Tag: Joy of Travel

Travel and Self-Care

I hear the ‘frost advisory’ in the weather report and look out at the beautiful Fall colours. I ponder taking a winter travel adventure right here in Canada, a winter wonderland.

My contemplation did not last long as I read about the Winter Train trip though the Rockies from Vancouver to Jasper. Oh, it’s wonderful, magnificent and having done the Rockies by train and by car in more hospitable weather – think summer -I can only imagine how awe inspiring such a trip would be.

The problem is the list of things to do. I am very happy to stay at the luxurious Chateau Lake Louise, but the dog sledding, snow shoeing, wildlife spotting and the ice walk left me, well, cold.

I then turned to look at winter vacations in warmer climes only to be sent the following post from Catherine at https://wellnessvoyager.com a fellow travel blogger. Thank you Catherine.

My winter hardy friends tell me that if you can, do take the train then go to Banff to ski. They say even I would love it. I just might, but don’t hold your breath. Here is Catherine’s Wellness suggestions:

Traveling as Self-Care: 4 Great Cities to Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. Traveling is a great way to shake up your routine and reconnect with what matters most. Exploring new cities can encourage you to embrace new perspectives, step out of your comfort zone, and discover the serenity of self-care. Both the United States and Canada boast an abundance of wonderful cities to explore, each with its own unique charm and array of soul-filling benefits. In this article, we’ll guide you through a carefully curated selection of these vibrant destinations!

Preparing for a Relaxing Trip

First, it’s worth acknowledging the fact that travel can be stressful. Proper preparation is key to ensuring your trip actually rejuvenates your spirit rather than leaving you feeling exhausted. If you’re a self-employed professional, consider taking the necessary steps to clear your schedule and set expectations with your clients or collaborators. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the self-care experience and ensure peace of mind during your absence.

When it comes to planning your trip, online resources can serve as invaluable guides. For example, Meanderings is an excellent source of inspiration which can encourage you to get out there and create your own stories. Bucket List Travels shares several other websites to help you plan your big adventure.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando stands out as an ideal location for a self-care reset trip. While renowned for its theme parks, Orlando offers much more than meets the eye. Of course, a trip to the magical world of Disney can be part of your self-care journey, encouraging you to connect with your inner child and enjoy the wonder of a unique and enchanting world. Beyond Disney World, Orlando offers lush botanical gardens, serene lakes, and numerous spa resorts that cater to your relaxation needs. If you plan on visiting Disney World during your trip, consult online resources such as MouseLifeToday.com to learn how you can keep your adventure within budget.

Banff, Alberta

Vacationing in Banff, Alberta, is a soul-nourishing experience that offers self-care opportunities in every season. Whether you visit during the vibrant burst of fall when the larches turn brilliant gold, or in the heart of winter for world-class skiing in the Canadian Rockies, or even during the balmy days of summer for breathtaking hikes, Banff has something to offer every traveler seeking renewal. Not only does Banff provide several opportunities for outdoor recreation, but the town offers plenty of shopping opportunities with a stunning mountain backdrop, incredible restaurants, and a variety of luxury resorts to pamper and delight!


Tofino, British Columbia

Tofino in British Columbia is another fantastic self-care getaway if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of big-city living. The town is a coastal paradise tailor-made for those who find solace by the ocean. Nestled on Vancouver Island’s western shore, Tofino offers a serene sanctuary where the Pacific Ocean meets ancient rainforests. This small town’s charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty, with long stretches of sandy beaches, rugged shorelines, and lush wilderness. Embrace a slower pace, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore all the artsy shops, cute boutiques, and art galleries lining the streets of downtown.

Napa Valley, California

Visiting Napa Valley in California is a self-care journey tailored for those who appreciate life’s finer pleasures and have a passion for wine and culinary delights. In Napa, you can indulge your senses with world-class wines from renowned vineyards, savor gourmet cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs, and unwind at luxurious spa retreats. Stroll through vineyards and enjoy leisurely picnics. Napa Valley is an idyllic location to embrace the art of slowing down!

In the pursuit of self-care, seek new cities and fresh experiences. Traveling can be incredibly transformative! Whether you decide to visit exciting Orlando, picturesque Banff, tranquil Tofino, or charming Napa Valley, take the time to make work preparations before embarking on your adventure so you can fully enjoy your self-care getaway.

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Read through some other articles on the Meanderings website for travel stories and adventures.

Finding Balance

This post should perhaps be called the joy of travel but I think my experience on my first cruise adventure without my best travel partner, Bert, was more about discovery and finding balance.

When Corbert, Amy and I sat down to discuss my resuming travel and cruising in particular, I was hesitant. Bert and I loved to travel and sometimes took ‘the kids’ with us. We all were bitten by the travel bug so wanting to travel again was almost a given. The hesitancy came from the fact that an important component, Dad, would not be with us.

We chose a South American cruise beginning in Buenos Aires, Argentina and ending in Santiago, Chile. There were a number of factors going for it. I would be able to introduce them to good friends in Buenos Aires and in Chile.  In fact, I call them my Argentinean and Chilean families. Also I was going to attend a wedding in Santiago and once again I would be able to get close and personal to penguins.

All went according to plan except for the unsolicited visit from Bert to my birthday lunch in Santiago which I wrote about in my last post  https://paulasmeanderings.com/birthday-tremor/.

There are too many highlights to record here but a few do stand out. My friends in Buenos Aires had booked tickets for us to Senor Tango a spectacular tango dinner show. It brought moist eyes as I remembered how Bert wanted so much to see this show with Corbert.  The show ends with a stirring rendition of Evita: Don’t Cry for me Argentina, one of Corbert’s favourite songs. When it came up, memory brought a few tears.

It was a pleasure to take them to lunch at the same pub on Stanley in the Falklands where the fish and chips went down easily. On our two previous visits Bert had declared it was the best fish and chips outside England. Then again he said that in Christchurch, New Zealand too!

Sailing around Cape Horn can be hazardous to your health. That passage is one of the roughest you can encounter. As a result, many have been on this same voyage and have never been able to get into Stanley Harbour. The cruise gods must like us as we had smooth sailing.

It was a pleasure to see both Corbert and Amy just taking in the beauty, the history and absorbing the experience as it unfolded.

In Santiago we had our own private tour guide.  My friend, Paty, owns her own tour company specializing in the history of her country and wine https://wineweintours.cl/ She is the best.

However, it was the intangible that resonated most for me. Something happened that was unexpected. From the moment I stepped on to the airplane for that first leg of the flight to Argentina I experienced a lightness, a freedom to exhale, to breathe. I did not know I had been holding my breath for 11 years! I did not know how totally consumed I was with a disease, and with the burden of care.

I was so focused on doing and living for two and so angry at a disease that I had lost myself without even being aware of it.

I am weaving a different pattern. It’s not all happy and carefree. It never will be because there’s a part of me that’s missing. Yet there is now room to step away from the disease. I see myself as the conqueror not the vanquished.  Alzheimer’s did give me my third age advocacy issue but it will not become the only issue. I now have time for me.

 The Meander:  Friends call. Travel calls. Cultural pursuits and social events call. Family takes the top position. I am ready to answer. Of course, I’ll be busy because I want to be and as the blog byline states: Standing Still is Not an Option.