Although Cancún (and the Yucatan Peninsula) is a very touristy destination, it's still on my bucket-list mainly because of the cenotes in the area. Since air tickets are super expensive during the holiday season, Cancún (and the region) became a relatively affordable place to go for a short break this Christmas.
Dec 26, 2019
Valladolid
Azores - Cape Verde - São Tomé
There are two island nations in West Africa - Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe. Both were Portuguese colonies and got independence in 1975. It's better to combine the two countries in one trip. Luckily, Angola Airlines (TAAG) provides direct flights between Sal Island in Cape Verde and São Tomé Island twice weekly. While searching for flights from Canada to Cape Verde, I found the cheapest fare to be Azores Airlines via Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island of the Azores, a Portuguese autonomous region. This route is also the shortest. The fact that the Azores is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean alone is so attractive and I bought the ticket shortly.
Oct 10, 2019
São Miguel
Oct 10, 2019
São Miguel
Vancouver Island - Sunshine Coast
A Vancouver Island - Sunshine Coast loop has always been a fascinating route to me. And doing it purely using public transportation makes it even more amazing.
Jun 14, 2019
Vancouver - Nanaimo
Jun 14, 2019
Vancouver - Nanaimo
Yosemite
Though it's possible to make a day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco by public transportation or on a day tour (expensive), it's a very, very long day. I decided to base myself in Stockton and make my life easier. YARTS runs buses from Merced into Yosemite Valley year-round, but there is an advantage of buying an Amtrak train + bus combined ticket - it's cheaper than separate tickets, and even when YARTS has free ride days occasionally (then doesn't take reservations), an Amtrak ticket will guarantee you a seat.
Apr 21, 2019
Yosemite Valley
Apr 21, 2019
Yosemite Valley
Tunisia - Italy
Picking a destination in Europe for a vacation in February isn't very easy. Italy was finally chosen because it's relatively warmer. In order to take a ferry to Italy from another country, I added a short visit to Tunisia before Italy (major western countries have removed advisories against traveling to Tunisia).
Feb 17, 2019
Tunisia
Feb 17, 2019
Tunisia