Roaming In The Know
Plan Your Next Trip With Confidence
Comprehensive Guides From Independent Travellers
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Hi! we’re Alia & Shawn.
We spent over 4 years travelling full-time to more than 300 destinations in 50+ countries.
Instead of rushing through highlights, we embraced slow travel and lived and worked in most destinations to really understand each place in depth.
Now that we’ve returned home to BC, Canada, we are transforming those 4 years of experience into comprehensive guides and itineraries to help you plan your next trip.
Every guide on this page is based on first-hand experience with practical details and honest takes. We share what to do, what to skip, and everything we wish we knew before our visit.
What trip are you planning?
Select your next destination below and browse our most relevant posts, or search all blogs here.
British Columbia Destinations
Best places to visit
15 Best Things to Do in Gibsons, BC (2026 Guide)
Best Things to Do in Gibsons: waterfront walks, hikes, beaches, local markets, breweries, and cozy stays on the Sunshine Coast near Vancouver.
How to Visit Thormanby Island, BC (2025 Guide)
How to Visit Thormanby Island, BC: sandy beaches, tidal sandbars, camping, hiking, paddling, and wildlife on the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gem.
10 Best Things to Do in Sechelt, BC (2026 Guide)
Discover the best things to do in Sechelt, BC - from kayaking the inlet to beaches, hikes, local food, and hidden Sunshine Coast gems.
11 Best Things To Do on Bowen Island From Vancouver, BC (2026 Guide)
11 Best Things to Do on Bowen Island. Full guide explaining top sites, hikes, restaurants, and all the details you need to plan your visit.
18 Best Things to Do on Salt Spring Island, BC (2026 Guide)
Salt Spring Island's best things to do, from the famous Saturday Farmers Market and Mount Erskine hike to Ruckle Park camping, Beddis Beach, and the Tree House Café. First-hand guide with practical tips on ferries, beaches, and where to eat.
8 Best Things To Do in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island (2026 Guide)
Skipping Ucluelet for Tofino? Don’t. Here are 8 incredible things to do in Ucluelet, including wild coastal hikes, secret beaches, and epic whale watching spots.
8 Best Things to Do in Egmont, BC's Sunshine Coast (2026 Guide)
Discover the best things to do in Egmont, BC - from Princess Louisa Inlet tours and Skookumchuck Rapids to local cafes and wilderness adventures.
9 Best Things to Do on Savary Island, BC's Sunshine Coast (2026 Guide)
Best things to do on Savary Island B.C, Canada. Top beaches, must-see attractions, how to get around, and when to visit.
15 Best Things to Do in Tofino, BC (2026 Guide)
Best Things to Do in Tofino, BC: surf, beaches, rainforest hikes, whale watching, hot springs, and cozy stays on scenic Vancouver Island.
British Columbia Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
Ultimate 10-Day Sunshine Coast Road Trip Itinerary (2026 Guide)
10-Day Sunshine Coast Road Trip: from Gibsons to Lund. Ferries, beaches, islands, hikes - the ultimate 2025 coastal adventure.
3 Day Sea to Sky Itinerary: Where I Would Take a Friend Visiting Me In BC
This is the exact trip I'd take you on if you came to visit me in BC. 3 days hitting every highlight along the Sea to Sky—no tourist traps, just the good stuff.
3 Day Sunshine Coast Itinerary: Long Weekend Road Trip From Vancouver (2026 Guide)
A local's 3-day Sunshine Coast itinerary covering Gibsons, Sechelt, and Egmont — with ferry tips, hidden gems, and the exact stops worth your time on BC's most underrated long weekend escape.
3 Day Tofino Weekend Itinerary I Wish I Had Before My First Trip (2026 Guide)
Tofino travel guide for couples: best time to visit, car rental tips, Hot Springs Cove tour booking advice, costs, and what to do when it rains. Plan a dreamy Vancouver Island getaway—whether it’s sunny beach days or moody rainforest adventures, Tofino delivers in every season.
The Perfect Ucluelet Weekend Itinerary for Couples (2026 Itinerary)
The perfect weekend itinerary for couples looking for a cozy staycation on Vancouver Island that is equal parts rest and exploration. Ucluelet 3 Day itinerary.
British Columbia Accommodations
Best places to stay in British Columbia
Salt Spring Island Accommodation: A Complete Guide On Where to Stay (2026)
A comprehensive guide to accommodations on Salt Spring Island. It covers areas on the island, types of accommodations available, and personal recommendations.
Where to Stay on the Sunshine Coast, BC (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to where to stay on BC's Sunshine Coast. Best hotels, resorts & camping in Gibsons, Sechelt, Pender Harbour & Egmont for 2026.
British Columbia Day Trips
Detailed 24 hour guides
Bowen Island Day Trip With a Car: Full Island Itinerary (2026 Local Guide)
A full day on Bowen Island with your own car: Mount Gardner via the SW Ridge, Bowen Bay Beach, sunset at Lighthouse Lane, and everything in between. Local guide with ferry tips, trail info, and a complete itinerary.
Bowen Island Day Trip Without a Car: The Perfect Car-Free Itinerary (2026 Local Guide)
We've done Bowen Island with and without a car, and no car works just fine. This itinerary goes over how to make the most of a car-free day on the island.
Squamish Day Trip From Vancouver: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
Most people drive through Squamish without stopping. Here's the full day itinerary that shows you exactly what they're missing.
British Columbia Transit Guides
Car-Free travel guides
Getting Around the Sunshine Coast, BC Without a Car (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to exploring BC's Sunshine Coast without a car. Transit schedules, ferry info, bike tips & car-free itineraries from Langdale to Lund.
Ferry To Salt Spring Island: How to Get to The Largest Gulf Island
A breakdown on the ferry to Salt Spring Island. Which route to take based on where you're coming from and ticket flexibility you probably didn't know about.
How To Get To Tofino
Getting to Tofino from Vancouver takes 6-7 hours by car and ferry, or under 1 hour by seaplane. Here's everything you need to know about driving via BC Ferries or flying with Harbour Air.
British Columbia Roadside Stops
Best things to see in British Columbia just off the side of the road
9 Stops You Need to Make Along Highway 4 on the Way to Tofino
These are the 9 best stops I never skip when driving to Tofino — from Cathedral Grove's old-growth giants to Long Beach and the best swimming hole on Vancouver Island.
10 Stops You Can't Skip Along the Sea to Sky Highway, BC
The 10 best stops along the Sea to Sky Highway — from Shannon Falls and Squamish to Brandywine Falls and Whistler Village, with timing, tips, and food picks.
British Columbia Hiking Guides
Explore the best trails across British Columbia
7 Best Hikes on Salt Spring Island (2026 Guide)
A breakdown of the best hikes to do on Salt Spring Island. This guide covers the best coastal walks, sunset hikes, and the best beaches for a beach walk.
BC Hiking Ethics: Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette (2026 Guide)
BC hiking ethics guide: Learn Leave No Trace principles, trail etiquette, bear safety, and responsible outdoor practices for hiking in British Columbia. Respect wildlife, pack out trash.
Four Lakes Trail, Alice Lake Provincial Park (2026 Local Guide)
Four Lakes Trail is an easy 6.4 km loop in Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish. Visit Alice, Stump, Fawn, and Edith Lakes. Great for families. Takes 1.5-2 hours. Swimming available.
Murrin Loop & Jurassic Ridge Trail, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)
Jurassic Ridge is a challenging 3.1 km loop in Murrin Park with scrambling, roped sections, and Howe Sound views. Takes 2 hours. Not for dogs or kids. Best in summer. Near Squamish.
Mamquam Spawning Trail, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)
Plan your visit to the Mamquam Spawning Trail in Squamish: an easy, flat loop through salmon spawning habitat with wildlife, eagles, and stunning mountain views year-round.
Brackendale Estuary Dyke Walk, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)
Brackendale Estuary Dyke Walk is an easy 1.5-2 hour trail along the Squamish River. Connects to Eagle Run Path, passes Fisherman's Park. Prime eagle territory. Dog-friendly, flat terrain.
Eagle Run Path, Squamish (2026 Local Guide)
Eagle Run Path is an easy 2.1 km riverside walk in Squamish with Bald eagles, mountain views, and The Watershed Pub at the end. Flat gravel path, dog-friendly. Takes 30 minutes.
Downtown Squamish Estuary Loop Trail (2026 Local Guide)
Downtown Squamish Estuary Loop is an easy 4.3 km flat walk with views of the Chief, Shannon Falls, and 200+ bird species. Dog-friendly, transit-accessible, perfect for families. Takes 1 hour.
DeBeck's Hill Hike, Alice Lake Provincial Park (2026 Local Guide)
DeBeck's Hill is a moderate 3.4 km hike in Alice Lake Provincial Park near Squamish. Steady climb to viewpoints of the Tantalus Range. Takes 1.5-2 hours round trip. Year-round access.
Crooked Falls Hike, Squamish Valley (2026 Local Guide)
Crooked Falls is a 5.6 km moderate hike in Squamish Valley with a unique 90-degree waterfall. Best in spring during snowmelt. Year-round access, steep climb, stunning forest views.
Tin Hat Hut Hike, Sunshine Coast, BC (2026 Local Guide)
Hiking to the Tin Hat Hut - routes, parking, tips, and when to go. The ultimate 2025 guide to BC’s most scenic backcountry hut.
Joffre Lakes Hike, Pemberton, BC (2026 Local Guide)
Hiking to Joffre Lakes, BC: glacier-fed lakes, alpine trails, backcountry camping, turquoise waters, and epic Pemberton mountain views.
Watersprite Lake Hike, Squamish, BC (2026 Local Guide)
Hiking to Watersprite Lake, Squamish: glacier-fed alpine lake, challenging trail, backcountry camping, turquoise waters, and mountain views.
Wedgemount Lake Hike, Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC (2026 Local Guide)
Hiking to Wedgemount Lake, Whistler: alpine lake at Wedge Mountain base, glacier views, backcountry camping, challenging trail, turquoise waters.
British Columbia General Info
Everything you need to know before visiting British Columbia
What is BCAA? How It Works, What It Costs, and Who Can Actually Join
What is BCAA, how much does it cost, and is it worth it? A no-fluff breakdown of membership plans, roadside coverage, and partner discounts — plus what to do if you're not a BC resident.
Driving The Sea To Sky Highway, BC
Drive the Sea to Sky Highway with confidence—local insights, safety tips, and real experience to help you navigate BC’s most scenic drive the right way.
Is the Whistler Gondola Worth It in Summer? (2026 Guide)
Is the Whistler Gondola worth $105 in summer? Find out what you can actually do at the top, the best hikes from the Roundhouse, and why the season pass is the real value play for your Whistler trip.
15 Best Beaches on the Sunshine Coast, BC (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to Sunshine Coast beaches: sandy stretches, hidden coves, and island paradises. Find your perfect BC beach from Gibsons to Powell River and beyond.
Scotland Destinations
Best places to visit
11 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland (2026 Guide)
Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye in 2025: top sights, hikes, castles, beaches, and insider tips for driving, camping, and where to stay.
12 Best Things to Do In Glencoe, Scotland (2026 Guide)
Best Things to Do In Glencoe, Scotland in 2025: top hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives, wild swimming, and tips for driving, staying, and exploring the Highlands.”
12 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland (2026 Guide)
Best Things to Do in Edinburgh: top hikes, viewpoints, historic streets, neighborhoods, museums, and local eats for first-timers and repeat visitors.
10 Best Things to Do on Lewis and Harris, Scotland (2026 Guide)
Things to do on Lewis and Harris, from ancient Calanais Standing Stones to stunning beaches. Complete 2026 travel guide with insider tips.
Scotland Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (Ultimate 2026 Guide)
10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary - from Edinburgh to the Highlands and islands. Full road‑trip itinerary, maps, travel tips & hidden gems.
3 Day Isle of Skye Itinerary: Where I Would Take You on Your First Trip To Scotland
3 Day itinerary with all the highlights of the Isle of Skye. A fast-paced travel guide built from 3 weeks of exploring the Isle with a campervan.
7-Day Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Isle of Skye (2026 Guide)
7-day Scotland road trip guide covering Edinburgh, Glencoe & Isle of Skye. Detailed day-by-day itinerary, driving tips, where to stay & what to pack.
Scotland Accommodations
Best places to stay in Scotland
Where to Stay on The Isle of Skye
Best Isle of Skye accommodation for 2026: hostels, B&Bs, luxury stays & pods. Booking tips, location guides & camping options for your Scotland adventure.
Where To Stay In Glencoe, Scotland 2026 Accommodation Guide
Complete guide to Glencoe accommodation including budget hostels, traditional B&Bs, luxury lodges, and wild camping. Tips on booking early, where to stay, and what to expect in Scotland's dramatic Highlands.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: 2026 Neighbourhood Guide
2026 Edinburgh neighbourhood breakdown and comparison. Full guide for where to stay depending on your budget and travel style.
Scotland General Info
Everything you need to know before visiting Scotland
How to Visit Prince Albert’s Cairn, Scotland’s Secret Pyramid (2026 Guide)
How to Visit Prince Albert’s Cairn near Balmoral Castle. A short forest hike to a hidden royal monument with stunning views.
7 Best Beaches in Scotland (2025 Guide)
Discover the 7 best beaches in Scotland - white sand, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and remote coastal beauty across Harris, Lewis, and the Highlands.
Japan Destinations
Best places to visit
12 Best Things To Do In Kyoto, Japan (2025 Guide)
Best Things to Do in Kyoto in 2025: iconic temples, secret alleys, bamboo groves, matcha spots, and crowd-beating tips. A practical guide to the best things to do.
9 Best Things To Do In Kanazawa, Japan (2026 Guide)
Best things to do in Kanazawa, aka “Little Kyoto,” known for its geisha districts, samurai lanes, gold leaf crafts, and Kenrokuen garden.
8 Best Things To See In Nara Park (2025 Guide)
Best Things To See In Nara Park, Japan: deer, temples, mochi pounding, gardens, hikes, and the best things to do on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Japan Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
The Ultimate 3 Week Japan Itinerary (2026)
3 Week Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Japanese Alps, Tokyo, and Mt. Fuji. Best routes, accommodation tips, and transport guides for your 2025 trip.
The Ultimate 5-Day Kyoto Itinerary: (2025 Guide)
5-Day Kyoto Itinerary for 2025. Explore temples, bamboo forests, markets, hidden neighborhoods, and the city’s best cultural experiences.
The Perfect 3 Day Takayama Itinerary (2025 Guide)
Discover the perfect 3 Day Takayama Itinerary: explore Edo-period streets, taste sake at local breweries, visit Shirakawa-go village, and savor Hida beef.
Japan Day Trips
Detailed 24 hour guides
Is Shirakawago Worth Visiting? Japan's Fairy Tale Village (Honest 2025 Guide)
Is Shirakawago worth visiting? Honest guide to Japan's UNESCO fairy tale village: best times to visit, crowd tips, and how to experience it right in 2025.
Easiest Day Trip From Kyoto: Arashiyama (2026 Guide)
Easiest Day Trip From Kyoto: bamboo groves, temples, river cruises, and wild monkeys. Everything you need to know for visiting Arashiyama in 2025.
Uji From Kyoto: The Best Day Trip From Kyoto (2026 Guide)
Uji day trip guide: Japan's matcha capital 30 minutes from Kyoto. UNESCO temples, riverside walks, historic tea houses, and the best matcha spots in 2025.
Japan Transit Guides
Car-Free travel guides
Japan General Info
Everything you need to know before visiting Japan
South Korea Destinations
Best places to visit
12 Best Things To Do In Busan, South Korea (2025 Guide)
Best Things To Do In Busan, South Korea - beaches, temples, skywalks, street food, and local spots to explore in 2025.
15 Best Things To Do In Seoul, South Korea (2026 Guide)
Best Things To Do In Seoul in 2025 - from palaces and cafés to neon nightlife and hidden local gems. A complete insider’s guide.
Top 12 Best Things To Do In Gyeongju, South Korea (2026 Guide)
Best Things To Do In Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital. Temples, tombs, bike paths, and night markets - your complete guide to the “Museum Without Walls.”
16 Best Things To Do On Jeju Island, South Korea (2025 Guide)
Best Things To Do On Jeju Island - hike Hallasan, visit waterfalls, explore beaches, lava tubes, and coastal trails on this volcanic island paradise.
South Korea Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
South Korea Day Trips
Detailed 24 hour guides
South Korea General Info
Everything you need to know before visiting South Korea
Sri Lanka Destinations
Best places to visit
8 Best Things To See In Ella, Sri Lanka (2025)
Discover the 8 best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. From Nine Arch Bridge to Diyaluma Falls, here's your complete guide to hiking, waterfalls, and more.
9 Best Things To Do Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)
Discover the best things to do in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka. Learn to surf beginner waves, explore Silent Beach, find the best cafes, and experience this laid-back coastal paradise.
Best Things To Do In Sigiriya, Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)
Discover the best things to do in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Climb the iconic Lions Rock, watch sunset from Pidurangala, explore Kayankwela Lake, and find the best local restaurants and guesthouses in this complete 2025 travel guide.
Sri Lanka Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
Sri Lanka Day Trips
Detailed 24 hour guides
Sri Lanka Transit Guides
Car-Free travel guides
Riding the Kandy to Ella Train in Sri Lanka (2026 Guide)
Kandy to Ella train guide: 6-7 hour scenic ride through Sri Lankan tea plantations. How to book tickets, first class vs unreserved, open doors, safety tips. Book in advance.
Tuktuk Rental Sri Lanka Price And Practical Tips (2026 Guide)
Tuk tuk rental Sri Lanka price and practical tips: how much does it cost, is it practical, where to go, how to be safe, and is this the right option for you.
Wales Destinations
Best places to visit
6 Best Stops For Your Pembrokeshire Coast Road Trip, Wales (2025 Guide)
Pembrokeshire Coast road trip. Beaches, coves, villages, hikes, and tips for planning the perfect 2025 Wales trip.
9 Things to Know Before Visiting Portmeirion, Wales (2025 Guide)
A guide to Visiting Portmeirion: its colourful village, gardens, estuary views, key tips, filming history, and what to see on your 2025 visit.
Wales Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
Wales Hiking Guides
Explore the best trails across Wales
Northern Ireland Destinations
Best places to visit
Northern Ireland Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
India Destinations
Best places to visit
Alleppey Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Kerala's Backwaters
Thinking about visiting Alleppey? This complete guide to Kerala's backwaters covers everything you need to know — including whether to book a houseboat or canoe tour, how long to stay, where to eat, and where to stay in the Venice of India.
Varkala, Kerala: An Honest Review (And Why You Might Want to Skip It)
Is Varkala worth visiting? We spent four days there and left underwhelmed. Here's our honest review of Varkala — what it's actually like, what we didn't love, and whether it deserves a spot on your Kerala itinerary.
Fort Kochi, Kerala: The Perfect First Stop in India (If You Know What You're Getting Into)
Planning a trip to Fort Kochi, Kerala? This honest travel guide covers everything you need to know: what to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around, and how to handle the tuk-tuk tours, pushy shopkeepers, and Chinese fishing nets like a pro. Perfect for first-time visitors to India.
The Complete Munnar Travel Guide: Getting There, What to Do & Where to Stay
Thinking of visiting Munnar? This guide covers everything from the $2 local bus journey up the mountain to trekking tea fields with a local guide, plus where to stay, where to eat, and how long to spend in Kerala's most stunning hill station.
India Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
India Transit Guides
Car-Free travel guides
Peru Destinations
Best places to visit
9 Best Things to Do in Cusco, Peru (2025 Guide)
Discover the 9 best things to do in Cusco - from Rainbow Mountain and San Blas to vegan eats, markets, and Inca ruins. The ultimate 2025 Peru guide.
Best Things To Do In Huacachina, Peru (2025 Guide)
Best Things to Do In Huacachina, Peru: a desert oasis full of sandboarding, dune buggies, and epic sunsets. Everything you need to know before visiting
6 Best Things to Do In Arequipa, Peru (2025 Guide)
Best Things to Do In Arequipa, Peru - white stone streets, volcano views, rooftop cafés, and Colca Canyon adventures in the heart of the Andes.
Colombia Destinations
Best places to visit
8 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Medellin, Colombia (2025 Guide)
Visiting Medellin: Comuna 13, cable cars, Guatapé day trips, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods in the City of Eternal Spring.
8 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Guatape, Colombia (2025 Guide)
Things to Know Before Visiting Guatape: colorful streets, El Peñol climb, lake adventures, and vibrant zócalos just 2 hours from Medellín.
Ecuador Itineraries
Curated travel itineraries
Ultimate 3-Day Banos Itinerary, Ecuador (2025 Travel Guide)
Ultimate 3-Day Banos Itinerary - hot springs, waterfalls, zip lines, and canyoning adventures in Ecuador’s ultimate outdoor playground.
Ultimate 3-Day Quito Itinerary, Ecuador (2025 Guide)
Quito Itinerary: colonial Old Town, Cotopaxi day trips, Otavalo market, and breathtaking city views in South America’s high-altitude capital.
