Travel Scotland. Places to see on a first trip to the Scottish Highlands

This travel guide is full of information and travel inspiration for first-time visitors to the Scottish Highlands. For all lovers of the great outdoors, culture and history, a trip to the Highlands creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Scottish Highlands are known for heritage, clan history, fairytale castles, seawater lochs, quirky tea shops and cafés, lush vast space, towering mountainscapes, deep ridges, gurgling streams and rivers, ancient woodland, shipwrecks, colourful villages, a lively pub scene, passionate artisans, and exciting film locations. Throw in friendly locals, and adorable highland coos to complete the picture.

Travel South Africa. Stay at Eco-friendly Gonana Guesthouse in Paternoster

150 kilometres north of Cape Town, on South Africa’s West Coast, you find Paternoster.

Paternoster, an idyllic town with whitewashed houses, gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants, pretty galleries and shops, is home to a population of less than 2,000 residents. Locals who have been fishing on the coast for generations make their living from fishing still.

Some believe Paternoster means 'our father'. Surviving shipwrecked sailors sent grateful prayers and hence the believe the town is named after these prayers. Others say it is named after beads, or even after a location in England. Only one thing is for sure, the name debate is ongoing. Paternoster remains a traditional South African fishing village, and its irresistible barefooted charm is strong. The quiet Cape West Coast town turns bustling holiday destination in the summer months, all the way into autumn, and on long weekends.

Travel Canada - Places to visit on Vancouver Island

This travel guide is full of information and travel inspiration for first-time visitors to Vancouver Island in the state of British Columbia in Canada. A Vancouver Island trip creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Canadian Pacific coast stretches along the western edge of British Columbia. Vancouver Island means stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and a rich cultural heritage. Rugged coastlines and temperate rainforests to islands and fjords.

The island is known for its creatures big and small, such as orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and seals, and its bald eagle, cougar, wolves, and black bear population. Exciting wildlife viewing beckons. You can also go on a long boat trip to the Great Bear Rainforest and look for Grizzly Bears. The coast with its lighthouses and sandy beaches often scattered in driftwood, and the ancient forest with up to 800 years old trees and rivers and waterfalls, invite you to go hiking, beach combing, kayaking, and boating.

Throw in extremely friendly locals, lively neighbourhoods, First Nations art, farmer's markets, writer's homes, museums, and a spirited music, artisan, café, and restaurant scene to complete the picture. Vancouver Island is on the Traditional Territory of the Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Kwakwakaw’akw People, and there is plenty of opportunity to learn about First Nations history.

What else can you find here: How to get to Vancouver Island, the best time to visit, what to wear, how to pay, and where to eat. If you want to dig in even deeper before your trip, or if you can't visit Vancouver Island in person just yet, I recommend seven books to read for a Verbatim Journey to the island.

Travel Canada. Places to see on a trip to Vancouver

This travel guide is full of information and travel inspiration for first-time visitors to Vancouver in British Columbia in Canada. You are going to see and hear about Gassy Jack and his entrepreneurial spirit, devastating fires, floatplanes, a rainforest, harbour seals, girls in wetsuits, lighthouses, totem poles, skyscrapers, art deco design, boats, ships, ferries, contemporary public art, churches, Indigenous art, museums, immigrants, a bookbinding business, roofs that come in shapes of woven basket hats, industrial places turned inner city oasis, a famous train station, and angels and soldiers.