How to save your summer
What are you doing to make the most of the summertime you have left?
Quote of the Month
“This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing.” ~ Maya Angelou
Above: All smiles in Yukon, Canada - the most recent trip in a summer filled with travel.
Soooo…how’s your summer going? Let me guess: It is whizzing by in a blur. You can’t believe it’s August. And why is it SO hot? I get it.
This summer has been memory-making. So many beautiful trips and new friends made. But it’s also been exhausting. A lot of running around between trips, family management stuff and long hours at my computer. It has left me dragging, so for the next few weeks I’m doing the one thing travel writers rarely do…I’m staying put.
I’m about a week in to this slower life. As a result - right at the time when news reports are warning me that summer is coming to an end - I feel like I’ve got a new lease on the season. Walks with Ish and movie nights with my sons are filling up my time and my soul. I’ve tried new recipes, am working on re-establishing my health routine and settling in for long stints on my porch for chats with the neighbours.
It’s not a staycation, but it is offering some of those benefits. I’m recharging and I know from experience, it’ll make for a better on-the-road Heather when I head back out.
I hope your summer is offering you both time on-the-go and time on-the-slow, as well. If we don’t make time for the things we need, no one else will.
Wishing you phenomenal travels or incredible downtime,
Heather
Looking for something new to watch?
Are you a fan of home renovation shows? Then, you’ll want to catch all the episodes of the latest offering from DIY superstars Scot McGillivray and Bryan Baeulmer. And guess who showed up as a guest judge in last night’s episode? Me! You can catch the show Sunday nights on HGTV in the USA and wherever you stream your favourite HGTV shows.
Where to hear me:
On NPR, I spoke with Here&Now’s Scott Tong about some of my favourite road trips and offered some tips when you hit the road this summer. You can listen here.
What I’m thinking about:
AirTags Still Rule
I’ve already professed my love of Apple AirTags when it comes to checked luggage, but you know I tuck them in my carry-on items too, right? I’ve also heard of people leaving them in their own cars and boats to help in case of theft.
Travel without a neighbour
I flew Ethiopian Airlines to Tanzania in June and the Cloud 9 service was exactly what the doctor ordered. I’ll be sharing the experience on my Instagram reels in the weeks ahead. But what I didn’t know is that you can also buy yourself a row on the plane! I received an email that said for a fee “starting from $225 USD” I could “own the whole row” on my next flight allowing me to “lie down and get some rest!” It’s an interesting idea - especially if it’s less than the cost of an upgrade - and you can bet one I’ll be keeping my eye out for on other flights.
Trusted Travellers can keep their liquids in their bags
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) and Transport Canada recently announced their Verified Traveller program. Now NEXUS members can expect (depending on location and checkpoint) to:
· Leave permitted liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on
· Leave laptops and electronics in your carry-on
· Keep shoes, belts, light jackets and headwear on
· and keep small items in your pockets
To learn more about the screening benefits offered across various airports and checkpoints, visit the Verified Traveller page on CATSA’s website.
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Fun post, Heather, and jealous of your trip to the Yukon. Definitely on my bucket list. Cheers to a few more weeks of summer fun. Lisa