The Galapagos Islands, far off the coast of Ecuador, have some of the most unique species on the planet and offer some of best day trips for wildlife watching anywhere. Couple that with beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and friendly locals and you have a destination worth exploring.

Whether you’re taking a day trip to one of the 18 islands in the volcano-formed archipelago, or hoping to take one of the more luxurious cruise trips to Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to encounter plenty of wildlife.

The Galapagos are home to the endangered giant tortoise, the lava rock loving land iguana and its brethren, the ocean diving marine iguana, plus tons of sea turtles, sea lions and even tropical penguins. The marine iguana is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands, and is unique among modern lizards in that it finds food under the surface of the ocean.

Some of the most scenic day trips you can do in the Galapagos Islands originate from Isabela Island. We had the good fortune of spending some time there and got to experience the best day trips from Isabela Island, Galapagos for ourselves.

A brief history of Isabela Island

Isabela Island (also called Isla Isabela) is the largest of the Galapagos Islands (it’s actually bigger than all the other 17 islands combined!), however Puerto Villamil (the largest village on the island) is the smallest of the three main settlements in the Galapagos.

Getting around town on the sandy streets is quick and easy and there’s a very laid back, almost Caribbean feel to the island. To say that the town is as unique as the people and the animals that live there is an understatement and we met some really nice people there.

Isabela Island straddles the Equator and was formed, like the others in the archipelago, via lava and volcanoes around a million years ago. As a result, this Galapagos island still has plenty of volcanic activity and ranks among one of the most active volcanic islands in the world. Nearly all the volcanic activity is based around the untouched northern portion of the island but it still makes a for a great trip.

Whether you’re taking one of the many tours or going it alone, there’s a lot to do for such a sleepy place. Like most of the Galapagos Islands, you’ll see sea lions and marine iguanas just about everywhere you look as well as the remarkable frigate birds flying overhead. In the wetlands of the island you can see pink flamingoes and stilts and Darwin’s famed finches, that helped him form his theory of evolution, exist near land and sea.

Under the water you can see some of the largest gatherings of hammerhead sharks in the world as well as plenty of sea turtles, stingrays, manta rays and sea horses. If you’re snorkeling, there’s a good chance you’ll be visited by an inquisitive sea lion and, if you’re lucky, the only tropical penguin in the world, the Galapagos penguin.

Day Trips from Isabela Island

Some of the more notable day trips from Isabela Island include:

A day trip to Los Tuneles

Our favorite day trip from any of the Galapagos Islands, the day trip to Los Tuneles was amazing!

The day we went to Los Tuneles we snorkeled with nearly a dozen sea turtles, swam with reef sharks and sea lions, and also saw a sea horse and a few rays up close.

We also walked over crumbling lava tunnels and got up close to watch the mating dance of a pair of blue-footed booby’s.

One of my personal highlights was sitting down on one of the caved in lava arches and watching sea turtles navigate the shallow channels of Los Tuneles below to get to the warmer lagoon for the night.

Sometimes they would pass only a few feet away from us and the water was crystal clear.

Sierra Negra Volcano

The second largest active volcanic crater in the world, the Sierra Negra is over 10km in diameter. Day trips to Sierra Negra take you up and around the rim and give you spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding islands.

Expect to be hot and tired after your 16 km walk but everyone we talked to who did it said it was worth it for the views alone. It’s about a four to five hour tour that usually includes trips to Volcan Chico which is about an hour farther away where you can see fumaroles (gas vents) and parasitic craters (a non main volcano cone) up close.

Tintoreras

The Tintoreras are a series of small islands directly across from Puerto Villamil.

The tour usually comprises of a small boat that takes five minutes to cross the shallow bay and drives slowly along the coastline so you can see the Galapagos penguins (the only tropical penguin in the world) and blue-footed boobies (funny looking birds with blue feet and an extravagant mating dance) up close.

While on a tour, you also have the opportunity to snorkel in between the islands. While snorkeling, you might see everything from small reef sharks to stingrays to sea turtles and curious sea lions.

Once you’re done snorkeling, you’ll cross onto one of the islands where you’ll get off the boat and hike a short trail that’ll bring you to an area full of sea lions and a water alley full of resting sharks.

Tip! If you want you can also kayak over to Tintoreras as part of a group. It’s a fairly similar tour to what’s above however you won’t end up traveling as far down the coast as you would with the boat. The nicest part is that if you find the Galapagos penguins (they move around a lot during certain seasons), you can generally get a little closer to them.

Concha de Perla

The Concha de Perla is like a giant natural swimming pool that’s closed off from the sea. It’s right next to the main island docks. To get to it, look for a sign on the left as you walk towards the water.

After a 1 minute walk along a long wooden boardwalk, you’ll come to a small deck overlooking the bay. There’s not much seating however there are two sets of stairs leading to the water and the Concha de Perla is a gorgeous place to swim and snorkel.

To get to the town docks or the boardwalk, head east from town. The docks can be reached in around 10 minutes. It can be pretty hot in the afternoons so it might be wiser to grab a truck taxi for a few dollars.

Every time we went to Concha de Perla we saw sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and groups of fish. Along the edges, we saw marine iguanas hanging out in low hanging branches just above the water basking in the sun as well as sea lions frolicking about. Supposedly it’s not uncommon to see Galapagos penguins there from time to time as well.

Caution: There is no beach area at Concha de Perla and the water is deep so it’s not great for kids unless they’re strong swimmers. Also note that as the tide rises and drops it can create a current along the outer edges so make sure you’re a strong swimmer or are wearing flippers if you head farther out. Since it’s too deep to see much in the center, you’ll want to keep to the edges anyway.

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center

The National Park runs the giant tortoise breeding center on Isabela Island and that’s where giant tortoises are raised from eggs to adolescence before being set free into the highlands, which is their natural habitat on the island.

The tortoise breeding center is a great place for kids and there is a good interpretation room. To get to it, you can just head down the beach or up the main road the opposite way from the town docks and turn right onto the wooden walkways just past Iguana Crossing. It’s a pretty 30 min walk from town or around 5 minutes by taxi.

Flamingos Lake

To the west of Puerto Villamil, there are various salt and brackish lagoons which house an impressive variety of coastal and sea birds. Here, visitors can also find the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galapagos.

The path to Flamingo Lake is located only a feet from the beach and starts just past Iguana Crossing hotel. You can visit the Tortoise breeding center at the same time since it uses the same path.

Wall of Tears

The Wall of Tears on Isabela Island has a rich history of fairly grisly details. The culmination of which was a large wall made of lava boulders in the middle of nowhere constructed by prisoners in the late 40’s and early 50’s as a large, make work project that never went anywhere.

The Wall of Tears is five km from the town of Puerto Villamil and makes a great early morning or late afternoon jaunt. To get there quicker, you can rent a bicycle in town that will let you ride down the well posted nature trails that will also lead to lagoons, some gorgeous viewpoints, as well as some beautiful secluded beaches.

Wetlands

Isabela Island is also home to wetland areas located just outside of Puerto Vilamil. The Wetlands consist of salt water lagoons and mangrove swamps and are home to a variety of unique endemic bird species such as common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. You can visit the Wetlands on foot via a path that winds through the swamps.

You might like:

• Our Experience at Hotel Albemarle on Isabela Island Galapagos
• Lounging with Sea Lions at the Red Mangrove Hotel Galapagos – Our Review
• What To Expect On An Ecuador Amazon Tour With La Selva Lodge
• Why You Need To Visit The Hot Springs At Hotel Termas de Papallacta Ecuador
• Canoeing Into The La Selva Lodge In The Ecuadorian Amazon

Have you spent endless days walking the miles and miles of theme parks and just can’t stand in line for the next ride one moment longer?

Well, this post should help you out, as we look into some of the smaller venues that take you off the well beaten path and try to offer something a bit more unique.

First a word on Orlando’s theme parks

So, how does one find unique things to do in a small city that gets 60 million visitors a year? From ghost tours to paddle boats to the largest rose garden in Florida, there is bound to be something that interests you.

Orlando Florida is known as the theme park capital of the world for a reason. Between Disney World and its many parks, Universal Studios and its many parks, plus SeaWorld and LegoLand, you can easily think that that’s all Orlando offers.

While we’re big fans of the big parks (looking at you Harry Potter World, we do love to find the quieter places to unwind and experience other things as well.

That said, Orlando is the most visited city in the US and there will always be people around no matter where you go. However, in comparison to the larger theme parks, the places on this list will generally be quieter and give you alternate things to do in Orlando.

While we’re on the subject, many places on this list aren’t in Orlando itself, but within quick and easy driving distance from your hotel so make sure to visit Official Disney Resorts Site if you’re thinking of visiting Orlando and looking for something close to all the action.

Unique Things to do in Orlando

Without further ado, here are 15 unique things to do in Orlando Florida. Hope you enjoy it.

Strain your neck at the Giraffe Ranch

Ever been licked by a giraffe, nipped at by a zebra or ridden on a camel? I’ve been lucky to do all three, and lived to tell the tale.

At Orlando’s Giraffe Ranch, you can explore wildlife via a driven safari tour, a camel safari tour or on a Segway safari tour.

What do they all have in common? They all take you on a ride to see a huge variety of African, Asian, Australian and American animals from rhinos to hippos to lemurs and ostriches. Every tour includes hand feeding some giraffes so watch out for that two foot long blue tongue, it will surprise you I guarantee it.

Go on a ghost hunt at American Ghost Adventures

Never been on a ghost hunt?

Have you ever been fascinated by the supernatural? Want to explore the darker (literally) side of downtown Orlando?

The American Ghost Adventures tour takes you on a ghost tour that includes some history, a few ghost stories and a brief investigation inside some of the most haunted buildings in downtown Orlando. When the sign says you will be provided ghost hunting equipment or you can bring your own, you know you’re in for a unique experience.

Stroll through the Bok Tower Gardens

What do acres of trees and the Singing Tower have in common?

Both can be found at Bok Tower Gardens just outside Orlando in Lake Wales. The Singing Tower is a 205 foot tall, circular pink and grey marble building with a carillon on the top floor with 60 giant bells connected to a clavier (piano like device) that fills the surrounding garden with rich reverberating sound when being played. With over 250 acres of trees, reflective pools, winding paths and a thriving bird sanctuary, there’s plenty to explore on a nice day.

Defy gravity at Spook Hill

What does gravity, illusion and roads have in common?

Spook Hill in Lake Wales (close to Bok Tower Gardens) is known as a gravity hill. While uncommon enough to warrant inspection, especially if you are already down the road at Bok Tower Gardens, this anti-gravity phenomenon puts you at the bottom of a seemingly small hill. When you put your car in neutral your car will magically start driving up the hill. Perception is a wondrous thing.

Go indoor skydiving at iFly

Never been skydiving? A little nervous jumping from a plane?

Well, you can go indoor skydiving at iFly Orlando. With state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels, you can experience the thrill of skydiving only a few feet off the ground. It’s a great experience when you’re with a group and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll walk away with a smile whether you’re five or 105.

Visit the indie-inspired Ivanhoe Village

Love the indie scene? Want to see where hipsters dwell, art lovers peruse and wine connoisseurs congregate?

Ivanhoe Village comprises of an eclectic group of retro retailers, art museums, craft breweries, boutique wineries and savory restaurants. You can hunt for records at Rock & Roll Heaven or check out vintage clothing at Deja Vu Vintage. You can have a beer at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company or a glass of wine at the Imperial Wine Bar. You can even stroll or bike the many lakes and pathways that call this little area of Orlando home.

Get mystified at the Orlando Science Center

Love science? Want to know the secrets of the universe and to unlock age old questions in a fun setting?

Then the Orlando Science Center is your ticket to happiness. With four floors of interactive exhibit halls, an observatory, theaters, labs and workshops, there’s no better place to learn as you play than a science center. With ever changing exhibits, 3d films on giant screens, a hands on dinosaur exhibit and huge playrooms for the little ones, it also makes a great indoor rainy day activity and is located in Ivanhoe Village.

Walk around Lake Eola

What do swans, ducks, turtles and an amphitheater have in common?

They all can be found around Lake Eola in Orlando. With a mile-long walking trail skirting the pretty little lake, you can easily walk it in an hour. Between the artisan markets, the local wildlife and the nearby restaurants, it’s easy to spend a few hours here.

If you want to go the tourist route, take an electric swan boat out for a ride at night, but if you want to chill with the locals, sit down on one of the many benches and watch the real swans swimming and walking around.

Take a paddle boat out on Lake Fairview

Have a fear of land and speed?

Then taking out a paddle boat on Lake Fairview is a sure way to put a smile on your face. There are actually a large variety of boats you can rent to spend the afternoon on Lake Fairview in Orlando. You can rent everything from kayaks and canoes to pontoon boats and fishing boats.

Strike a pose at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Have you ever wanted to stand next to your favorite superstar? Wondered just how tall a particular famous person was or just how round their belly really was?

Well, you can likely see their doppelgangers at Madame Tussauds in Orlando.

Gimmicky? Yes. Quirky? Definitely. Unique? Well, unless you happen to be a world class wax carver or painter with uncanny skills at making true to life replicas, the answer is definitely yes. While there are wax museums found across the world, Madame Tussauds Orlando is worth checking out if your celebrity curiosity knows no bounds.

Sink your blues away aboard Titanic Orlando

Ever wondered what life aboard the Titanic was like?

Whether you love history or just loved the movie, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition is a great step backwards to the beginning of the last century with exhibits highlighting the wonder of that fateful ship.

This two hour romp gives you a replica boarding pass as you become a passenger aboard the historical ship. Featuring more than 300 artifacts as well as full room recreations, if you loved the Titanic, this should be placed on your list of things to do in Orlando.

Tackle the unbelievable at Wonderworks

Ever walked into an upside down building?

While I tried to step away from amusement parks, this place leaves a lasting impression. Complete with over 100 hands on exhibits, Wonderworks is more entertainment than education, but it doesn’t mean you won’t learn something along the way.

From walking through a 100 mph hurricane to experiencing a 5.1 earthquake there’s a few other activities that are worth checking out including playing a giant piano, sleeping on a bed of nails and experimenting with a giant Tesla Coil.

Go for a hike in the Tibet-Butler Preserve

What does the worlds largest amusement parks and a preserve have in common?

Nothing, except they’re both found in Orlando. If you need to get away from the chaos known as theme parks, there’s not much better place in Orlando than the Tibet-Butler Preserve.

With raised boardwalks, numerous trails, marshes, trees, plenty of birds, turtles and small animals, the preserve is a great free way to get away from the crowds and back into nature. With a small visitors center complete with clean bathrooms, it’s a great way to spend a quiet morning after a day battling the crowds.

Walk among the roses at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Ever been in a rose garden so large you’re not sure which direction you came from?

The largest rose garden in Florida can be found at the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This sprawling 50 acre estate, only minutes from downtown Orlando, comprises over 40 different plant collections and different dedicated gardens from a butterfly garden and herb garden, all the way to a bamboo garden. If you love camellias, this is one place you don’t want to miss as they also have one of the largest camellia collections in North America.

Glide through the bogs at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

What do huge fans and small flat bottomed metal boats have in common?

They can both be found together at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Whether you take one of the personal tours or go on the larger 16 person boat, going for a swamp ride on an airboat is a unique adventure.

As you cruise along you’ll see everything from huge alligators to wading cranes to piles of turtles basking in the sunlight. You might be able to convince yourself you’re going there to experience nature but the truth is, those airboats are a ton of fun to ride on.

Have any other unique places in Orlando that are worth sharing? We’d love to the hear about them!

More Fun things to do in and around Orlando

• 10 Fun Things To Do at ICON Park Orlando
• Harry Potter Souvenirs from Universal Studios Orlando That are Worth the Money (and Where to Buy Them)
• Universal Orlando Tips to Save You Time and Money
• The Best Road Trips in Florida
• 21 Best Things to do in Destin Florida Bucket List

We’ve lived in BC for over a decade now, and while we haven’t driven every highway in the province, we’ve definitely taken our share of drives around our beautiful province.

British Columbia is Canada’s most western province. It borders Alberta, and is known for its vast size and natural beauty. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, BC is world famous for its mountain ranges, lakes and glaciers, as well as rocky beaches, ski resorts and natural beauty.

There are numerous highways and scenic drives in British Columbia that make for some genuinely spectacular road excursions no matter the season, with thousands of valley lakes, mountains, and a largely unknown north.

The best road trips in British Columbia will not only take you through some of the most scenic areas in the province but also in Canada. You can visit the Okanagan Valley and see world class vineyards or drive along the west coast and hang out on beautiful beaches.

If you’re quickly looking for snow-capped mountains, head north from cosmopolitan Vancouver up to Whistler where you can ski or snowboard during winter months or go downhill biking in the summer.

Want to see salmon spawning or visit the Rocky Mountains in its rawest form? British Columbia has both.

Dreaming of warm mountain lakes in summer, natural hot pools year round and great hiking? BC has that in droves.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family on a road trip, or you just want to explore some beautiful sights with your friends, there’s something in BC for everyone.

So whether you’re a local wanting to broaden your range, on vacation traveling with family or friends, or just want to get away from it all, here are some of our favourite drives in BC that will take you off the beaten path and into nature’s playground.

The best road trips in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you have your own car or are looking to rent a vehicle, these are the best road trips in British Columbia to take in the beautiful scenery of this Canadian province.

If you’re in the mood for a guided tour, BC has plenty of bus tours available and if you want to see the province unfettered, traveling the province by motorcycle is an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for the best motorcycle insurance or want to check out the best things to see and do from Vancouver to Banff, this post has you covered.

The Sunshine Coast – Sunshine Coast Highway

Vancouver to Powell River - 170km (105mi) - 4h 20m (2 Ferry crossings)

The Sunshine Coast Trail is one of the most popular hikes in BC, and for good reason. It’s located just north of Vancouver on the coast, and offers a variety of different options for hiking. This includes a section that goes right along the water with stunning views of mountains and ocean alike.

What does this have to do with road trips? Well, not only can you stop and hike the trail, but getting there is also a beautiful drive with tons of great coastal views and mountainous backdrops along the way.

A few highlights along this route include the 2 ferry crossings (the first at Horseshoe Bay and the second at Earl’s Cove) with possibilities to see everything from whales to dolphins and even killer whales right from your vehicle. The majority of the drive is 2 paved lanes and large animal sightings are common so keep your eyes open for any fauna in the area including moose, deer, bears, mountain goats and cougars.

If you want to continue your drive once you reach Powell Bay, you can take a ferry over to Vancouver Island where you’ll start your island adventure near Comox.

The Okanagan Valley – Highway 97

Vernon to Osoyoos - 173km (107mi) - 2h 25m

The Okanagan Valley is home to some amazing wineries and fruit orchards that have been around before BC was even a province!

Starting up around Vernon and continuing south down to Osoyoos you’ll see some of BC’s prettiest lakes starting with Kalamalka Lake that, depending on the season, can range from cyan to indigo.

As you drive south from Vernon on Highway 97 through Lake Country and get into Kelowna, the heart of BC’s interior, there’s tons of things to do with the family including hanging out along the boardwalk of the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake (one of the few lakes in Canada to never freeze in the winter) and grab an ice cream before heading to the beach.

As you continue through West Kelowna (home to great vineyards like Mission Hill and Quails Gate) you’ll soon find yourself driving through towns named Peachland and Summerland (great names right!) before arriving in Penticton. Make sure to walk the boardwalk in town before continuing your drive south down to Osoyoos, the warmest city in Canada!

If you love vineyards and cideries, there are literally hundreds in the Okanagan Valley with many just off the highway so pick up a winery guide available nearly everywhere in the valley before you start your Okanagan BC roadtrip.

The Coquihalla Highway – Highway 5N

Hope to Kamloops - 203km (126mi) - 2h 15m

The stretch of highway from Hope to Kamloops has 2 things in abundance, beautiful scenery and infamous notoriety. The Coquihalla features gorgeous mountain rivers and some beautiful mountain vistas however it’s also the star in a show called Highway Thru Hell, depicting the sometimes hazardous conditions that can occur during the winter months. Since it is a high mountain highway through some unforgiving terrain, there is some merit to the legends but if in doubt, check out the Drive BC website and just pay attention to the weather.

That said, the Coq was originally built as a connector to speed up the route that the Trans Canada highway originally took as it made its way west. While the drive is indeed faster via the Coquihalla, the beauty of the drive is also unmistakable.

If you’re feeling the urge for a hot soak, veer off the highway near Bridal Falls to check out Harrison Hot Springs.

As you leave Hope via Highway 3 East (make sure your tank is full since the next gas station in Merritt is 120km or just over an hour away), you’ll quickly jump onto Highway 5 heading to Merritt and Kamloops. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Othello Tunnels just past Hope are worth a hike

As you pull into Merritt itself (most of the town is to the north of the highway), you can now choose to continue northeast on Highway 5 to Kamloops or head southeast down Highway 97C to Kelowna and the Okanagan valley.

If you’re planning to drive right through either cities as you continue east, the drive south toward Kelowna will add half an hour to your journey however it is a prettier drive by far and takes you through several small towns and cities.

The Island Drive – Highway 1 and Highway 19

Victoria to Qualicum Beach (Vancouver Island)- 158km (98mi) - 2h 25mins

Though not officially called The Island Drive, navigating this section of Vancouver Island definitely fits the bill. As you leave Victoria, the Victorian architecture filled capital of British Columbia, and head north on Highway 1, you’ll pass quaint villages, pretty murals and get the occasional sweeping views of the ocean and the Gulf Islands.

There are hundreds of places to stop along the way to grab a bite to eat, hike or shop however there are a few wineries and cideries around Cobble Hill that are worth checking out. If you want a quick hike, it’s also worth checking the Kinsol Trestle just before Cobble Hill. It’s one of the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structures in the world and is amazing to see. It’s part of the Cowichan Valley Trail and is a popular hiking area.

Nanaimo is the next major city on the way north. It’s not a bad place to stock up supplies for your Qualicum Beach stay (if you’re planning a short vacay) and is also the other major ferry terminal if you want to hitch a ferry back to the mainland.

As you continue north you’ll eventually reach picturesque Nanoose Bay and then Parksville, another major waterside destination in its own right though the long sandy beaches along Qualicum Beach are usually what attract the crowds.

While in the region, make sure to check out the Goats on the Roof (literally) at the Old Country Market as well as the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. Both are great places to take the kids and hang out for a few hours.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway – Highway 99

Vancouver to Whistler - 121km (75mi) - 1h 25mins

Not many people who visit Vancouver, often ranked as one of the best cities on earth, don’t take a day or two to make their way up to Whistler, BC’s premiere ski destination. The hour and a half roadtrip north up Highway 99 is filled with gorgeous ocean and mountain views and passes through Squamish, an outdoor lovers playground.

With everything from rock climbing to Bald Eagle viewing tours in the winter (it held the largest eagle viewing count in the world at 3769 with around 1300 spotted most given years), if you like the outdoors then likely Squamish has something for you. Squamish is also home to the wonderful Sea to Sky Gondola, a year round engineering marvel that zips you to the top in comfort with plenty of trails on either landings.

As you drive into Whistler, it’s quickly evident why it’s touted as an adventurers destination with a myriad of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts. After hitting the slopes, make sure to check out the town centre (known as The Village) with great shopping, restaurants and pubs open year round. Though we often think of Whistler as a winter destination, there are plenty of activities there happening year round.

Visiting in the summer? Check out Porteau Cove Provincial Park, a popular scuba diving destination with artificial shipwrecks and reefs supporting a huge variety of marine life, such as octopus, lingcod and starfish just minutes north of Horseshoe Bay. Don’t know how to dive? Take a course or explore the rocky beaches and go swimming in the ocean for a nice break from your road trip.

The Glacier Drive – Highway 5 and Highway 16

Kamloops to Jasper - 441km (274mi) - 4h 45mins

While Jasper isn’t technically in BC (it’s 20km from the BC/Alberta border), the vast majority of this drive is in British Columbia and it’s a beautiful road trip through valleys and mountains, with a few great sites along the way.

As you head up Highway 5 north from Kamloops, a great little city fronting the beautiful Thompson River and home to the BC Wildlife Park, you’ll pass wide open valleys that soon turns into winding mountain passes. The nicest part about this Kamloops to Jasper road trip is that the highway follows along the North Thompson River for a sizable portion of the drive, which makes for a great backdrop and gorgeous views.

Along the way, you can check out some amazing waterfalls or go whitewater rafting around Clearwater. If you don’t have time to check them out but want to stretch your legs, check out either North Thompson River Provincial Park right before Clearwater or the Blue River Provincial Park. Both are right along the highway and are easy to pull off into.

As you turn right (North) onto Highway 16 (known as the Yellowhead Highway) you’ll have another few places to stop with Rearguard Falls Provincial Park just on the right and then the Mount Robson visitor centre with Mt. Robson (the tallest mountain in the Rockies) as a nice backdrop. If you’re an avid hiker, the Berg Lake Trail (23km) is often considered one of the top 5 best hikes in Canada with plenty of gorgeous scenery and wildlife spotting.

Pulling into Jasper, it’s easy to see why it’s touted as one of the best destinations in Canada. From the stunning water colors of the Athabasca River and surrounding lakes, to its proximity to glaciers and icefields to the Sky Tram and Marmot Basin ski resort it has plenty to see and do including Canada’s best Dark Sky festival.

If you have the time, there are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Canada less than an hour from Clearwater. Helmcken Falls, the 4th largest waterfall in Canada, in gorgeous Wells Gray Park is just one of them. You can also check out both Spahats Falls and Dawson Falls while on the way. Total time to Helmcken Falls is around 45 minutes (44km) one way.

The Cathedral Drive – Highway 4

Parksville to Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) – 50km (31mi) – 44mins

We only discovered this route a few years ago when visiting Port Alberni for the first time but it’s a quick, gorgeous drive through old growth forests and one of the prettiest walkways you’ll find on Vancouver Island.

Just as you pass picturesque Cameron Lake, past the halfway point of your journey, lies Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park. This trail leads to the most accessible giant Douglas fir tree stands on Vancouver Island. You can walk the short number of trails under the shadow of giant Douglas-fir trees with some more than 800 years old.

Due to some severe windstorms over the years, some of the ancient trees have fallen and the park and trails are continually being monitored and repaired. Make sure you check to make sure it’s open if you decide to make the trip out there.

The Rocky Mountain Pass – Highway 1

Revelstoke to Lake Louise - 227km (141mi) - 3hours

The Rocky Mountains are a some of the most mountainous terrain in the world however the drive through them is often a very pleasant experience. Similar to Jasper, Lake Louise is only 10km from the BC/Alberta border so the majority of this road trip takes place in British Columbia.

Along the way, you’ll drive over Canada’s highest mountain pass, see a few hot pools, look up at the second tallest waterfall in Canada, traverse the premiere whitewater rafting river in the country plus witness some of the best scenery Canada has to offer.

Leaving east down Highway 1 from Revelstoke, a former train station hub and home to the great Revelstoke Mountain resort and Pipe Mountain Coaster, a 1.4km all downhill rollercoaster that barrels your way down a mountain, you’ll soon hit a series of boardwalks and trails. The one you don’t want to miss is Giant Cedars Boardwalk, a quick 20 minute walk through some extremely large cedar trees.

Right after that you have Canyon Hot Springs resort with a nice set of hot pools and soon after that you’ll be climbing through Roger’s Pass, the highest point along Canada’s 8000+km TransCanada highway.

As you arrive into Golden, Canada’s whitewater rafting capital, there are a myriad of adventures you can partake in like whitewater rafting or checking out the Golden SkyBridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge and zipline site. After Golden you have Field, a cute mountain town with nearby access to Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s 2nd highest waterfall and around 10 minutes off the highway.

Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you’ll want to check out the gorgeous turquoise lake the town is famous next to stunning Chateau Lake Louise. There are some great hikes around the area and if you happen to be there in winter, Lake Louise Resort is considered one of the best ski resorts in Alberta.

If you want to read about more things to do along British Columbia’s TransCanada Highway, check out our ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip guide.

The Pacific Rim – Highway 4

Port Alberni to Tofino (Vancouver Island) - 126km (78mi) - 1h 50mins

Traveling on Highway 4 west from Port Alberni to the coastal side of Vancouver Island is a leisurely affair with some beautiful coastal roads, some old growth forests and plenty of sights along the way.

As you leave Port Alberni, a small city on the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island’s longest ocean inlet, you’ll quickly pass Sproat Lake, a 4 season area with lakeside cabins and camping sites popular with fishermen and boaters alike. Next, you have Wally Creek. Right beside the highway with parking spaces, this is a perfect spot to jump in and cool off in the cristal clear blue water.

Continuing on you finally arrive at the coast. If you want to explore some of the natural beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park, now’s a great time to stop and grab a pass at the Pacific Rim Visitor centre. If you want a small detour, feel free to head south down to Ucluelet while first stopping off for a short walk around the Ancient Cedars Loop Trail.

To the north and towards our final destination of Tofino, another great walk is the Rainforest Trail that is a wood boardwalk & gravel trail through a veritable forest of cedar & hemlock trees covered in moss.

Next you have the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with a tiny tourist town (Long Beach) on the edge of a nature lovers coastal retreat. Near endless stretches of beach attract surfers year-round however most visit simply to watch the waves and walk the miles of sand.

Soon you’ll be at the end of your road trip and driving into Tofino proper. This cozy town on the edge of the world is popular with surfers, nature lovers, whale watchers and hikers. In summer the population swells but it’s also a popular area year round with some great chefs and restaurants calling the town home.

Another popular surfing and beach spot in the area is Chesterman Beach on the southern outskirts of Tofino. There are plenty of inns and hotels in the area if you plan to stay for a few days.

The Kootenays – Highway 6, 31A, 31 and 3A

Nakusp to Creston via Balfour - 218km (135mi) - 3h 15mins (1 Ferry crossing)

Unfettered nature is the best way to describe this road trip through British Columbia’s fabled Kootenays. Gorgeous lakes, relaxing hot springs, swaths of forests and a ferry ride are all highlights of this drive.

We first start in Nakusp, a nice beach village on the edge of the rather long Upper Arrow Lake. The Nakusp region is always busy in summer and has a gorgeous beach with clear water. As you head southeast out of town on Highway 6, you’ll soon be driving parallel to picturesque Slocan Lake. As you arrive into New Denver, a quaint village along the lake bank, you’ll soon be heading due east on Highway 31A.

As you drive over the Kokanee Glacier ranges, you’ll eventually reach Kaslo, a village on the west shore of Kootenay Lake in the West Kootenay region. If you want to stretch your legs, a quick walk along the Kaslo River Trail in town is a nice diversion and there’s a few good restaurants here as well. Further south of Kaslo, Fletcher Falls makes a great short pit stop with some nice little falls just off the highway.

Next we have Ainsworth Hot Springs, a favorite place of ours with some really nice hot springs and a heated hot springs cave. There’s also a delicious restaurant on site as well and if you stay in the hotel, the hot springs are included. Otherwise, they offer day passes for visitors.

After a lovely drive south along along Kootenay Lake we arrive in Belfour where it’s time to jump on a ferry over to Kootenay Bay as we continue down Highway 3A. The highway itself follows Kootenay Lake all the way towards Creston so don’t worry about getting lost now. Creston itself is a valley town with a variety of amenities, hotels and restaurants plus a few wineries and the Columbia Brewery (home of Kokanee beer) that gives brewery tours. If you’re there in summer, make sure to check out the wetlands at the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

To get to Nakusp, you can either head due south from Revelstoke on Highway 23 or head east from Vernon on highway 6. Either roads are great however the additional cable ferry ride from Needle to Fauquier is a great bonus when driving in from Vernon and there are some great views and awesome lakes, namely Mable Lake, Sugar Lake and Echo Lake just off Highway 6 that are worth checking out as well if you have time.

Bonus Road Trip – The Island Highway – Highway 19N

Comox to Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - 290km (180mi) - 3 hours (1 Ferry crossing)

Since no list is ever complete, we’ve decided to throw this last BC road trip in as a bonus. It starts in picturesque Comox.

In Comox you can check out the fisherman’s wharf or one of the numerous beaches such as Goose Spit Park. Kite surfing is a popular pastime here as well you’ll likely see some kites flashing by as you walk the many beaches.

Heading north up Highway 19, you’ll soon be arriving in Campbell River. The city is a very popular whale watching center as well as famously hosting grizzly bear tours. Either tour can be booked well in advance with several companies and some even guarantee a sighting or your next tour is on them. Another popular activity here is heading to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge with it’s large suspension bridge and waterfall as well as checking out the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, one of the largest salmon hatcheries in Canada.

Continuing past Campbell River (make sure you fill up before leaving) you have a lot of land to cover that includes a few rivers plus a lake before getting back to the coast. Soon you’ll be pulling in to Port Hardy and able to check out the many beaches and marinas plus a plethora of day trips to places like God’s Pocket Marine Preserve to view sea lions. Taking a guided kayak tour is a definite must if the weather is nice.

You can get to Comox from the mainland via a BC ferry from Powell River so if you’ve done the road trip there then this route is a natural progression of it. You can also take a ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. If you plan to do this 16 hour ferry, renting a room on board is a great way to relax and see everything along the way.

Final notes on the best road trips in BC

After having our home base in BC for over a decade, we’ve had the opportunity to see a large portion of it and can never get enough of the beautiful scenery, the friendly people and the wild beauty. While this list isn’t exhaustive, we hope it gives you a few ideas of some of the best road trips in British Columbia and inspires you to visit and see the province for yourself.

Think we missed a hidden gem? We’d love to hear about it below. Safe travels.

Want to see more of the country, stay closer to nature and set your own timetable? Want to hit the road and not worry about checking in and out of hotels every night or only seeing the most popular attractions?

Want some time to yourself and the ability to just pull off the road and make yourself a sandwich, take a quick nap or throw on your bathing suit and jumping into that lake you just drove past? If so, this is our the essential guide to planning your first campervan trip.

Planning a Campervan Rental

Whether you’re renting a campervan, RV, caravan, trailer or motorhome on your next holiday, the truth is that you’ll need to plan things out a little more before leaving home. Unlike a traditional hotel or Airbnb stay, renting a campervan or motorhome is one part car rental, one part home rental and one part hotel room rental. What that probably means is that you have a lot of questions about campervan rentals.

In regards to driving the vehicle itself, some common questions can include everything from rules of the road, insurance and drivers license requirements, rental deposits and whether you are allowed to cross into neighboring countries.

From a route perspective, renting a campervan in another country leads to further questions such as what routes are allowed, what kind of mileage can you expect and are you allowed to camp on public land.

Finally, it’s important to find out what’s essential and what’s included with the campervan rental. Questions you need answered include do you need bedding, does your rental include necessities such as soap and toilet paper, do you need a voltage converter, does your campervan have a furnace or air conditioner and finally, does it include an RV solar generator so you can remain off grid for a extended amount of time.

While many vacationers love the freedom that a campervan can give them, for others there’s too many unanswered questions. Well, we’re here to help answer those questions with our essential guide so put your mind at ease and let’s start planning your first campervan trip!

The Rules of the Road

While many of the questions you might have regarding renting a campervan have fairly solid answers, please realize that these rules aren’t all set in stone and there can be discrepancies from one company’s campervan rental rules to another’s as well as some variances from one country to another. What this guide will do is give you a solid base of the typical rentals and teach you some of the most important questions you need to ask your campervan rental company before you book anything.

What are the local rules concerning renting a campervan?

While every country is different, the general rule is that most campervans are regarded no differently than renting a car in that country. That means that if you can rent a car, you can rent a campervan. Some companies might have a no driver under 25 years old clause and all of course require a current and valid drivers license from your home country.

Luckily, the vast majority of motorhomes that are rented aren’t huge trailers requiring a special license, however note that they do exist so make sure to clarify with the campervan rental company you’re dealing with. They’ll let you know if there’s any special clauses you need to know.

Is there extra campervan insurance needed or permits you need to have?

When renting a campervan, chances are pretty high you will need to purchase additional insurance for it. Some companies include the insurance however most offer varying levels similar to renting a vehicle. It’s up to you to decide what risks you want to take but we advise you not to skimp on insurance.

Most campervans are big and expensive vehicles and with that, repairs for them can be costly if an accident happens. Also note that unlike a car or truck, you’re going to be cooking, sleeping, eating, showering and living in a campervan so there’s a greater chance of problems than just driving a regular car.

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While many credit cards include some form of car/truck insurance, chances are very low that they would cover a campervan accident. Of course you can call your credit card and verify but we haven’t heard of anyone being reimbursed in this way without proper insurance.

Will your current drivers license qualify or do you need an International Driving Permit or some special class driver rating?

As mentioned previously, most campervan rentals require nothing more than a valid drivers license to be able to rent them. If you’re from out of country, some companies might require a copy of your passport for their records before they let you drive off with their property. That said, some countries require an international drivers license for any vehicle rentals from out of country so that would include campervans and motorhomes. Make sure to ask your rental company what’s required before booking.

While some countries require a special class license for vehicles of a certain size or equipped with certain types of airbrakes, most campervan rentals don’t require anything but a standard drivers licence. If you’re unsure, ask the rental company before booking.

Can you cross borders into another country with a campervan?

While this is definitely not a problem for an island country like Australia, renting a campervan in North America or Europe means that international borders can sometimes be only a few kilometers away. While we’ve never heard of a country specific rule on this, whether you can or not depends on the rental company and the insurance provider they use. While some companies might allow you to visit neighboring countries, others might not or have a strict policy in place saying which neighboring countries you are permitted to visit and which you cannot. (For instance, many companies allow Canada/US crossings but require different insurance if driving into Mexico.)

While the rental company can’t force you to obey them once you’re on your way, please realize that your insurance will be void should you cross into a country they told you not to go to. That means that you’ll be on the hook for any charges, hospital fees or damages that occur if you have an accident outside of the supported countries. To put it simply, it’s not worth it and look into another company if you want to cross certain borders.

If you know right away that you want to border hop, make sure you’ve discussed it with the rental company before you book. Once you get there it might be too late to change your plans.

Do you need a special deposit when renting a campervan?

The answer is…. maybe. Due to the higher cost of a campervan plus the fact you’ll be living in it and causing more wear and tear, you might need to drop an extra damage deposit when renting a motorhome or campervan.

Most vehicle rental companies also charge this refundable deposit (usually done via a credit card when paying) so it’s not too different for a campervan though the wording and amount might be. This amount is usually refunded once the motorhome has been returned and verified in working order. Of course they don’t expect it to come back spotless however like a hotel stay or home rental, they do expect that nothing is broken, damaged or stolen when it’s returned. You can ask what their policies are before booking if you have any specific questions regarding the deposit.

Campervan Routes and Camping Policies

While there are plenty of established campervan routes and guides you can find in books and online, the fact you rented a campervan likely means you want to get away from the normal on your next holiday. Like a giant tortoise, your home is now on your back and you can go anywhere the road leads. While that’s true, there are a few things you should know if you haven’t rented a motorhome or campervan before.

Where are you planning to stay each night?

While pre-planning every night of your campervan holiday might not appeal to everyone, sometimes it’s good to at least know a few things before you book. One of those questions is where can you stay every night?

While this answer is, of course, country dependent, the sad reality is that “not everywhere” is likely the answer. Depending on the season for instance, some campsites sell out months in advance while others are more of a first come, first served camping site. Some sites also shut down for part of the year.

Some campsites have full power, sewer hookup and even cablevision and internet hookups. Some even include you’re own personal cooking and washroom facilities while others don’t even offer a picnic table or firepit.

The amount of places you can stay can be as varied as a secluded woodland lot overlooking the ocean to a Disneyland type theme park with waterslides and rides all the way to spending the night in a Walmart parking lot. (Very common as a last resort in North America when you can’t find a local campsite near a bigger city.) Knowing what season you’re in and how quickly each campsite tends to fill up can make or break a great trip.

If you prefer to get off the grid as they say, then knowing the local laws in terms of whether you’re allowed to camp on public or government land is also good to find out. Most of these questions can be found in a good RV or campervan booklet or website talking about an area you’re planning to visit. The campervan rental company is also a fountain of local knowledge and can help answer any questions for the period in which you’re hoping to get away so feel free to email or call them before booking.

What route are you going to take and can the campervan make that trip?

While this might seem redundant, we’ve travelled more than a few routes where your average camper wasn’t going to make it. Whether it was because of ground clearance over rough terrain, slippery mud and clay along a rarely used road or even because the campervan is too wide for the trail, most campervans aren’t designed for extreme terrain. Of course, there are some rugged 4×4 and even 4×6 rv’s and motorhomes out there that can handle some wickedly tough terrain however most campervans aren’t built to that standard.

A good general rule to follow is not to go anywhere a regular car can’t go, always make sure you have enough space to turn around and if your sides are touching the trees on both sides of the road, maybe that route isn’t for you or your campervan.

While you’re not forced to follow it, travel guides are there to help you choose the best route for your situation. If you have a smaller campervan you can get to places a big motorhome can’t go and will likely have more options in places to camp. Choosing whether more space and comfort is worth the trade off of being more nimble should definitely factor into your rental decision. Where you’re planning to go can help that decision even further.

What kind of mileage will it get?

Campervans, motorhomes and RV’s come in every shape and size. Guessing how much fuel you’ll use depends on multiple factors: Your vehicle size, your vehicle engine, your speed, your driving habits and the conditions you’re driving in. Regardless of that, campervans are not known for good gas mileage and expect to pay double to triple what your current vehicle uses for the same distance.

Generally speaking, you’re going to be driving a bigger vehicle than you’re used to. Staying under the speed limit, slowing down when climbing a mountain or taking a sharp corner, accelerating a little slower and stopping a little sooner will go a long way to extending your mileage. Some rental sites will even give you this information however if they don’t, you can usually find a similar camper online that will tell you this information. Another good piece of advice is to fill up sooner with gas rather that later with a campervan, just to be safe.

Are there gas stations along your planned route?

While we can’t answer this question without first knowing your exact route, likely the answer is yes. In North America you can use something like GasBuddy to plan your route and see what gas stations are available. Most countries have a similar site you can check and if not, Google Maps is your friend.

Can you just camp on public land or do you need a registered site?

As we said earlier, being allowed to camp on public land is dependent on the country, state, province or region you’re hoping to camp on. Likely there are just as many rules as there are regions of the world. In North America it is generally allowed to camp in National Parks however you might have to pay a fee or stay in an established area. Some parks allow backcountry camping as long as you clean up after yourself. Most of Canada and the USA don’t allow camping within a city, along a roadway or near any beach where there are no camping signs posted. Mexico is more liberal in where you can camp however safety is more of a concern if you’re on your own or away from people.

While many van conversion videos often show people staying for a night on a quiet side street in a big city, it’s technically not allowed most of the world over and while many still do it, staying overnight on a street in a campervan is much more conspicuous and can lead to fines or being towed. It’s up to you whether you want to risk it however we’ve been forced to do it ourselves from time to time if approved spots just aren’t available.

In Australia, you aren’t technically allowed to free camp anywhere however there are plenty of places people tend to stay where, though it might not be allowed, it is tolerated.

In New Zealand, there are plenty more free sites due to their Freedom Camping Act. Of course it is up to each city and region to govern what is and isn’t permissible however there are spots right across the country.

In the UK and most of Europe, unfortunately free or wild camping isn’t generally allowed these days. Long gone are the days when you could just drive into a forest and set up camp. This post has a good list of legally camping rules for most of Europe.

Wild camping for free in Africa is as varied as anything on that continent however it’s imperative that you understand what each area brings in terms of laws, risk and safety. As with most places, there is more safety in numbers so talk with your rental company if you’re planning to head out on your own here.

South America has plenty of opportunities to free camp however many of the same laws apply as in North America. Best to stick to approved campsites and check out posts and websites before heading out on your own.

Regardless of what country you go and stay in, always discuss your overnight options with your camper rental agency. They will know the local rules better than anyone and can help guide you where you need to be. You can also check out an app like Caravanya (Google Play, App Store) to help you locate free sites around the world.

What’s Included With A Campervan Rental?

Plates, towels, bedding, toilet paper, propane and power are all vital necessities when camping. Doubly so when you’ve just gotten off a plane with nothing but clothes and a toothbrush. What does your average campervan rental include? Let’s find out.

Do you need bedding or a sleeping bag?

Generally, the answer is no. Most campervans or caravans include all your bedding. Just like a hotel, sheets, blankets and pillows are almost always included. Before you pick up your camper rental, the entire campervan is thoroughly cleaned and new bedding furnished. It’s never a bad idea to verify first with the company before making your reservation though just to be certain.

Does it include things like camp chairs, prefilled propane bottles, bath and hand towels, soap and toilet paper?

The short answer is generally yes. Like a hotel room or AirBnB rental, the expectation is that you can just show up at your rental time and everything you initially need (other than food) will be furnished. Most often this includes clean towels, dish soap, hand soap and toilet paper. That said, if you’re renting the RV for a month, you’ll likely need to replace some of this as you use it up.

Sometimes the campervan will include things like camp chairs and even occasionally extras like an outdoor BBQ or camp stove however these aren’t usually guaranteed. Just like a car rental, they will usually top up your fuel (expecting you to return it at the same level) as well as fill up your propane bottles (generally used for cooking, heating, running the fridge and the hot water tank.) You can ask when booking what exactly the rental includes so you’re not caught off guard if they demand extra for certain things you expected them to include.

Will you need a voltage converter?

Most campervans use the same electrical plugs that are common in the country you’re arriving in. That means that if you needed a voltage converter for your hairdryer or electrical toothbrush if you stayed in a hotel, you will need one for your caravan rental. You can check voltages and plug styles here.

Some caravans don’t have built in inverters (ability to run AC current from the built in batteries) without being connected to an electrical cord provided in fully serviced campsites so don’t expect certain plugged in things to always work when you’re on the road or staying at a non powered site (including microwave and air conditioning).

Most trailers run off a set of 12v batteries so having a few things charge via USB isn’t a bad way to go. We always carry a 12v to 5v converter (plugs into a standard lighter socket) when we travel in case the vehicle doesn’t have a built in USB port. Often a newer campervan will have a socket or outlet specifically for this.

Can the campervan handle an unserviced site?

Is the campervan ready for RV living without services?

Most campervans include dual electric and propane appliances. Meaning that the fridge and hot water tank will work via propane when in an unserviced campsite or electricity when plugged into an electrical source at a serviced campsite. The stove is generally always run with propane and the lights and water pump generally run off the batteries. The large batteries get recharged when plugged into an electrical socket, when the vehicle is running or if there are solar panels or a generator on board.

Does the RV include a furnace and an air conditioner?

Pretty much every campervan or RV includes a warm air furnace. These work via a combination of propane and batteries. The propane heats the air and the fan blows the air through ducts in the floors, walls and ceilings all around the trailer. They generally have a thermostat that you control nearly identical to a house thermostat and let you set the heat points for those colder nights.

Many campervans also include an air conditioner however it’s not always guaranteed and it’s important to realize that even if the campervan includes an air conditioner, it needs certain things to run. Unless there is a very large inverter or an included generator on board, most air conditioners need a serviced site and electrical power to operate. Also note that many campsites have strict policies regarding the use of generators with times often limited to a few hours in the morning and a few in the evening.

Does the camper have solar panels to extend off grid, unpowered camping?

This is really a per campervan question and can vary greatly depending on which trailer, camper, motorhome, campervan or RV you’ve rented. Lots of newer campervans include at least 1 solar panel to help extend your batteries and some will include enough plus a decent inverter that can last for weeks in an unserviced site. Talk to your rental company if you plan to camp off grid a lot and see what they offer. Some will even offer additional solar panels for a small fee to keep everything running smooth.

Final Notes on Campervan Rentals

While everything above applies to most campervan rentals, there is no guarantee the company you’re renting from is following the majority. It’s imperative that if you have any questions that you contact the rental company before booking anything. Hopefully some of the things we’ve listed will help provide some essential questions you should be asking both them and yourselves.

Regardless of the questions, renting a trailer or campervan is a great way to explore an area and to see a different side of a country. Whether you love doing your own thing, love being out in nature or just want someplace to always call home as you tour the countryside, renting a campervan gives you the freedom to do it on your own terms.

Safe travels and enjoy yourselves!

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First you’ll start your trip in a metropolitan paradise then along the way you’ll see more waterfalls, lakes and hot springs than you can remember, a number of resort style lake towns you won’t soon forget then drive through some of Canada’s highest mountain peaks and finally arrive in one of the most famous mountain resort towns in North America.

A quick note on Canadian Geography and Distances

While being from Canada means we’re often immune to it’s many charms, we do know that a visit to Canada is on many peoples travel bucket list. Covering a huge portion of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and as far north as the North Pole, the terrain and people you’ll meet in Canada are as varied as anyplace you’ll find on Earth.

Starting on the west coast you have gorgeous coastal areas leading into the majestic Rocky Mountains followed by miles of grassy rolling hills that lead to seemingly never ending prairies in the center of Canada. From there you hit the many small lakes and hills of the rock covered Canadian Shield before finally arriving at the Great Lakes themselves which then leads you the Appalachian Uplands and back down to the Atlantic ocean. And that’s only if you travel in a straight line!

Over the years we’ve met numerous travelers who’ve asked if they can land in Toronto and drive to Vancouver in a few days. Well, to be blunt, that’s a 40+ hour straight drive with no stops through 5 provinces and is over 4,200 km or 2600 miles in distance.

If you actually wanted to drive Canada from side to side you’re looking at over 80 hours of driving (7100 km or 4400 miles) and that doesn’t include ferry time to Vancouver Island.

Needless to say, visiting Canada from Coast by vehicle is way more than you’re going to manage in a weekend or even a few weeks if you actually want to experience any of our varied country. It’s also why Canadians tend to measure our distances in hours rather than kilometers and you’ll see that happening right across the country. Finally, if you’re renting a car for your travels, make sure to get car insurance now.

The Ultimate Vancouver to Banff Road Trip

One popular driving route that we do often recommend to visitors is the Vancouver to Banff road trip. It’s a beautiful 10 hour drive through the Rocky Mountains that has plenty of things to offer no matter what time of year you get here. Of course, stopping and checking out the sites isn’t included in that 10 hour time frame so choose when and where to stop as you see fit.

So, sit back and enjoy the ride as we present to you the ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip with a few possible stops and things to see along the way.

This list is by no means all encompassing but we will include a few notes on things to check out if time or the season permits. Also, while you can easily drive this distance in a day, we recommend taking a few days to get there to stop and enjoy a few of the regions highlights along the way.

Plenty of places to stop along the way

We start our journey in British Colombia’s largest center and Canada’s third largest city (after Toronto and Montreal). Sitting just north of Seattle, Vancouver is a great blend of nature and urban living with mile high skyscrapers overlooking dozens of beautiful parks and even more beautiful coastal waterways. The entire city is nestled in a large valley with ocean on one side and mountains on the other.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Whether you’re jogging along the miles and miles of paved paths on the famous Vancouver Seawall, relaxing on the clean sands at Kitsilano Beach, checking out the restaurants and pubs in cobblestoned Gastown, ordering a microbrew on Granville Island or checking out Canada’s largest urban park (the famed Stanley Park), Vancouver likely has something for you to enjoy.

Some of the other great things to see and do in Vancouver include visiting the Vancouver Aquarium, touring the Granville Island Public Market, viewing the Museum of Anthropology on the sprawling grounds of the University of British Columbia, checking out the Orpheum Theatre for it’s world renowned sympathy orchestra, going high end shopping along Robson Street, riding the Aquabus along False Creek From Hornby to Granville to The Village, climbing up grueling Grouse Mountain, visiting the Capilano Salmon Hatchery and taking the kids to the always impressive Science World.

Vancouver is considered a foodie’s dream come true with dozens of foods and flavor’s calling the city home. With tons of cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants ranging from world class street food to some of North America’s finest dining, Vancouver is also home to Canada’s largest Chinatown.

It’s over a century old and also third in size in North America only to New York’s and San Francisco’s. Vancouver’s Chinatown is overflowing with oriental foods and delicacies as well as many exotic spices and goods.

If you get tired of the urban life, not far from Vancouver’s city center you can head north to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and cross some breathtakingly high ravines or have a treetop walk in a true coastal rainforest. We actually prefer going a bit farther north to Lynn Canyon Park where the prices are cheaper but either place will be worth bringing your cameras if you value suspension bridges, waterfalls, deep ravines, gigantic trees and being completely surrounded in nature.

If you crave nightlife, the Granville Entertainment District is the place to be Vancouver (especially Friday and Saturday nights) with a long strip of nightclubs and enough neon lights to make Vegas proud. Gastown has tons of late night eats with more than a few pubs and micro breweries thrown in for good measure, Yaletown has some higher end bars, Kitsilano has some of the best sportsbars in the city and if you’re looking for alternative lifestyles, then Davie Village is the place to be.

After you’ve had your fill of Vancouver, it’s time to head east down Canada’s only transcontinental highway, Highway 1.

Coquitlam, Surrey and Abbottsford, British Columbia

The Greater Vancouver area encompasses several communities however it’s hard to discern where one area ends and another begins as you leave the city. Soon you’ll be passing through Burnaby, home to the Simon Fraser University and the 3 storied juggernaut, Metrotown, BC’s largest mall. If you have some shopping you want to do, pretty sure you’ll find it at Metrotown.

Next areas on the list you have Port Moody and Coquitlam to your north (home to Mundy Park, a large urban park with great walking trails and 2 small lakes) and New Westminster to your south (famous for trendy pubs and it’s cool Quayside Park where you can watch big boats moving up and down the waterways).

Next you’ll cross the iconic Port Mann Bridge (make sure to have your camera ready) sitting over the mighty Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest river and renowned for it’s excellent fishing. The Fraser River also contains many of BC’s larger hydro electric dams to the north and meets the ocean not too far from here so large boats can be seen on either side of the bridge at all hours of the day.

Soon you will be arriving in Surrey and if you love old electric trams then you can check out the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway where you get to ride an old streetcar and learn about Vancouvers electric train history. If it’s a hot day, White Rock is a very popular beach and if you want to miss the crowds then Crescent Beach is also popular but often less crowded.

The next city on the list is Abbottsford. Well known for it’s excellent blueberries in late summer (make sure to stop off the highway and buy a basket of them for your Vancouver to Banff road trip), it also houses Clayburn Village with a great little old style candy shop and tea house that’s worth a peruse.

Chilliwack, British Columbia

As you leave Abbottsford, you have some decisions to make depending on the time of year and what you value most. Chilliwack is a good sized working city but it’s greatest attractions lie to the south and the east of the city proper. Essentially, if it’s summer time, you can head south for a fun day at Cultus Lake Adventure Park, a huge sprawling waterpark with rides and amusements for the whole family. It’s a guaranteed fun day and we have friends that make the pilgrimage out there every summer with their kids.

If you want to get out and see nature (and have some beautiful pictures), make sure you check out Bridal Veil Falls Waterfall to the east of Chilliwack. The falls are beautiful to see the majority of the year and there’s some great hiking in the area. The falls are a vertical 10 minute hike so make sure you’re up for it but most people have no problem hiking up to see them.

Agassiz and Hope, British Columbia

On the other side of Chilliwack, you’ll be driving into Agassiz. It’s a sleepy little community however now you have a choice of continuing on to Hope or to driving up to Harrison Hot Springs. We love staying in Harrison Hot Springs however it’s not as much as a quick stop as it is a destination in it’s own right. Nestled along the shores of picturesque Harrison Lake lies Harrison Hot Springs Resort (and for which the neighboring town is named for).

With five spring fed hot mineral pools on site, it’s easy to lounge the day (and night away). While the once opulent hotel has seen better days, it’s the only place in town to fully soak in the natural pools. While pool use is included with your stay, they sometimes allow day passes. Please check before you go though just to be sure.

Regardless of whether you stop in Harrison Hot Springs, make sure you fill up your car in Hope. It’s well over an hour until you’ll see the next gas station in Merritt.

From Hope you’ll be getting off the Trans Canada Highway #1 and taking highway #5, the Coquihalla Highway. Not only will it speed up your travels, this newer highway takes you past the unforgettable Othello Tunnels.

The Othello Tunnels were first built back in 1914 as part of the Kettle Valley Railroad and include a series of five large tunnels originally built for railway access but were closed down in the 60’s and are now part of the Trans Canada Trail system (a walkable trail that spans the length of Canada). Constructed through a mountain of native granite and connected by trestles over the 300m high Coquihalla Gorge, the Othello Tunnels aren’t something that should be missed.

As you leave the trestles, enjoy the scenery as you cruise along Canada’s famed Highway Through Hell, as seen on the Discovery Channel. Don’t worry, unless you happen to be driving through a snowstorm you’ll be fine (and even then just slow down and you’ll be fine). In the summer it’s a nice drive as you arrive into Merritt.

Merritt, British Columbia

Merritt is famous for it’s yearly country music festival, the Rockin River Music Fest that it holds towards the end of July every year. Famous country singers from Willie Nelson to Toby Keith to Travis Tritt to Keith Urban to Tim McGraw have graced its stage and hung out in their huge campground.

As you leave Merritt, you’re going to want to leave Highway 5 and head south down Highway 5A towards Kelowna. If you didn’t fill up in Hope then definitely fill up before you leave Merritt since it’s another hour and 20 minutes before you get into Kelowna and see your first gas station. Highway 5A will change into the Okanagan Connector at one point so just stay on Highway 97 towards Kelowna and you’ll be fine.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Now we might be biased (since we’re currently based out of Kelowna) however Kelowna and the Okanagan have a ton to offer people. From award winning wineries to beautiful beaches and gorgeous parks, the Okanagan Valley in BC is a great place to be and one of the warmest areas in Canada. The main highlight is the 135 km (84 mi) long Okanagan Lake that ties the valley together (also one of the only lakes in Canada that never freezes).

With over 182 licenced wineries in the valley, if you’re a wine lover you can spend days just hopping from one vineyard to another. If you prefer cider there are dozens of cideries plus tons of microbrewers as well in Kelowna proper.

While of course we can’t list them all, if you only have time for a few wineries then these are some of our favorites with the most ambience (though not necessarily our favorite wines) and the ones we’ll often bring new visitors to see:

West Kelowna:

• Mission Hill Family Estate Winery – Fabulous architecture high on the hill and gorgeously manicured grounds, this place is considered royalty in the valley.
• Quails Gate Winery – As well as having a delicious restaurant, they let you wander around the rows of vines and also offer an affordable tour (when available) to show behind the scenes of a working vineyard.

Kelowna:

• Summerhill Pyramid Winery – Known for their white pyramid and nice views across the lake on the opposite side of Mission and Quails Gate they also have a popular restaurant.
• Soma Craft Cidery – Nestled in the woods in a park like setting on the east side of Kelowna, this place has delicious cider, a Farm Inn you can stay at and llamas you can feed.
• BC Tree Fruits Cider Co – This place is part of a fruit packing plant in the industrial section of Kelowna so isn’t pretty like the others on this list however the cider is tasty (and they have a large selection) plus you can walk next door to their market where they have a dozen different local apples you can buy year round to enjoy on your roadtrip.

Lake Country:

• Grey Monk Estate Winery – Scenic drive and tasty port (try it with chocolate!) on the way towards Vernon. It’s worth the drive plus there are 2 other trendy vineyards (Ex Nihilio and ArrowLeaf that are only a few blocks away) that have great food in season (make sure to book first if you’re wanting to eat at either place in the summer though.)

If you love fruit, there are orchards everywhere in the valley with fruit stands everywhere selling everything from 50 different apple varieties (September to October with some available at BC Tree Fruits near year round) to some of the best peaches you’ll find anywhere on earth (mid July to early September). Cherries are in season the beginning of July and there are plenty of u-pick centers if you’ve never had the good fortune of picking them straight off a tree (just try not to eat them all so you have some to take with you on the rest of your roadtrip).

We’ve written several guides on fun things to do in Kelowna so I won’t rewrite it all here but you have the lake and dozens of beaches in the summer and Big White, an internationally acclaimed ski resort just 30 minutes south of Kelowna in the winter that will rival any ski hill on earth. For the rest of the year you have tons of great trails, hikes, pubs, restaurants and activities to make your time here fly by.

As you leave Kelowna east on Highway 97 towards Vernon, make sure to pay attention to the lakes on the right. The high on the hill view of green tinged mineral Kalamalka Lake is always impressive and soon you’ll be in Vernon which also happens to be about the midpoint of your trip from Vancouver to Banff. Congrats for making it this far!

Vernon, British Colombia

Vernon has tons to offer including another well loved ski hill, Silverstar Mountain. If you’re here in the winter and enjoy downhill skiing then it’s another great option after Big White.

Vernon also has multiple beach areas (some on Kalamalka and some on Okanagan Lake) and is also home to Splashdown Vernon, a small but fun outdoor waterpark. Vernon is also full of restaurants and has a popular brewery (OK Brewery) right in town that gives tours.

Vernon is also home to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery and if you like whisky and gin or fruit infused spirits then definitely swing by and taste their liqueurs and grab a bottle to take home with you.

As you continue out of Vernon on Highway 97A North, you’ll soon pass through Armstrong.

Armstrong, British Columbia

Armstrong, known throughout Canada for their Armstrong Cheese and specifically their squeaky cheese, the company unfortunately no longer offers tours at their factory. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, feel free to stop at The Village Cheese Company for some artisan cheese samples and small tour. They even have their own brand of squeaky cheese if you’ve never had it!

If you love kitschy highway stops, then make sure to stop at the Log Barn 1912 before you reach Enderby. Don’t worry about spotting it, there are a dozen signs pointing to it and if the large dinosaurs, dragons and sculptures sitting outside don’t catch your attention then you really shouldn’t be driving! There’s a shop inside with ice cream, candy and wacky souvenirs as well as a quick walk around the grounds gives you a minute to stretch your legs.

Enderby, British Columbia

Enderby is a cute little town but it’s major claim to fame is the Starlight Drive-In. The 6,000 square foot screen to the south of town is the biggest drive-in movie screen in North America and one of the last in Canada. Operating from June until September, it makes a great night out with the family. If you happen to make it then and decide to catch a movie, Salmon Arm is only 20 minutes away and has more hotels than Enderby does.

If you don’t need a place to sleep, then continue up Highway 97A towards Sicamous. This is a gorgeous drive right along the edge of Mara Lake and while you’ll likely lose 10 minutes rather than going up through Salmon Arm I promise you’ll enjoy it.

Sicamous, British Columbia

As you arrive into Sicamous proper, you’ll need to take a right onto Highway 1 heading east. Don’t worry, you’ll stay on Highway 1 for the rest of your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip so don’t worry about maps for a while. Just go east wayward traveler.

When we pass through Sicamous we often fill up our gas tank. Soon we’ll be crossing into the Rockies and gas prices go up 10 cents a liter once you hit Revelstoke. Weirdly, Golden is always cheaper than Revelstoke and is another option if you can easily make it another 220 km on your current tank.

If you enjoy dairy farms and ice cream, then D Dutchmen Dairy in Sicamous is a must stop. Fresh homemade ice cream and the ability to walk through a real working dairy farm with cows and a small menagerie of animals out back. They also have a great little fruit and veggie stand (the last real one on your journey) right across the street from June to September. Follow the signs as you turn onto Highway 1 and it will be on your right.

We now continue our road trip towards Revelstoke however first we have 2 interesting stops you might want to check out. First up is Crazy Creek Hot Pools, about 20 minutes east of Sicamous. This little 4 season roadside resort offers hot spring to it’s weary travelers from 9am to 9pm 365 days a year. Best part is that no reservations are required so if you’re up for a hot dip then nothing is stopping you.

5 Minutes further down the road from the hot springs you have the sister attractions of The Enchanted Forest and SkyTrek Adventure Park. Both are open from June to September. The Enchanted Forest is a nature walk through a magical land of castles, miniature houses and a giant treehouse while SkyTrek is an aerial adventure park that will have you climbing, jumping and zip lining from one treetop platform to another.

10 minutes east of the adventure park you’ll find Three Valley Gap where you’ll catch a glimpse of history as this old ghost town harkens back to the 1800’s and pioneer days of a British Columbia western town. The distinct Three Valley Lake Chateau on the banks of the lake also makes a great picture spot before you keep heading east to Revelstoke.

Revelstoke, British Columbia

Revelstoke is an old train town with plenty of ties to the railroad. We always enjoy walking along the raging Columbia River as we pull into town to stretch our legs a bit. If you turn right immediately as you cross the bridge there is a small park next to the road. Leave your car in the parking lot then follow the pathway left under the train bridge.

If you love trains than the Revelstoke train museum shouldn’t be missed and if you’re there when it’s open, a quick 30 minute guided tour of the Revelstoke Hydro Dam makes for an interesting diversion.

Another popular attraction in Revelstoke is Revelstoke Mountain Resort. In the summer they have downhill biking and the Pipe Mountain Coaster, which features 1.4 kilometres of twists and turns as you hurtle down a mountain on a small rollercoaster while travelling at speeds of up to 42 kph. In the winter the park receives 30 to 40 feet of snow and the ski hill features a descent of 1,713 vertical meters (5,620 feet) – the most in North America.

Heading east down Highway 1, we’re now on our way to Golden, BC.

Glacier and Rogers Pass, British Columbia

As we leave Revelstoke, we soon reach Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail and Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail. Both are greatly named and fun little hikes. The one you don’t want to miss though is Giant Cedars Boardwalk. It’s a quick 20 minute walk along a well signed wooden boardwalk through some of the largest cedar trees you’re ever likely to find.

Only a few minutes farther up the highway you’ll find Alberta Canyon and the Canyon Hot Springs Resort. Unlike Crazy Creek, these hot pools are only open from May to September and they also offer cabins and campsites if you’re making the trip pulling a camper of RV.

From Revelstoke to Golden you’re going to be climbing like crazy with the peak just between Glacier and Rogers Pass. This is the highest point of the Trans-Canada highway so be proud. You made it to the top and now it’s just smooth sailing from here on out. If you need a bit of a stretch make sure you check out the Rogers Pass National Historic Site. If it’s the middle of winter, just take a picture of those 20 foot tall snowbanks to each side of your car as you continue east to Golden.

Right before you get to Golden, you’ll reach the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre. It’s a wolf habitat and interpretive center that’s open to tours year round (no reservations required) and gets you up close and personal with some real North American wolves.

Golden, British Columbia

Golden is a great mountain town that always surprises us with the new things we find to do there. One thing to do is you can check out the Golden SkyBridge. Open from June to October, Canada’s highest suspension bridge traverses 426 feet above an wide canyon and features a zipline, climbing ropes and a canyon swing if you can handle your heights.

If you love water and adrenaline, Golden is Canada’s whitewater rafting capital with several white water rafting companies operating in town. Rafting excursions run along the fast flowing Kicking Horse River all summer long and most rafting companies have offices either in Golden or just east of the city.

If you want to stretch your legs, there is a beautiful covered pedestrian bridge spanning a portion of the river next to the Porcelain Garden park close to downtown. There are several restaurants and pubs nearby as well if you want to grab a bite to eat.

As we leave Golden, we’ll soon find ourselves in a different province and a different time zone so get ready to set your clocks an hour forward!

Before that though, you might want to pull over in a few areas (like Faeder Lake, Finn Creek or Natural Bridge) and take some pictures. From Golden to Lake Louise the rivers and lakes start taking on a turquoise glow due to their high clarity and mineral content that is hard to resist photographing. From little waterfalls here and there to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery, your head will be whipping side to side never knowing which side of the car you should be looking.

If you’re lucky you’ll spot a giant grizzly or maybe a giant moose. Bighorn sheep and large elk are also often spotted along the highways and if you see a bunch of cars pulled over or clumped together there’s a good chance there’s an animal nearby.

Field, British Columbia

One thing you’ll need as you drive towards Banff and Lake Louise is a National Park Pass. Park passes can be bought ahead of time or from certain vendors. Visitors arriving from Calgary and the west can easily purchase their passes as they pass into the Banff National Park however visitors coming from the east don’t have access to a kiosk. It’s suggested for you to either pre-purchase one online here or at one of the approved locations like the Yoho National Park Visitor Center just off Highway 1 in Field.

The good news is that if you purchase a National Park pass for the year, they are good across the country and this pass also gives you access to breathtaking Takakkaw Falls on the other side of Field. So does a day pass so don’t fret, you just get more time to explore this cool region.

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park is accessible June to October and can be reached by a 10 minute drive along Yoho Valley Road just off Highway 1 a few minutes past Field. There is a nice park at the end and a short 10 minute walk (1.3km) that will bring you within sight of Takakkaw Falls. With a total height of 373 metres (1,224 ft) and a single drop of 254 metres (833 ft), this glacier fed body of water makes them the second tallest waterfall in Canada.

As we head east and finally cross into Alberta, set your clocks ahead 1 hour…. Now!

Lake Louise, Alberta

Beautiful turquoise lake? Check. Beautiful chateau? Check. World class skiing? Double check.

What Lake Louise lacks in amenities, it makes up for with unrivalled beauty. If you can ignore the hordes of people, walking around the cloudy turquoise waters of Lake Louise can be magical.

Whether you rent a canoe and explore the lake from above the water or decide to grab your walking shoes and head to the right past Chateau Lake Louise along Lakeshore Trail is up to you. Walking to the end of the trail or just stopping on one of the many benches and just enjoying the relative quiet compared to the main area, now is a perfect time to take a picture. If you can get one with one of the red canoes framed just right you might even decide to frame it.

If you happen to be here in the winter, while you won’t be able to see that turquoise glow, you might be lucky enough to strap on some skates and skate over it. Nicely groomed for most of the winter, you can rent skates right by the water or in town. Feel free to check out some other nearby lakes for skating as well.

While Lake Louise gets all the attention, Moirane Lake is equally as pretty and some even think it’s prettier. Regardless, it’s definitely less busy and has some more challenging hikes if you’re so inclined to take them.

Another great hike people enjoy is the hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. While it’s not a crazy far, the 7.2km round trip hike does play on you if you’re not accustomed to hiking at this elevation.

Skiing and snow boarding are of course the other half of Lake Louise’s appeal. When the ground starts to freeze and the snows come thick, Lake Louise becomes one the best ski hills in the country. On nice winter days, it’s not uncommon to see a steady line of cars driving in from Calgary and the highway looks more like a living being rather than pavement.

If you happen to be staying in Lake Louise itself, Chateau Lake Louise is a gorgeous option however there are more options in town plus some great fireside pubs to cozy up to anytime of the year.

Finally, even if it’s the middle of summer, take a gondola ride up the ski hill. You’re almost guaranteed to see some wildlife and the view from the top makes the gondola ride so worth it. If it’s winter, grab you board and enjoy!

As we take our final leg east towards Banff, it’s time to congratulate yourself. You’ve just made it through some of the worst passages in the world and lived to tell the tale. Now just imagine those brave men and women who first crossed those mountains and tamed that wilderness to get us where we are now. 2 months travels in under 9 hours of driving. Love it!

If you have a little more time (roughly an extra 20 minutes) and want to see some more gorgeous country with a better chance to get up close with animals and nature, jumping off of Highway 1 in Lake Louise and heading to Banff along Highway 1A (the Bow Valley Parkway) is a solid choice (just ensure the roads are fully open first). Castle Cliff, Silverton Falls, Johnston Canyon, Backswamp and Bow Valley Parkway are all picturesque diversions.

If you’re here to ski or snowboard, Sunshine Mountain is another great ski hill and is often the first hill to open every year. With some epic snowfall, it’s always a favorite with locals.

Banff, Alberta

As we finally pull into Canada’s premier mountain town, the urge to party all night can be strong. Don’t give in, even though the party never stops in Banff, you’ve just had a long day and it’s time for a rest.

In the morning you can check out some of Banff’s best sites and activities. From skiing nearby Mount Norquay in the winter to riding up Sulphur mountain on the Gondola in summer there’s plenty to do. (If you’re up for climbing the hill yourself they give you a free lift down! Budget 2 solid hours.)

You can hike or bike down to beautiful Bow Falls, drive up Tunnel Mountain looking for elk (they’re everywhere up there) or check out the sulfuric delights of the Banff Cave and Basin National Historic Site. There are horseback tours, biking tours, boating tours and even canyon and rappelling tours.

Of course you’ll want to check out the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory and eat at some top class restaurants while you’re here. Whether you stay at the Banff Fairmont Springs or not, you definitely need to drive up there and walk around the place as well. The hotel exudes old world charm and is definitely worth checking out.

After all that driving, you’ll likely want to soak your troubles away in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open year round these, the naturally fed hot springs are a great way to unwind after a few hard days behind the wheel.

With that, we’re at the end. We hope you enjoyed your ultimate Vancouver to Banff roadtrip and hope you get to continue to explore more of Canada during your trip.

Getting back to Calgary and other notes

While there are no commercial airports in Banff, many people choose to land or leave Banff through Calgary since it’s a major city and less than an hour from Banff by car or bus shuttle. If you’re flying in from Toronto, the east coast of Canada or some other country, just reverse this list and start at the bottom and you’ll be fine.

Let us know if we forgot anything that should be on this list. Safe travels and welcome to Canada!

We spent days scouring the web for unique things to do in Madrid well before we landed in Spain’s largest city and capital. Madrid has stood for over 1,100 years, so you know there have to be plenty of things worth checking out.

Turns out there are hundreds of quirky and weird things to do in Madrid! Once you’ve seen the touristy hotspots, like checking out the sprawling Parque del Retiro or the amazing Royal Palace of Spain, you might be crave some more hidden things to do in Madrid.

The first time we visited Madrid, we knew there were several must see and do activities in this still growing city, however even back then we didn’t realize how many fun things there were to do in this vibrant city.

Whether you’re just stopping in Madrid as a starting point for a long road trip in Spain and Portugal or taking a Madrid to Barcelona train trip, know that Madrid has plenty of things to see and do.

Unique Things to do in Madrid

Join us for 15 unique things to do in Madrid.

Eat Churros con Chocolat at San Ginés

While churros con chocolat (churros with a mug of thick chocolate) definitely isn’t unique in Spain, we’ve yet to see another Spanish city that does this combination so well.

First opening in 1894, San Ginés has been serving churros and chocolate 24 hours a day to the masses.

A favorite late night stop (especially common with after the bar patrons), the chocolate is so thick that even though it’s served in a mug, good luck drinking it. Made mostly for dipping the delicious fried churros (yummy deep-fried batter sticks covered in cinnamon and sugar), it’s not something to be missed, and was a highlight on our first trip to Madrid.

Explore a piece of Egypt at The Templo de Debod

What can be more unique than having a real, 2200 year old Egyptian temple in your city?

The Templo de Debod was an Egyptian gift as thanks for helping Egypt deal with preserving artifacts and monuments when they built the Aswan Dam. Rather than having the temple destroyed, it was torn down brick by brick and then rebuilt to exacting detail in Madrid.

The Templo de Debod was originally built to honor both the god Amun and the goddess Isis, and sits in the center of Madrid, Spain, in Parque de la Montaña, close to the Royal Palace. You can walk the grounds anytime for free, however there is a cost to enter the main building.

Get surreal at The Reina Sofia Museum

What makes the Reina Sofia Museum unique has more to do with what’s in it rather than what it is.

Get tickets here.

Filled with unique paintings and sculptures, including surrealist paintings by artists like Picasso and Dali, you can spend hours walking from one chamber to another surrounded by unique works of art.

The Reina Sofia Museum is also well known for how they group their collections.

From their avant-garde collection, to eclecticism, all to way to their apparatus collection, each room holds a narrative that blends paintings, sculptures, posters, videos and music together in a way that leaves you thinking long after you’ve left the museum.

If you’re going, make sure to check out Pablo Picasso’s ‘Guernica’, considered one of the most powerful anti-war paintings in history, and one you don’t want to miss while you’re there.

Enjoy the space at Sala Equis

Housed in the last X-rated cinema in Madrid, the famed Alba Cinema, Sala Equis is converted into a popular cocktail bar and cultural center. Divided into three zones and housed in a former mansion, it has space for you to explore and plenty to do.

The main area, the Sala Plaza, with its big screen and bar, offers a variety of different foods. You can relax on wooden benches, lounge chairs and even swings as you chat with friends and locals alike.

Finally, the cozy 55-seat cinema offers everything from horror and sci-fi classics, to modern blockbusters. They have a huge rotating schedule posted every month (no movies on Mondays though). Check out their site to see what’s playing.

Eat dirty at La Pollería and La Coñería

Unique and tasty ice cream treats? Count me in.

“Wait, what am I looking at?” is a commonly heard sentence as people arrive at either La Polleria ice cream shop or its nearby sister ice cream shop, La Coñería.

La Polleria is a racy ice cream shop in Madrid that was so successful its first year that it had to move to a bigger location and then spawned a “sister” version just down the street just has to be good.

With both male (polofres – a play on slang male genitalia and waffles) and female (coñofre – a play on slang female genitalia and waffles), they’re both a huge hit and there are lineups at both places every day. With the polofres on a stick and the conofres split with an ice cream in the middle, you’ll not only get a chuckle but a tasty ice cream treat as well.

Explore your senses at Ikono

Ever feel like you can’t touch this or play with that?

While museums are great places to expand the mind, most just let you use your eyes to take it all in. Five different senses means five different spaces at Ikono that push your senses into the next realm.

From rooms filled with balls to rooms filled with scents, Ikono takes about an hour to walk through and is chock full of photographic moments, so bring your phone or a camera.

Walk through the Prado Museum

The Prado Museum in Madrid is not only the biggest museum in Madrid, it’s also considered one of the premiere museums of the world.

Get tickets here.

The Prado Museum is housed in a gigantic neo-classical building built in 1785 and is something to see on its own.

Whether you’re an inspiring art student or just enjoy paintings you can see some of the best collections of Goya, Bosch, El Greco and Velazquez here, as well as Spanish Romanesque murals and Gothic altarpieces. You can even find works from the Italian Renaissance with masterpieces by Titia, Botticelli, Rafa and Caravaggio.

Take in Madrid’s Street Art

Madrid isn’t unique in its street art. What sets Madrid’s street art apart from the rest is the quality and sheer size of many of these large art pieces. From a wall of 150 painted CCTV cameras symbolizing Big Brother is watching, to the charming (and functional) Sombrerete sundial, there are murals and street art found all across Madrid.

Get tickets to a street art tour.

For a quick roundup of some the most well known street art in Madrid, check out this article.

Go to a Flamenco Show

While southern Spain lays claim to the Flamenco origin, Madrid is often considered the capital city of Flamenco. The largest and most theatrical flamenco shows in the country call the city home, and there are several flamenco shows happening around the city on any given night.

With the hypnotic dance, haunting vocals, Spanish guitar and rhythmic beat of the castanets, flamenco dancing is fascinating to watch and a unique experience to enjoy.

Whether you catch it in a tablao (a flamenco bar) like the ever popular Corral de la Morería (opened in 1956) or Villa Rosa (first opened in 1911) or even happen to be in the city during one of the many Flamenco festivals such as Flamenco Real, Flamenco Madrid or the end of the year Suma Flamenca, you’re in for a real treat if you’ve never experienced flamenco firsthand.

Get spooked at the Chamberí Ghost Station

First opened in 1919, the Estación de Chamberí was one of Madrid’s original metro stations. Situated between the Bilbao and Iglesia stops on the Blue Line, this former subway station was closed for decades, but could still be seen by passengers as they zipped by on the tracks.

With a long history, including providing shelter from the deadly bombing campaigns and artillery assaults of the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War, the station was eventually reopened as a museum named Andén 0 (Platform Zero in English).

It features a fully restored Chamberí station, complete with turnstiles, old ticket offices, maps and a film about how the Metro was originally built.

The highlight of the Anden 0 museum is undoubtedly the beautifully reconstructed original ads all along the metro platform. Most are composed of bright colored tiles, just as they were back when it first opened in 1919.

Admission is free, however there is often a line to get in.

Eat at the oldest restaurant in the world, the Sobrino de Botin

Marked in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest continually operated restaurant in the world, the Sobrino de Botin (Nephew of Botin – so named by the nephew of the original owner) has served food for well over two centuries.

It’s so old that when it was first opened, patrons actually brought their own food for the owners to cook up and serve.

While the most notable thing about this restaurant is obviously its age, it has kept to its Spanish roots. Whole suckling pig, faithfully prepared in an old brick oven, is still the restaurants most popular dish and the reason locals still flock to it today.

Go macabre at the Reverte Coma Forensic Museum

If you enjoy the macabre as well as grisly oddities, you will find the Reverte Coma Forensic Museum fascinating. Housing over 1,500 macabre oddities, ranging from severed heads from executions, dissected fetuses, deformed skulls of different peoples, diseased bones, mummies, 800 skeletons plus a few torture devices and a real used garrote.

It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, however if you are interested in the forensic and paleopathology sciences, or have a true fascination with the subject matter, it’s worth a look.

Most of these items are housed in the corridors of the immense Faculty of Medicine building at the Complutense University in Madrid for you to see. Mostly set up for students, you can organize a visit by phoning ahead or contacting the university directly.

Get lost in the Museum of Illusions

When is something not as it appears?

When it’s in Madrid’s Museum of Illusions. This newer museum plays on optical illusions to help fool your mind. Using tricks like forced perception and optical illusion, you’ll find upside down rooms, never ending corridors, 3D stereograms and much more.

Most rooms are set up a to trick your mind into seeing, or in some cases, not seeing what’s right in front of you. In either case, bring your camera, because some rooms at the Museum of Illusions need to be photographed to see their true potential.

Visit a real Crystal Palace

The Palacio De Cristal in Madrid’s huge Parque de Retiro is definitely something unusual. While palaces are commonplace in Europe, what makes the Palacio De Cristal special is that it’s nestled in the heart of the park, and is more large empty space rather a true palace.

Finished in 1887, the ornate glass and steel greenhouse sits on the shore of the lake in Retiro Park and was designed strictly as a space to exhibit arts and greenery in a loving baroque style. Over 130 years later, the building is still stunning and supposedly looks awesome in the fall as the foliage starts turning.

Meet your eventual overlords at The Robot Museum

Love robots? Who doesn’t?

Scared they’ll one day enslave us? Me too, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t find them fascinating. Madrid has one of the largest collections of robots around the world, and you can see and interact with some at the Robot Museum.

Founded in 2013, the museum pays homage to both the early days of robot invention, what’s happening out there today, and what may exist tomorrow. From humanoid replicas, to robotic toys and robotic animals, to replicas of the famous Star Wars androids, and the worlds smallest robot, EMROS, the Robot Museum in Madrid showcases them all.

Unique Things to do in Madrid Spain

Whether you’re heading to Madrid for a vacation, flying into Madrid as a stop to someplace else, or happen to live in the city, there’s plenty to see and do at all hours of the day and night.

Filled with restaurants, entertainment complexes, art studios, world class museums, more parks and squares than most comparably sized cities could dream of as well as enough markets and shops to make your wallet cry, Madrid is a definite world class city filled with art, music and nature. So whether you’re in Madrid with your kids, as a couple or going it solo, enjoy your trip!

Do you have anything to add to our list! Let us know in the comments!

The funny part is that whether you’re a long-term traveler, or just enjoy the occasional weekend getaway, it’s likely that your bags contain many of the same items.

Clothes, gear, a smartphone with maps and apps, passports, luggage and money are all pretty universal gear when you leave your home and choose to explore this great big world.

We’ve left for year-long trips, as well as overnighters, and everything in between, so it’s almost comical that our list of things to pack for a trip doesn’t vary all that much. Sure, if we’re going someplace hot vs someplace cold our gear will vary.

Depending on our timeframe, the amount we bring grows or shrinks, but the true must-have travel items that we bring stay pretty much the same regardless of when or where we go.

Your needs and ours might not always coincide, but that’s alright. Hopefully, this post gives you a few ideas for next adventure!

If you think we forgot an essential item, please feel free to remind us down below.

Essential Apps for Travel

While my phone is littered with travel apps, there are only a few I routinely use. The five main ones I think every traveler should have.

Google Maps – Offline mode

Yes, good old Google Maps is the ultimate essential travel app for me. No matter where I go, I preload an offline map of my destination. I even have offline maps preloaded when I’m in my home city.

Why? Because you’re never guaranteed when your phone might be disconnected from data and the internet.

Whether you’re paying for an overpriced data connection from your home provider abroad, using a local sim in whatever country you’re visiting, or even using one of the many Wi-Fi data hotspots, the only thing you can somewhat trust is an offline map.

Prefer paper maps? That’s totally fine, but a paper map won’t find a well-rated Italian restaurant, or tell you how to get from point A to point B as easily. If you prefer an alternative to Google Maps, go with what makes you comfortable, but an offline map app is a must have app for travel.

VPN

Never used a VPN? Up until a few years ago, neither had we, but as the world changes, so must we all.

Why should you use one? Well, if you imagine that your connection to the internet is a pipe with 255 holes, then a VPN for travel is a private tube within that pipe that ensures that whatever you send, do or view stays between you and your end points.

These days, we’re using Private Internet Access VPN, which is fully open source, and has a no logs policy.

Without a VPN, the moment you connect to public Wi-Fi or cellular data, anyone from malicious users, to governments, to data and Wi-Fi providers, can track your movements and even capture some of your data. While you may not care who sees your hilarious picture of Uncle Frank with a parrot on his head, you definitely don’t want someone seeing your bank passwords, getting access to your email, taking control of your social media accounts. It’s a sad reality, but it’s a reality nonetheless.

Using something like NordVPN, the fastest VPN on our wish list, definitely isn’t a bad idea. It really does secure your online sessions, and can even give you access to geo-localized streaming sites even if you’re not in the proper country anymore.

Google Translate

While you think the Google Translate app only helps you if you’re in a foreign country, I think I use Google Translate almost as much at home. With on the fly translations from nearly any language, you can use the camera mode to translate menus, signs, flyers, instructions and more in real time. It’s like magic, I swear!

It will even let you translate spoken conversations, as they’re being spoken. It definitely helps break down language barriers, and it’s a helpful tool to learn greetings in another language, something that can net you better deals and even make you seem friendlier to locals.

XE Money Conversion

While there are plenty of currency converters out there, XE has been my go-to currency app for years. Nice and simple, it lets me know how badly I’m being overcharged for everything from taxis to street vendors. It has also helped me realize that there are often better deals to be had by either buying in the local currency or with US dollars.

Notable Essential Additional Apps

The apps above are really only a few of the essential travel apps I consider mandatory for travel these days. Most sites from TripAdvisor to Airbnb work fine via a web browser, but unless your device’s storage is full, grab as many as you want. Some popular essential travel apps I often recommend to friends include TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com, Uber, Lyft, GasBuddy and Airbnb.

Of course, you’ll likely want some social apps, but I don’t consider them essential for travel. You can even make the argument that posting on socials takes away from your time truly immersing yourself in a destination. Some social apps have decent video calling, however, so take into account how you plan to communicate with family and friends back home before you go.

Essential Baggage for Travel

Your baggage can vary depending if you’re hiking the Himalayas or planning to cruise the Mediterranean. Since this is a travel list, and not specifically a hiking or cruising list, we’ll forgo the technical hiking gear, and stick to the basics.

Over the years we’ve traveled with backpacks, oversized luggage, carry-ons, duffel bags and everything in between. What have we discovered? Carry-ons are now our go to baggage choice, and what we consider to be the best all around travel backpacks.

Whether heading out for a weekend drive down the coast, or jumping on a plane and flying halfway around the world for a few months, carry-ons are where it’s at, at least for us.

When the kids were small it was a little tougher managing several smaller bags, so we traveled with just a couple of large suitcases. Now, the kids are older, and we all bring our own, individual, carry on.

It’s so much easier keeping track of our own things. Packing tips for a long-haul light with children are an entirely different beast than packing for adults

Most carry-ons include plenty of space for our travel essentials and best of all, traveling with a carry-on can help save costs on cheaper airlines that don’t include free checked luggage.

Whether you choose a hard shell suitcase for its security and waterproof abilities, or a cloth shell for all the handy pockets, is up to you. My family prefers the hard shell, while I still love my old softshell. However, after getting my clothes damp on several occasions due to sudden downpours, I do see the value of a hard shell these days.

Essential Personal Item for Travel

What? How are you supposed to put everything on this list into one measly carry-on? It’s impossible you say? Yeah, unless you’re a hardcore, wash your undies in the sink every night type of person, or plan on wearing the same bathing suit by the pool every day, most people need a bit more room to carry their belongings.

That’s where a small backpack comes in for your must-have international travel items. Most airlines around the world call this item your personal item, and while it might have been intended for purses, snacks and small camera cases, the airline does not specify what personal items must be used for, just that they must fit within a certain size.

Well, guess what? Those dimensions for personal items on most airlines are almost universally the same, and just smaller than a typical carry-on suitcase.

The bonus here is that you can put a ton of stuff into your personal item. This is usually where we store our electronics like our camera, laptops and chargers, however you can fill it as you please. Just make sure that the backpack you use for your personal item is comfortable enough to carry and can be squished down to allowable size and isn’t overpacked.

While your neighbor on the plane might not love your dual baggage, having everything you own within a few feet of you is an awesome security feature. It also lets you beat the rush through customs as others have to wait for their checked luggage to show up.

Essential Documents for Travel

One of the essential documents we never leave home without is our passport.

While you likely don’t need your passport if you’re only planning on staying in your home country, or driving a few hours from home, we’ve determined that having our passports with us whenever we’re gone is just smart planning. That mentality has actually saved us a few times when a trip opportunity to another country has opened up while we were already on the road heading somewhere else.

While the majority of you likely don’t have to worry about that, we also only live a few hours from the border with the USA. It has actually happened a few times that we decided to drive a bit farther than originally anticipated and headed down south to the USA, meaning we needed our summer road trip packing list yet again. Without our passports that wouldn’t have been an option.

Regardless, we have a saying in our family: “all you need to travel is a passport and money and, if you need it and don’t have it then either borrow, rent or buy it’.

Essential Currency for Travel

As the old riddle goes, what does a poor person need, a rich person has, and everyone wants more of? Money, of course.

While hard currency is going the way of the dodo these days in many countries, cash is still king in many places of the world. While we don’t generally carry much cash with us when we’re home in Canada, we do make sure to have a few hundred on us when we travel. From taxis to ice cream vendors, having a bit of cash makes things easier.

We’ve also taken the habit of carrying US currency, as well as the local currency. Even though the Euro has gotten more popular, US currency is still accepted in nearly every other country around the world.

On top of some hard currency, we also carry a bank card and a credit card when we travel. Truth be told, if I had to choose only two things to bring besides the clothes on my back, it would be a passport and a credit card. The rest I can figure out when I get there.

Essential Undergarments for Travel

Whoa, from money to underwear, how did we get here so fast? Easy, when bringing the essentials you need to start at the bottom and work your way up.

That means at least a couple pairs of socks and enough underwear for another five days, not including what you’re wearing the day you leave.

Why five days? Because that’s around the amount of time most people travel. Now, you can bring less and require more frequent washing, but the size-to-space ratio is small enough that skimping out here doesn’t yield you a ton of extra room.

Six days is also a decent amount of time you can wear your other clothes without having to wash anything, so if you are going for longer, day six or day seven makes a great laundry day.

Essential Pants for Travel

Here’s where things can get tricky. Everyone needs underwear, but who’s wearing pants? Aren’t you all just wearing shorts or a dress and a bathing suit and hanging by a pool or ocean? Wait, no? Okay, here is when you need to pack for your destination.

A good rule of thumb is a few pairs of daily wear pants, some shorts (if the weather is warm and you enjoy wearing shorts) and something nice. Going with something black or tan is best since it can work with almost anything, but I won’t give you fashion advice. You know what you like so run with it, whether it’s a flowing linen dress, military surplus for travel, or both.

If you’re a fan of dresses or skirts, then feel free to toss in something extra.

Essential Shirts for Travel

Like pants, shirts should be chosen specifically for your destination. If you like to rock Hawaiian shirts, then go for it. If t-shirts are more your speed, pack five days worth, but make sure to pack at least one nicer shirt just in case you go someplace a little higher up the food chain.

Blouses, sweaters, tank tops, etc. just make my head swim, so I’ll let you choose what you like best. Just remember that you have a smaller wardrobe when you travel, so try to pick clothes that can be swapped around to give you more outfits.

Essential Bathing Suit for Travel

Don’t like water? What’s wrong with you? Just kidding. If water isn’t your thing, then skip to the next on the list, but hear me out for a second.

If you’re close to an ocean, a lake, a river or a sea, chances are that water is closer than you think. Many hotels offer pools and hot tubs, hot springs can be found in locations around the world, and you never know when a chance to get wet and wild will pass you by.

Actually heading to the beach for a vacation? Pack at least two bathing suits so you can swap out the wet one for a dry one when you’re back in your room. It makes life so much more comfortable, and it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat outdoors.

Essential Outerwear for Travel

Heading somewhere cold?

Pack all the cold weather clothes you’ll need. As Canadians, we can say with some authority that warm clothes in a cold location are about as essential as you get. I’d happily trade my credit card for another layer of warmth when it’s icy cold outside.

Tip! If you’re short on luggage room, wear your jacket on the plane to save on luggage space. A good coat is an essential item to stay warm when it’s cold outside.

In truth, battling cold is all about layers. This also applies if you’re going someplace warm with cooler nights. Instead of that one huge jacket, look at layering. A few long-sleeved shirts can do double duty over that t-shirt collection you decided to bring. Just make sure they’re a little loose fitting to allow a layer of warm air next to your skin, or you won’t get many benefits.

Essential Electronic Gear for Travel

This is where the fun begins.

For years we’ve had a dedicated backpack for our electronics gear. It’s always been one of our allowed personal items. Short of our wallets, cellphones and passports, it’s our most guarded item. It rarely leaves our side, and won’t even be put in the trunk if we grab a taxi or Uber.

Our electronics bag includes our camera and a few lenses, at least one laptop, eBook readers, tablets, chargers and cables plus usually a few USB batteries for on the go recharging. I recommend having at least one brick charger with you at all times.

While your electronics gear might differ from ours, and you might want to keep things light, I strongly urge you to take a minimum of a small backup charger and cable for your phone since they fail way too often. They always seem to fail at the worst moments, and if you’re like so many people, your phone is also your camera, your map, your reservation holder, your ticket holder and your lifeline to both your digital existence and your life back home.

Essential Toiletries for Travel

Besides electronics, there is non-electronic gear you might consider essential. Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush or comb, deodorant, contacts if you wear them, tweezers, Tylenol or other medications, etc.

This list is pretty vague, because so many different people have their own washing up rituals. The best I can tell you is to simplify. If you’re traveling with a partner maybe only bring a single brush or single tube of toothpaste.

While you don’t need to share everything, liquids are heavy and you’re only allowed so much on an airplane. Putting it all in one of the best travel toiletry bags is a nice way to secure it. If space is tight, a quart size Ziploc bag works in a pinch, and it does make pulling it out for airport security much easier. Remember that 100 ml or 3.4 oz per item is the maximum liquid size in carry-on luggage these days.

Essential Snacks for Travel

Thought we were done, didn’t you? Well everyone knows that a successful trip always begins with food. Well, I don’t know about that, but I can confidently say that good food has made a trip go from good to great, while bad food has turned a trip from good to bad.

While snacks won’t guarantee you a good time, they can keep you from making mistakes like eating at that one dirty diner because you’re starving, rather than having a snack and waiting until you have better options.

What you bring is up to you, but I’ll never regret carrying crackers and an extra bottle of water. It works great for our kids for years and works equally well for us.

I hope you found this list helpful. Tell us anything essential you think we missed down below. Safe travels!

Tired of all the beautiful artwork and great architecture and want to see something a little different?

Today our focus is on a few unusual things to do in Lisbon and the best way to see them. We’ve already covered some of the best things to do in Lisbon so make sure you check out that post after if you want some more ideas.

Lisbon is approximately 300km south of Porto, the easiest way to get there from the north is to book a train from Porto to Lisbon via Omio or you can rent a car and drive yourself. Just be aware that there are plenty of confusing Portuguese toll roads, so be mindful on which roads you’re driving on if you decide to rent a car.

Unusual Things to do in Lisbon Portugal

Here they are, our favorite unusual, weird, unique, or just plain quirky things to do in Lisbon.

Get tangled at the Museu da Marioneta (Museum of Puppetry)

If you love marionettes, then the Museu da Marioneta should be high on your list of places to check out.

It features marionettes and puppets from around the world, and plenty from Portugal itself. It has a huge selection spanning centuries and twines the rich history of puppet opera that existed in both Portugal and Europe since the middle ages.

This museum of puppetry is located in a remodelled convent originally built in 1665, and then rebuilt after the great quake in 1786. The Convento das Bernardas, at Madragoa, in the center of Lisbon was again remodeled in 2001 and features the museum, a restaurant, a café and outdoor areas.

How to Get There

Museu da Marioneta – Take Tram 25 on weekdays and bus 774 on weekends, which departs from Praça da Figueira downtown.

Stand on top of the Lisbon Bridge

Ever wished you could stand atop the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco? Well, the same developers who made the Oakland Bay Bridge made the Lisbon Bridge back in 1965.

Originally known as the Salazar bridge when first completed, it was the 5th largest suspension bridge in the world and the longest in Europe. After Salazar was removed from power, the bridge was renamed to the 25th of April Bridge (named after the day of liberation in 1974). It has a more eloquent name of Ponte 25 de Abril in Portuguese however it’s often just called the Lisbon Bridge and straddles the Tagus River connecting Lisbon to Almada in the south.

You can check out the museum located at Pier 7 (Pilar 7) that gives you a background on the bridges construction and even lets you see the huge cables holding the bridge from up close. There’s also an elevator you can take that will bring you up to the top where you can step into a glass enclosed outdoor viewing platform and see both the huge bridge and the river below. It’s a rare chance to get that close up and lets you appreciate the ingenuity and bravery of the people who built it.

Where to find the Lisbon Bridge

Ponte 25 de Abril – Pilar 7 – Open most days and free with the Lisboa Pass. There’s ample parking down below the bridge or you can take the tram to get there.

Check out the Pleasure Cemetery in Lisbon

Highly regarded as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Portugal, the Cemiterio dos Prazeres (translates to Pleasure Cemetery in English) is worth a visit.

Filled with beautiful crypts, tombs and mausoleums overlooking the bay, some people compare it to walking in a miniature town the embellishments are so intricate.

If you’re looking for a nice walk and enjoy walking on the quieter side of life then for sure check it out.

Where to find the Cemiterio dos Prazeres

Cemiterio dos Prazeres – Located near the terminus of historic Tram 28

Walk Among the Fishes at the Oceanarium of Lisbon

It’s not every day you get to stroll around and stare at fish and water creatures from below. The Oceanário de Lisboa is often rated as one of the best Aquariums in Europe and while it falls more to the popular category rather than the unusual, if you grew up in the prairies of Canada you would understand how cool and unusual it is to me.

With a center tank spanning over 3 floors, you get to witness everything from the corals and sand walkers down below to the colorful fish that populate the mid zone to the groups of smaller fish populating the top of the tank.

From sea otters to sea dragons and sun fish, there is a lot to take in and there will likely be a few species you’ve never seen before.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to see everything and bring some good walking shoes, since I guarantee you some of the tanks will keep you spellbound for hours.

What you need to know about the Lisbon Aquarium

Oceanário de Lisboa – Located at Doca dos Olivais, Parque das Nações. There are several buses and trains going here including Red line – Oriente (East) Station.

Have a delicious snack then head over to the Belem Tower

Ok, to be 100% honest, neither of these is especially unusual, but they were some of our favorite things to do in Lisbon and I couldn’t resist adding them.

Pastéis de nata are a national dessert in Portugal. Most versions owe their start to ones first made by the Jerónimos Monastery, who passed on their closely guarded original recipe to the Pasteis De Belem pastry shop nearly 200 hundred years ago.

Either sit down and enjoy some of these delicious cooked custard tarts with a tasty cup of coffee, or grab some to go and eat in the shadow of the iconic Torre de Belém only a few blocks away.

Its long 500 years of guarding the city from water invasions, changing sea levels, a catastrophic earthquake that levelled the majority of the city and now hordes of tourists speaks to the quality of the original design.

Where to find the Torre de Belem and Pasteis De Belem

Pasteis De Belem – Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92

Torre de Belem – Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Go 360º at the Panoramico de Monsanto

Take 1 part street art exhibit, 2 part abandoned building and 3 parts awesome 360º views, and what do you get? That’s right, the Panoramico de Monsanto in Lisbon.

This impressive abandoned former restaurant in the heart of Monsanto Forest has been the site of festivals, a Madonna music video, a home for hideaways and is a local tagger hotspot since it shut down in the 70’s.

It has since turned into a tourist draw by the graffiti, the grittiness and the amazing 360 degree views of the city.

Open and free most days to the public, it does get closed for festivals or certain events.

Where is the Panoramico de Monsanto?

Panoramico de Monsanto – Located in the Monsato Forest just on the edge of the city, the easiest way to get here is to hire an Uber or by bus 711 or 724 from Marquis de Pombal, then walk 10 minutes through the forest.

Take a day trip to Sintra and the wonders of Pena Palace

Leaving the city for a day trip isn’t unusual, however what is unusual is the overly colorful opulence that is Pena Palace and its crazy heights overlooking the nearby mountain town of Sintra.

Just like any modern fairytale, this colorful castle was dreamed up by a prince, and then built by a king. Constructed during the 19th-century Romanticism period, the castle is a great example of the era.

It has such a rich history you can get lost in its stories just as easily as the hectares of land around it, which include the Castle of the Moors and several other structures worth investigating.

The Palace is definitely worth the short drive from Lisbon. There’s plenty to see and do around Sintra while you’re out there as well.

How to get to the Pena Palace Sintra

Only 30 minutes by car due west of Lisbon proper. It’s not hard to miss high on the mountain however getting to it can be daunting so take a map or make sure you have Google Maps with you. You can also get there via the Sintra Bus 434 To Pena Palace if you’re using public transit. Take the Sintra train from Lisbon and get off in Sintra center then grab Bus 434. You can also buy a train and bus pass before leaving Lisbon or use your Lisboa Pass. Bus 434 should take you right to the mountain top.

Become a Portuguese tile expert at The National Tile Museum

If you’re a tile art aficionado, the National Tile Museum in Lisbon or the Museu Nacional do Azulejo as it’s properly called locally, houses hundreds of painted tiles spanning five centuries from various corners of the globe.

Sure, we could tell you to walk around and stare at all the amazing street tiles in Lisbon for free, but we’ve already done that in this Portugese Pavement post, so now that you’re hooked on tile art, read on.

The gallery highlights artistic tiles or azulejos from the final part of the 1500’s to the current day. Other than tiles, it also features ceramics, porcelain and faience as well as highlights the materials and strategies used for assembling tiles over the years.

As well as tiles, the museum itself dates back to 1509, when it was the former Convent of Madre Deus. As such, it also features a beautiful chapel area complete with dozens of beautiful paintings.

Where to find the Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Museu Nacional do Azulejo – Rua da Madre de Deus, 4, 1900-312

More Unusual Things to do in Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon is a great city to explore. With plenty of hills and on the doorstep of the Atlantic Ocean, there are gorgeous views all around town. Whether you’re checking out any of a dozen museums or wandering around old cathedrals there’s plenty of architecture and history to go around.

With the great earthquake in 1755, this once world class city lost a lot of its history but I think it just made what survived all the better.

Whether you’re taking the mini train to the beach, or just checking out the many fantastic restaurants and cafes, there are many fun things to do that any bigger city has as well.

You’ll find plenty of pubs, clubs and dance centers for the younger partyers including some great sail and drink trips in the summer months. To get around you can hop aboard a funicular, an old fashioned tram or take the fast and efficient underground metro.

These days you can rent scooters, order an Uber, or go old school and jump on one of the many buses that zoom around the city, or Lisbon’s famous #28 tram.

If you have any tips or suggestions for unusual or quirky things to do in Lisbon we’d love to hear. Please drop us a comment below.

When most think of Ireland, they have visions of green, rugged cliffs, quaint pubs and a hearty people. The truth is that Ireland has a long and colorful past as well as more than a few things as unique as its people.

Whether you’re planning an Ireland trip in the near future or just want to get a small taste of what Ireland is all about, we have some of the best Irish souvenirs and gifts ideas for you to enjoy. From world renowned wool, to world famous poetry, to breads and cheese, to Guinness beer, and breakfast tea, there’s something for every one and every budget.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll ever get to set foot on the magical isle yourself, but I do hope you get the opportunity, I can guarantee that there’s at least one Irish souvenir that you’ll love.

The Best Things to Buy in Ireland: Irish Souvenirs You’ll Love

Now here’s our list of the best things to buy in Ireland.

Aran Fisherman Sweater

Ireland is a land of hills and valleys and green meadows, making it well suited to raising sheep. So much so that it’s said that there are more sheep than people on this small island nation. That means there’s plenty of wool to be found, and no wool product is more iconic to Ireland than an authentic Aran Fisherman sweater.

These thickly woven wool sweaters are typically hand knit (though there are cheaper machine made varieties), incredibly warm and durable, making them a great way to stay warm when it’s cold outside.

They were originally created by wives for their fishermen husbands on the Aran Islands, located at the mouth of Galway Bay on the Atlantic Sea and where both farmers and fishermen dwelled and worked together. A typical Aran fisherman sweater would take between 3 to 6 weeks to make and kept the fisherman warm and comfortable when out on the rough waters and would make a very memorable souvenir.

Irish Whiskey

While whiskey is now common throughout the world, we actually have the Irish to thank for it. The word whiskey (or whisky as it’s known in certain countries) comes from the Irish term uisce beatha, meaning water of life. It’s believed to have been invented around the 12th century, when Irish monks returned from travels abroad and refined the distilling process until they obtained a drinkable cup.

While today’s single pot variety is higher quality than in those days, Irish Whiskey was once the most popular liquor in the the world before a downturn in the late 1800’s, when Scotch gained in popularity. Unlike the smokiness of Scotch Whisky though, Irish Whiskey doesn’t typically use smoked peat moss in its process and is considered much smoother.

While most of the original Irish Whiskey distilleries closed down in the early 1900’s due to that downturn, a couple remained open, notably the Old Bushmills Distillery, which is now a popular tourist destination, and Irish Distillers which produces notable labels such as Jameson and Powers, as well as celebrated Redbreast and Middleton Very Rare. Dozens of new Irish Whiskey producers have since opened, or re-opened, and Irish Whiskey is once again becoming popular around the world.

Irish Tartan

While the Scots take clan and family tartans to the extreme, Irish tartans (more commonly referred to as plaid on this side of the ocean) has a long history as well.

While tartans are predominantly linked to clans and families in Scotland, in Ireland they’re more commonly associated with a county or province. Regardless, there are plenty of colorful Irish tartans made from local wool, in everything from kilts and bags, to hats and sweaters and blankets, and even socks. Any one of them would make a great Irish souvenir or gift for a loved one.

Irish Soda Bread or Irish Brown Bread

Irish Soda bread is a staple at most bakeries the world over. Known for its lack of yeast, Irish soda bread relies on the combination of buttermilk and baking soda to create a chemical reaction allowing the bread to rise. When combined with the softer wheat grown in Ireland, this bread became the least expensive bread on the market and was a staple in Ireland in the early 1800’s into the 1900’s.

While soda bread is fairly well known everywhere, it’s less well known darker brethren, Irish Brown Bread (also known as wheaten bread), which is also quite common in Ireland. Both breads use baking soda to rise, but whereas Irish soda bread is slightly sweet and uses white flour, Irish brown bread has a deep, slightly nuttier flavor due to it using Irish oats and whole meal flour.

To truly enjoy Irish Brown Bread, make sure to slather on some authentic and deliciously creamy Irish butter.

Irish Cream Liquor

While Irish cream liquor isn’t a traditional Irish drink in the classic sense, it was invented in Ireland in the mid 1970’s by an enterprising group of individuals who wanted a way to incorporate Ireland’s delicious cream with their famous Irish whiskey. As such, Baileys Irish Cream Whiskey was born and quickly gained worldwide attention for its smooth blend of milk, chocolate and traditional Irish whiskey. Today there are several new brands of Irish Cream Liquor available including Kerrygold, Carolans and Brendan’s.

Irish Books and Poetry

While you might have heard of an Irish limerick or two growing up, Ireland actually has a long history of gorgeous poetry. In fact, Ireland’s oldest surviving poem dates back to the 6th century, and fine examples of Irish poetry exist in both English and Irish (Gaelic).

While Ireland has been producing novels and poetry for centuries, its current resurgence are in part thanks to Jonathan Swift and Oliver Goldsmith. Both 17th century authors put Ireland on the map in literary circles, thanks to books such as Gulliver’s Travels and The Vicar of Wakefield. While both men are well known for their books, they both enjoyed poetry as well and Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village won accolades over the years due its pastoral take on Irish life. An Irish book, novel or poetry anthology would make a great Irish souvenir to any Ireland lover.

Fogur gaíthe
fri fid flescach,
forglas néol;
essa aba,
esnad ala,
álainn céol.

Sound of the wind in a branching wood, grey cloud; river-falls, cry of a swan – beautiful music. EXCERPT FROM AN EARLY LONG iRISH POEM

Irish Cheese

While not always easily found in your local dairy aisle, Ireland has a long tradition of delicious dairy and their cheeses are no exceptions. While most Irish cheeses can be labelled under the cheddar style, in any country where the livestock outcounts the locals you know that the cheese isn’t going to be bad. You can find various cheeses throughout the country made from the milk of cows, goats and even sheep, in different styles.

Some of the more notable Irish cheese brands include Cashel Blue, Ireland’s original blue cheese and quite popular throughout the country (also one of the only ones that can be found around the world), Coolea, a gouda style cheese with mild flavors, Killeen Goat, another gouda style cheese made from goats milk, and Wicklow Blue, a supposedly delicious blue veined brie.

Irish Wool Socks, Wool Scarf or Wool Hat

Have I mentioned there’s lots of sheep in Ireland enough to drive the point home yet?

While a traditional Aran Fisherman Sweater may be the cream of the crop in most wool aficionado circles, a nice pair of Irish wool stockings, a trendy wool scarf, or a nice warm wool hat are just as Irish as it gets. Whether you choose to go with a smooth tartan-inspired motif, or opt for a heavier traditional weave, your choice is nearly endless when it comes to quality wool products in Ireland and any of them make a great Irish souvenir.

Guinness Beer

Known the world over for its dark color and thick creamy head, Guinness beer is as Irish as it gets.

Available in nearly every country around the world, Guinness, an Irish dry stout, has been produced in Dublin for over two and a half centuries. Started in 1759 at the St. James’s Gate Brewery by Arthur Guinness, the tradition lives on.

There are countless Irish souvenirs with the Guinness logo on them from mugs and t-shirts, to golf balls and towels. Any of them would make a great Irish souvenir or even a beer lovers souvenir.

Irish Butter

Ireland isn’t called the Emerald Isles for nothing. In a country that’s covered in an endless sea of verdant fields you will likely find a cow or two or a thousand. With herds of cows by the thousands, you know that dairy is valued there. They say that the milk of a cow is only as good as the grass upon which it so feeds, so Ireland sure must taste creamy.

With dozens of different dairy producers in the country, and tons of exports, Irish Butter is highly praised whether you’re buying it in your local deli, or directly from the farm in Ireland. Brands such as Kerrygold, with its higher butterfat content, is valued by home cooks and pastry chefs alike. While you can’t prove whether Ireland’s deliciously creamy butter is worth a local visit, I guarantee you’ll want to take some home with you if you do.

Irish Breakfast Tea

While the English may lay claim to perfecting the afternoon tea, the Irish have their Breakfast Tea.

While more dark and intense than traditional teas, this black tea blend is heavy with Assam and Ceylon tea leaves, and lends itself well to adding in some local Irish milk or honey to lighten its flavor. Whether you serve it with a slice of Irish brown bread and Irish butter is completely up to you.

Blarney Stone rock

Acquiring the gift of gab or the gift of flattery draws many people up the ramparts of Blarney Castle, just a few kilometers outside Cork, Ireland. Said to imbue the kisser with great eloquence and wit without deception, kissing the Blarney Stone is a huge tourist attraction and is the highlight of the tour of the ancient Blarney Castle first constructed in 1446.

While you can’t take a piece of the actual Blarney Stone home, you can take a small sample of the local carboniferous limestone home to make your own kissing stone. Of course, results aren’t guaranteed, but if you tie it in a plaid wool scarf and place it on top of a can of Guinness the receiver will know exactly where it’s from.

Irish Music

Quick, when you think of Irish music, what song first comes into your head?

Is it a fun rover song by the Dubliners, the haunting voice of The Cranberries, the plead of Sinead O’Connor, catchy Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, or the smooth lilt of Bono and steady guitar frets of Edge? The answer is any of the above. For its size, Ireland has left a definite mark on the worldwide musical landscape.

From traditional Irish folklore singers, to contemporary rock performers like U2, Ireland has it all. I say if you want the best of Irish music then start by listening to an Irish party favorites playlist and then go from there.

Irish Coffee

Feeling like you need a quick pick me up in the morning?

Well, this won’t help, but it might relax you on a morning off work. While there’s no definite Irish Coffee per say, the act of adding a little Irish Whiskey to one’s coffee definitely changes the flavor.

While traditional Irish Whiskey might be a little harsh for some, throwing a few drops of Baileys Irish Cream in definitely both sweetens and enhances a boring black coffee. If you’re not a coffee drinker, Baileys also enhances hot chocolate.

So, have a favorite Irish souvenir or Irish gift that didn’t make the list? I don’t believe you.

Prove me wrong and drop us a comment below and I’ll make sure to humbly beg your forgiveness.

Safe travels everyone!

Maybe earn enough to recoup your costs and even a little extra to put away for the next leg of your trip? This post lists some of the highest paying travel jobs you’re likely to find while you travel the world.

While many jobs still require you to be in the host country, remote work is at an all time high. From keeping your existing job, to working for other online friendly companies, the ability to work from your living room or from a beach in Tahiti has never looked so promising.

Also, as borders open and close, COVID-19 guidelines change, and the cost of goods increases, much traditional migratory positions, from fruit pickers to farmhands are in short supply. That means you may have an opportunity to work with your hands for higher than traditional pay, especially when you factor in that many of these jobs include room and board.

The Highest Paying Travel Jobs

So enough chitchat, let’s get to work and take a look at some of the highest paying travel jobs you can have as you travel the world.

English as a Second Language

While travel has been down the past few years, the need for English speaking workers, especially in overseas businesses, has never been higher. With remote work continually gaining traction, the need for global communication has also increased.

What this means for you is that teaching English abroad is as hot as ever. While teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) might involve a bit more online work, that might not be a bad thing and might give you even more opportunities to travel while you work.

The same applies for other educators as well. As people find themselves with more hours in a day (less time spent commuting and traveling less for holidays), there has never been such a huge opportunity to learn another language or skillset.

The result is that there are various teaching jobs available around the world for all skillsets. With many going to an online format, the ability to teach from anywhere is constantly growing. What’s really nice is that many ESL schools also offer accommodation, which means choosing a place to live is no longer a problem.

Remote Work

While ever changing travel rules and border closures have definitely played havoc for some travelers, it has also increased some opportunities.

Namely, one of the best things to come out of the pandemic is that remote work has hit an all time high. The amount of opportunities for work from home employees has skyrocketed and people that had to beg to work from home a day or two here or there only a few short years ago have often been working from home continually for the past two years with no intention of going back into the office once the world returns to its new normal.

Jobs fill your pocket. Adventures fill your soul.

Anonymous

What this means to fellow travel lovers is that since you’re already not going into an office, there’s no reason you can’t do it from another country. While it will often mean you need to alter your work hours to better match your home business hours (especially if you deal with a lot of clients or fellow workers), a lot of companies allow you to work at your own schedule and give you some flexibility in start and end times.

While some travel jobs can be hugely satisfying, the reality is that your current position, the one you’ve worked for, have been promoted to and maybe went to university to obtain, is quite likely one of the highest paying travel jobs you’re likely to find. If you can make it happen, or make a lateral change to a company that’s more lenient in your work schedule, you can have your cake (rewarding higher paying job) and the icing too (travel).

Just be smart and make sure to use a personal VPN to both protect yourself and your company’s information while on the go. The one thing you don’t want to do is be a security risk with other people’s information.

Thus, a Virtual Private Network should be a great help during your next adventure. After all, a VPN encrypts traffic and hides your IP, meaning that you can safeguard your activities from snooping. A VPN’s IP masking also lets you access services or websites back at home.

Seasonal Fruit or Vegetable Picker

While there are hundreds of remote jobs you can do, nothing says will work for food quite like actually working for food.

One of the reason food prices have increased over the past few years is that migratory pickers haven’t been able to get to harvest at the opportune time. With no cheap pickers, that means that farms and orchards are forced to raise their pay to attract more local workers. That works well in your favor, since many of these opportunities include room and board as well.

While the work can be tough, some places pay bonuses for higher quotas so the harder you work, the higher you can often earn and the quicker you can get back to your travels.

Fitness Guru

Have a penchant for working out? These days most of us find life a little bit harder, and while some have decided to increase their dietary intake, others have taken this opportunity to get into shape. While lots of gyms have closed intermittently due to the pandemic, the need for personal trainers has actually increased.

Rather than working from a gym, many trainers have opted for a more natural setting. We’ve seen outdoor training areas pop up in several parks lately, with a healthy number of people doing stairs or CrossFit along the walking paths. If you love the outdoors and healthy living, then this might be worth perusing.

Food Delivery Driver

These days, places like Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, GrubHub and your local equivalent have made food delivery universal. With hundreds of restaurants in many cities and food deliveries around the globe at an all time high, all it often takes is a good driving record, a license and a vehicle and you have a job you can work as much at or as little at as you want.

When working abroad you work pretty hard, but with time off, this is the greatest job in the world. You drive. You explore Memphis, or wherever you’ve landed, or go and see Dr John, or the Californian landscape. And yes, I’ve had a few good meals.

Toby Jones

Since you get to set your hours, you can work whenever the mood strikes. Of course this requires you to own a vehicle (or rent one, but make sure to verify you’re insured for it). That said, food delivery is a unique opportunity that didn’t exist up until a few years ago.

While the money can be decent, depending on the options you have to work with ($20 to $25 USD per hour), just make sure you’re factoring in wear and tear on the vehicle and the cost of gas in your earnings.

Food not your thing? Consider making some money with one of the many ride-hailing apps, or a shopping service like Instacart.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate prices have increased ridiculously in many areas around the world the past few years.

Working from home, many have decided they don’t need to live so close to work anymore, while others see this time as an opportunity to get into the big cities so that when the time comes to swap jobs they’ll have more opportunities. Others have decided that having a second home somewhere they feel safe in another country is the way to go forward.

If you really want to learn about a country, work there.

Charles Kuralt

Regardless of the reason, most real estate agents are paid a commission based on the value of the sale or rent, so as real estate prices move upwards, so do the commissions. While some countries require licenses, others don’t. If you know the area, speak the language or have the inside track on people looking for property, becoming an agent could be profitable.

Trades or Handyperson

If you have a skill in a trade, you can likely pick up a job anywhere that pays its tradespeople well.

It seems the more people work from home, the more they want to fix up their living spaces. What this leaves is a glut of tradespeople to get the job done. From plumbing to construction and electrical, there is always a need for a professional tradesperson.

Even if you don’t have a learned trade, contractors are continually looking for reliable people to give an extra hand. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and are willing to put in a solid day’s work, the options for building laborers in many countries is staggering.

Day Trader

While not for the faint of heart, we’ve met a few moderately successful day traders during our travels. The bonus here is that you aren’t dependent on anyone besides for yourself and can pretty much set your own schedule. From cryptos to the stock markets, there have been some pretty crazy trends these past few years. If you have a solid understanding of the risks and feel you can safely stay ahead of the curve then being a day trader can potentially be profitable.

Personal Shopper

Have great taste, love to shop, but don’t have any money?

Well, how about if I told you that you could shop to your hearts content on someone else’s dime. The only catch is that they get to keep your great finds!

With many people opting to stay out of the stores, those of you with no such qualms have half of what it takes to becoming a personal shopper. From picking out fashionable clothes to picking up the groceries, people are spending big bucks to send others in their stay and according to a recent poll from LinkedIn, Personal Shopper has made the top ten list of the most in demand jobs recently.

Chef, Waiter or Bartender

While many restaurants have had to shut down or reduce hours due the pandemic, many in the service industry decided it was time to find a more stable paycheque. What this has done is left a huge vacuum in the service industry and restaurants and hotels scrabbling to find staff as everything reopens.

This means that people staying in the industry have seen 8 to 20% wage increases over the past two years, which makes it the pay lucrative if you find the right setting. With a help wanted sign in nearly every store window, picking up a few extra hours probably isn’t that hard if you’re willing to work a little longer to help get you back on the road again sooner.

More of The Highest Paying Travel Jobs

While the majority of the above jobs are for the casual travel worker, if you want to make the most money while you travel these days you’re probably better off working online.

From data analyst, to customer service, to blogger, to technical writer there are many online jobs available to those with the proper skills. Whatever you decide to do, from high level academic editing, to scientific writing, to jobs with companies like pay me to do your homework reviews, make sure that you do your research on the company you work for.

Not only are they some of the highest paying travel jobs, they can also allow you to jump over borders and stay wherever you want as long as you have good Wi-Fi and accommodating work hours.

Need more inspiration?

Feel free to check out our popular post of 45 travel jobs that includes a bunch of handy links to sites where you can find more information on applying to some of these positions, plus tips on some of the best countries to find these jobs.

Good luck in your job search and safe travels!

If you found any great travel jobs we’ve missed we’d love to hear about them below.