unsolicited opinions on random things
The weather this past weekend in Toronto was downright weird. Wind, rain, snow, sun, with temperatures above and below freezing, all in 48 hours. When it’s nasty outside, the only thing I want to do is escape to somewhere else… so I often end up trolling the internet, looking for home exchanges, deals on holiday … Continue reading “AirBnB Collections”
I think I’m a bit late to this party… I just discovered the Airbnb website. Here’s a description: Called the “Ebay for space” by Time Magazine, Airbnb is an online marketplace allowing anyone from private residents to commercial properties to rent out their extra space. The reputation-based site allows for user reviews, verification, and secure … Continue reading “Vacation Rentals: Airbnb”
It looks like Christmas vacation 2021 is going to be a lot like Christmas vacay 2020: low key. In anticipation of a mellow holiday season (which frankly, is just the way I like it), I’ve booked us a few nights’ stay at a gorgeous cottage. This “treehouse” cottage is on Three Mile Lake in Muskoka, … Continue reading “I’m really looking forward to this getaway”
We’ve learned from past experience that the best summer rental properties in Scotland book up far in advance. So, just over a year in advance, we’ve booked our spot for next summer. It’s a two-bedroom log cabin called Brightwater Lodge, with spectacular views overlooking Loch Sunart on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. This will be the first … Continue reading “Planning for Scotland trip 2020 has begun”
I’ve been following the Instagram account @EscapeToronto for a while, making note of the places that Chelsey Burnside and friends recommend for getaways from Toronto. They’ve now launched a website with all the tips: Good Weekend Co. The site lists places to stay, eat, shop and visit within a 3-hour (ish) drive of Toronto. With … Continue reading “Your weekend plans are now solved”
The Tiny House movement puzzles me. I understand the drive towards minimalism, but you can have less stuff anywhere. Why live in a super small dwelling? Not to mention how totally impractical it is for families, and the racial and class issues the Tiny House movement has surfaced. But! If the idea of living simply … Continue reading “I don’t think I could live in a Tiny House… but I might want to vacation in one”
Now that the weather is starting to get a little cooler, I’m dreaming of cozy cabins and chalets to rent this winter. This spot in Charlevoix, Quebec is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Wouldn’t you love to get a group together (the chalet sleeps 12) and watch the snow come down while sipping bubbly in that hot tub? … Continue reading “A jaw-droppingly gorgeous chalet rental in Quebec”
Ian had a milestone birthday last month, and to celebrate, we went on a little getaway. Ian has wanted to visit Asheville, North Carolina for a while. For those that don’t know about craft beer, it sounds like an odd choice for a destination… but the small mountain town has 28 (!) craft breweries. Visiting … Continue reading “36 hours in Asheville, North Carolina”
Every year, my BFFs and I do a weekend getaway together. This year we’re going to Prince Edward County for the third year in a row. We love the towns, restaurants, wineries and countryside – it’s the perfect place for a mini-vacay with friends. Someone asked me recently for recommendations for a girlfriend’s getaway in … Continue reading “Girlfriend getaways in Prince Edward County”
When I was younger, I craved new experiences. I never wanted to travel to the same place twice. Why, when there are so many new places to explore? But now I’m older (my 38th birthday is coming up. I’m not exactly ancient, I know, but stay with me here). And in my ripe old age, … Continue reading “We’re going back to Scotland this summer”