It’s that time of year when the sunsets are breathtaking and the mosquitoes are out for a feast. If you are like me it is not the most pleasant time. For whatever reason I tend to be a mosquito magnet. I swell up from the bites and start looking like I have chicken pox. The itch is relentless. Recently I have found a new gadget, not going to lie it burns when using but presto the itch and the bump are gone. It works, it doesn’t prevent the bite but it sure does provide relief. The insect bite healer Beurer Chemical-Free Bite Relief Treatment Provides Relief from Itching and Swelling is going to be a game changer this year. Also I like to have the executioner on hand while sitting out. The Executioner Wasp, Bug, & Mosquito Swatter Zapper - Batteries Included and someone has recommended Summit Mosquito Dunks to me. Sometimes being mindful is looking to squash out what bugs you so you can be in the moment!

Do you ever wake up and just think today is going to be a great day? On vacation it is easy to get excited over what adventure might await us. When you are home you can get caught up in what needs to get done. That can be draining, however when you take the time to reflect and to be open to all that the day ahead yields it can really be a great day for a great day everyday. Wake up and set your intention for the day. Think of all that you are grateful for and move ahead with positivity and be empowered to make everyday a joyous occasion. If you need a little help I recommend the tiny book Life is Tremendous. Life is Tremendous: Enthusiasm Makes the Difference eBook : Jones, Charlie, Mandino, Og: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

Some days you need to help shine a little light on someone else. The gift of service always has a way of giving back. Helping someone to fix something or take care of something that they don’t feel comfortable doing is very rewarding. The energy that you give has a way of filling your own cup. Never get so busy that you don’t take time to shine your light on others. Sometimes you are the recipient sometimes you are the giver, either way you win. Help shine a little light on others and make this World a little brighter.

Have you ever left your home by car and just drove? Not sure of the destination, maybe calling out left or right and then driving? These mini adventures can lead to some interesting spots. Ministers Island in New Brunswick, Canada was one such adventure for us. Historic Site | Ministers Island | St. Andrews NB Waiting for the low tides to drive across the sea floor was an adventure all in of itself. The amazing history and curators on this island were an absolute joy of a day. Take time to reflect on where you have been that was an unexpected adventure.

Lately I have been enjoying my memory picture pop ups. Pictures I took a year ago are making a second appearance and do they ever bring back beautiful memories. We were travelling around Greece and it was definitely picturesque. It is not quite as good as being there but it is certainly a great reminder of why we travel. Sometimes pictures act like motivators at other times it acts like medicine. Where will we go next? How grateful we were to have been able to create such amazing memories. Take a little time to look at your pictures of former travel destinations and take a walk down memory lane. Let it motivate or heal you, whatever you need in this moment.

Today I take the time to remind you to play. Take time in your day to enjoy yourself, it could be a board game, a card game or maybe taking time in your day for a sport. Play is important even when we are away on vacation. A deck of cards can help pass the time in an airport and helps keep you connected with your travel partners. Stop the doom scrolling and play! You might just be surprised of the inner child it brings out in you.

When you travel you meet people. Sometimes you never see those people again and other times the people you meet become family. Today was a day where we reunited with friends who have become family. These reunions are always so special. Smiles all around, and lots of laughter. I am reminded how fortunate I am to have such wonderful people in my life. Take some time today to reach out to a former travel friend. Maybe agree to meet up somewhere in the future. Wanderlust together and form new memories.

Who knows why I’m obsessed with doors? Maybe it’s that they are the entrance way to something unknown on the other side. Whatever the reason, when I’m on vacation I love finding and taking pictures of great doors. I wonder how many people must have passed through those doors before me? Who designed the door? Doors can have so much detail or be something so simple. Each door holds a story and my mere being there with the door I am part of that story. Doors can be welcoming or they can ward off unwanted intruders. Do you notice doors on your travels?

We have recently been in several discussions with people about property. To own or not to own? House or condo? Owning a home means maintaining a home even when you are away. Having a condo has its perks, someone is looking after the property outside. Keeping an eye out. You still own and gain equity but no longer have to deal with the ‘joys’ of home ownership. Both come with their own perks and their own downfalls. Today I was reminded of one of the downfalls, as I was up to my neck in landscaping. I was reminded of the beautiful gardens we get to enjoy without all the work! Travelling has lead us to some incredible gardens. If you are a gardener I give you lots of credit for your passion with landscaping. I am however not a gardener but I am an enjoyer of beautiful things at home and away! So I leave you to ponder home or condo or just sell everything and rent? What works for your lifestyle? Of course don’t forget to make time to see the beauty in the landscape wherever you choose to be.

Which do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? I feel both are beautiful in their own way. Either the beginning of a beautiful day when everything is calm and the sun starts to rise bringing with it hope for what will come in the hours ahead. Or the end of a joyous day curtsying her way out like a lady ready to dance the night away. Whatever you choose both are beautiful moments to pause and to reflect. Either by setting your intentions for the day or by showing gratitude for the day that has passed. Take this time for yourself, you deserve it!

In the off season free style travelling is a possibility. Take a drive and stop wherever you want. Enjoy the view, pack a cooler and explore. Figure out your accommodations on the fly. It can be freeing to just uncover new places without a fixed time line. If you like a place stay, if not just continue on to the next spot. Remember to check in from time to time with family and friends to ensure your safety. Stop at an information booth or look up the areas tourism site on-line, and figure out what you want to visit then go. Maybe you are into beach towns, maybe museums are your thing or is it shopping that fills you with joy. Whatever you choose to do, do it with mindful intention and enjoy!

May was a month of reflection, preparation, and appreciating the beauty around us. From slowing down to smell the roses to planning for future adventures, each mindful moment offered an opportunity to pause and find meaning in our daily travels through life.

This month we explored themes of sustainability, economic impact, hidden gems, and the importance of being present. We also shared practical tips on saving for travel, managing allergies while enjoying spring blooms, and the joy of collecting meaningful mementos from our adventures.

When you travel do you like to bring back a souvenir or two to remind you of your trip? Many people have different collectables that they are in search of. Finding that perfect memento to commemorate your adventure can be so much fun. I love pottery and I tend to search out small additions to add to my collection by walking through local markets. Traditionally I see people on the hunt for paintings, Christmas ornaments, or even key chains and fridge magnets. Whatever you like to recall your vacation memories is always a good idea in my opinion. Just be sure to enjoy the process of the hunt and not to let the hunt take over as the main event. Shopping can be enjoyable but can also be a burden. Don’t stress to find the perfect memento. Keep in mind you don’t want your recollection to be that of: I searched the place over wasting all my time looking for that special piece. Coming back from vacation and reflecting for me is when I get to recall the interactions I had with a local artists who’s hands made the bowl that I brought back, or the history of the type of clay that was used. I so enjoy the story that goes with my pieces. I remember the artists as fondly as the art. To me the memento holds so much more then the object, it’s about human interaction and the experience of where I was and who I was with.

The first time I checked my Amex Aeroplan Reserve statement after a two-week trip to Greece, I did a double-take. The lounge access was flawless. The companion voucher was generous. But the foreign transaction fees? They had quietly eaten nearly four percent of every euro I spent. As a travel credit card hobbyist who had spent months researching the best points strategies, I felt foolish for ignoring the most predictable leak in my travel budget.

Spring has sprung flowers are blooming and the scents are incredibly intoxicating… that is if you don’t suffer from allergies. If you do you should stock up on allergy medication before leaving on vacation. You also should always carry Benadryl just in case. I try to always have some on my person. Different places around the World can trigger an allergy attack. If you are sensitive like me, having eye drops and allergy meds are my saviour. Some of my favourites are: Claritin Allergy Medicine, 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Relief 10 mg, 50 Tablets (US link) and Visine Antihistamine Advance Allergy Eye Drops, 15 ml (US link). I don’t need allergy medication all the time, but when I do I have it. So enjoy spring, go for a walk and stop to smell the roses 🥀.