand up. Oh my god, I’m actually doing it… I’m surfing! After proudly hopping off the board in the knee-deep water, I looked around expectantly to see who had witnessed my brief moment of glory and triumph. Not a soul in sight. Solo travel … Read more

Who’s Heading Back to England?

I had the pleasure of attending WestJet’s special announcement event, where they unveiled their new seasonal, daily direct flights to Gatwick Airport starting in May 2016. Despite the news leaking online beforehand, being there in person was still thrilling. The introductory rate of $199 one-way, including taxes, certainly sweetened the deal, and I couldn’t resist … Read more