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DRIFT Travel Winter 2019

Our world is full of wonderful place to visit in the winter months and in this issue of DRIFT we travel from the far north to the extreme south, with a few stops in between. Come along on the journey as we make new friends and maybe find time for a little golf.

Our world is full of wonderful place to visit in the winter months and in this issue of DRIFT we travel from the far north to the extreme south, with a few stops in between. Come along on the journey as we make new friends and maybe find time for a little golf.

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL<br />

TRAVEL MAGAZINE<br />

ANTARCTICA<br />

WHAT YOU CAN DO AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD<br />

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND<br />

48 HOURS IN THIS AMAZING CITY<br />

MURCIA, SPAIN<br />

18 HOLES ON THE SHORES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN<br />

BHUTAN<br />

A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY OF THE HIMALAYA<br />

WINTER <strong>2019</strong><br />

COME ALONG ON THE JOURNEY at <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 1


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2 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


INSIDE this issue<br />

6 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND<br />

So much to see and only 48hrs.<br />

12 TRAVEL GEAR<br />

Trending gadgets and stuff.<br />

16 BHUTAN<br />

A photographic journey<br />

28 GOLF TRAVEL<br />

Murcia, Spain for 18 holes<br />

THE 7th CONTINENT<br />

32 What to except in Antarctica<br />

40 SOCIAL MEDIA<br />

Does it have an impact on travel<br />

44 VARANASI<br />

And the River Goddess Ganga<br />

52 WHEN COLD IS HOT<br />

Destination to visit in the winter<br />

LEND A HELPING HAND<br />

60 <strong>Travel</strong> leaves a positive impact<br />

66 STAR GAZING<br />

Whistler Film Festival<br />

70 PHOTO TIPS<br />

Capture the perfect shot in London<br />

74 FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD<br />

Ireland offers up some great cuisine<br />

Our world is full of wonderful<br />

place to visit in the winter months<br />

and in this issue of <strong>DRIFT</strong> we travel<br />

from the far north to the extreme<br />

south, with a few stops in between.<br />

Come along on the journey as we<br />

make new friends and maybe find<br />

time for a little golf.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 3


PUBLISHER<br />

GLOSSY MEDIA<br />

CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />

STEVE DRAKE<br />

PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL<br />

STEVE DRAKE, WAKE UP REYKJAVIK, 101 HOTEL,<br />

BLUE LAGGON, CHRISTOPHER KLINGE, LA MANGA<br />

CLUB, JANE LEE, FRANKLIN BRAECKMAN,<br />

OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS, KOUSHIK CHATTERJEE,<br />

ANNIE HENNESSEY, BRITNEY HOPE,<br />

LESLEY DIANA, EMILY FORD<br />

CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

BOOKING.COM, ADOBE STOCK, WOW AIRLINE,<br />

STEVE DRAKE, ALIBIBAR, PIXABAY.COM,<br />

WIKIMEDIA, WAKE UP REYKJAVIK, 101 HOTEL,<br />

CHRISTOPHER KLINGE, LA MANGA CLUB,<br />

OCEANWIDE EXPEDITIONS, KOUSHIK CHATTERJEE,<br />

LESLEY DIANA<br />

ADVERTISING & PUBLISHING RIGHTS INQUIRIES<br />

sales@<strong>DRIFT</strong>travel.com | www.<strong>DRIFT</strong>travel.com<br />

Published by: Glossy Media<br />

All rights reserved. No part of <strong>DRIFT</strong> magazine may be<br />

copied or reproduced without permission.<br />

© COPYRIGHT <strong>DRIFT</strong> TRAVEL MAGAZINE<br />

GLOSSY MEDIA<br />

2015-<strong>2019</strong><br />

4 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 5


48HOURS IN...<br />

Reykjavik<br />

ICELAND<br />

BY: STEVE DRAKE<br />

6 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


GETTING THERE<br />

WOW Airlines<br />

wowair.com<br />

Iceland has become a hot spot<br />

for travelers of all age and with<br />

expanded service to North America<br />

WOW Airlines discounted<br />

price point bring this wonderful<br />

destination within the reach of<br />

budget conscious travelers.<br />

The airline was founded by<br />

entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen<br />

in November 2011 and with the<br />

addition of many new North<br />

American cities WOW is the perfect<br />

choice regardless of your budget.<br />

Their website states that WOW<br />

is a “happy low-fare and longhaul<br />

airline” and that is absolutely<br />

correct. I fly 1000’s of miles every<br />

year and the WOW crew is by far<br />

the friendliest I have encountered<br />

so far.<br />

The words comfort, and budget<br />

don’t often work their way into the<br />

same sentence, but with WOW<br />

airlines you will find what I think<br />

is above average legroom for an<br />

economy flight. The WOW air fleet<br />

consists of the Airbus A320, A321,<br />

and A330 aircraft and operate one<br />

of the youngest fleets.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 7


WHAT TO DO<br />

It wouldn’t be traveling without<br />

trying the local cuisine and the best<br />

way to taste the homegrown fare is<br />

on a food tour. We choose Wake Up<br />

Reykjavik food walks as our guide,<br />

so we would discovery the best of<br />

Reykjavik had to offer.<br />

First stop was hidden gem called the<br />

Icelandic Bar or Íslenski Barinn that<br />

featured one of the most traditional<br />

Icelandic foods, the Kjötsúpa or<br />

Meat soup. This is a lamb soup<br />

with root vegetables that has been<br />

keeping Icelanders warm since the<br />

beginning of time.<br />

Then to the Ostabúðin, or the<br />

Cheese shop for a little meat and<br />

cheese. From there we headed to<br />

Loki, one of the most popular cafe´s<br />

in Reykjavík for something that<br />

I have never ordered before, Rye<br />

Bread Ice Cream. This homemade<br />

ice cream with rye bread has<br />

chocolate and rhubarb syrup on top<br />

- it´s so delicious.<br />

You cannot go to Iceland without<br />

trying the amazing Icelandic Hot<br />

dog and that was our next stop,<br />

the famous Hot Dog stand where<br />

Bill Clinton said he had the best<br />

hot dog in the world! Ein með<br />

öllu or one with everything is the<br />

Icelandic tradition, packed with<br />

ketchup, mustard and a mayobased<br />

relish called remúaði with<br />

both raw onions and then crispy<br />

deep-fried onions. This lamb hot<br />

dog is probably the one spot will<br />

remember the most.<br />

We finish the tour off at Apótek,<br />

a high-end restaurant located<br />

in one of the oldest pharmacies<br />

in Reykjavík. They use the little<br />

apothecary bottles for both milk<br />

and sugar, very cute and the perfect<br />

way to finish this amazing culinary<br />

adventure around Reykjavík.<br />

8 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


WHERE TO STAY<br />

101 Hotel<br />

101hotel.is<br />

We arrived in Reykjavik on a rather<br />

dull October day. As we entered the<br />

lobby of 101 Hotel we greeted by<br />

warmth of the lobby fireplace and<br />

a kind smile from the front desk<br />

staff. Occupying a historic 1930s<br />

building in downtown Reykjavik<br />

101 Hotel boast great views of<br />

the harbor. Being in the heart of<br />

Reykjavik and directly across from<br />

the Ingólfur Arnarson memorial,<br />

you’ll find yourself close to many<br />

great restaurants and quaint village<br />

shops.<br />

After a 5-hour flight we were happy<br />

to move in to our well-appointed<br />

room. The minimalist décor was<br />

refreshing and as I pulled open<br />

the blinds the room filled with the<br />

afternoon sun.<br />

We had access to free high-speed<br />

wireless internet, a CD/DVD<br />

player, satellite TV, safe, bathrobes,<br />

slippers, hairdryer, a well-stocked<br />

minibar. There was also an inroom<br />

boutique with Blue Lagoon<br />

products. Bathroom amenities are<br />

by Aveda and bed linens are by<br />

Quagliotti. Very conformable and<br />

everything we needed.<br />

Be sure to take advantage of the<br />

luxurious basement gym and spa<br />

with a steam bath and jacuzzi allows<br />

you to completely unwind and relax.<br />

While waling throughout the hotel<br />

pay special attention to the art.<br />

101 Hotel’s Icelandic art collection<br />

includes art work by many Icelandic<br />

leading artists.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 9


WHAT TO DO<br />

The Blue Lagoon – What can I say,<br />

this place was AMAZING, it’s no<br />

wonder Instagram is loaded with so<br />

many Blue Lagoon photos.<br />

The Bláa lónið or Blue Lagoon is a<br />

geothermal spa located in a lava field<br />

near Grindavík on the Reykjanes<br />

Peninsula. The warm waters are<br />

rich in minerals like silica and sulfur<br />

and bathing in the Blue Lagoon<br />

is reputed to help some people<br />

suffering from skin diseases such<br />

as psoriasis. The water temperature<br />

in the bathing and swimming area<br />

of the lagoon averages 37–39 °C<br />

(99–102 °F).<br />

Once you’re in the lagoon head over<br />

to the Mud Bar for your silica mud<br />

mask. Used in tandem, silica and<br />

algae unlock the door to healthy,<br />

luminous, ageless skin.<br />

Heat things up even more with a<br />

visit to the sauna or steam room.<br />

Now you will be ready to truly relax,<br />

I recommend the in-water massage.<br />

You are surrounded in the warm<br />

Blue Lagoon while receiving your<br />

massage - deep and relaxing – out<br />

of this world. Also, be sure to take<br />

home some of the Blue Lagoon skin<br />

care products.<br />

10 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 11


HOT NEW TRAVEL PRODUCTS<br />

TRAVEL GEAR<br />

BY: RUSS WALSH<br />

CULTURE V1<br />

Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones<br />

Noise canceling headphones are a must for travelers<br />

and the Coulture V1 is the ones I pack in my bag. True<br />

immersive audio/sound with lab tested 98% active noise<br />

cancellation. Featuring automatic pause & play, omnidirectional<br />

mics for crystal clear phone calls and 20-<br />

40 hours of wireless battery life. Need to plug in to the<br />

airlines audio system? No problem with the go wired &<br />

plug in aux cable that is included. Comes with a selfcontained<br />

hard-shell case that’s easy to pack.<br />

cultureaudio.com<br />

12 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


FOUR RABBIT - Tsunami Jacket<br />

The tsunami jacket is a sustainable, recyclable,<br />

ultralight weight, packable, water-resistant, wind proof,<br />

breathable, travel layer. With an innovative design its<br />

not only, zero- waste (nothing goes to the landfill during<br />

jacket construction) it is the ultimate take it every where<br />

you go travel jacket. With a fit to accommodate a myriad<br />

of sizes, it has a plethora of unique features. Deep hood,<br />

internal and external pockets, inside zip guard, two way<br />

front zipper, vents and pleats to maximize mobility, and<br />

ties at the hood and hem.<br />

fourrabbit.com<br />

DR. MOTION’S<br />

Everyday compression socks<br />

For those of you who wear compression<br />

sock, regardless of why know style was<br />

never their strong suit. Until now! Without<br />

sacrificing quality, Dr. Motion has created a<br />

line of compression socks for all with quality,<br />

comfort, style and at price points that won’t<br />

break the bank. Primarily microfiber nylon<br />

or cotton and specially treated to be antimicrobial<br />

and anti-odor, these compression<br />

socks can be worn all day, everyday for all<br />

activities with any outfit.<br />

drmotionsocks.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 13


GRESSO TITANIUM EYEWEAR<br />

Weightless feel and essential comfort<br />

can be found in every pair of GRESSO<br />

glasses. Carl Zeiss nylon lenses,<br />

German-engineered titanium double<br />

spring hinges, 3D adjustable titanium<br />

nose pads that сan be tailored for a<br />

custom fit and ultra-soft silicone temple<br />

tips will increased grip while reducing<br />

pressure points are just some of the<br />

amazing features in these glasses. All<br />

GRESSO frames are laser cut from a<br />

single piece of titanium and do not have<br />

welded joints, always the critical points in<br />

every pair of traditional glasses. They are<br />

flexible, bendable, and unbreakable.<br />

With outstanding memory, the frame will<br />

always return to its original shape.<br />

gresso.com<br />

MUKISHOES - Sustainable Barefoot Shoes<br />

MUKISHOES are versatile and unisex barefoot shoes, which<br />

are fairly produced in Portugal with organic, natural and<br />

recycled materials, for people with an active lifestyle. Having<br />

a thin, flexible, and flat (no drop from heel to toe) sole, to<br />

give the sensation of walking barefoot. Also, a wide-toe box<br />

follows the natural shape of our feet. Beautiful, comfortable<br />

and versatile.<br />

mukishoes.com<br />

14 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


LitraTorch - LED lighting<br />

LitraTorch is a versatile adventure photo<br />

and video light. At 1.5”x1.5” in size, the<br />

Torch provides 800 lumen of continuous,<br />

high quality light and fits in your pocket.<br />

Each Torch comes with a White Diffuser,<br />

Belt Clip, GoPro ¼ 20 Finger Mount, USB<br />

Charging Cable, 2 Magnetic Mounts and<br />

Cold Shoe Mount. Waterproof, drop<br />

proof, aluminum body construction with<br />

a light that is flicker free,<br />

smooth light pattern.<br />

litra.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 15


The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites. The<br />

hike to this site is a climb of about two hours on well worn trails to an elevation of about 10,000 feet.<br />

Well worth the hike to this amazing view and a history of Bhutan.<br />

16 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Bhutan<br />

a photographic journey<br />

Featured Photographer:<br />

Christopher Klinge<br />

I’ve been a professional photographer, based<br />

in Madison WI USA, for 15 years, focusing on<br />

photographing for commercial clients. In 2007 I<br />

traveled to Cambodia to photograph the country.<br />

That trip started my passion for travel. Since 2007<br />

I have been to 16 different countries, and quickly<br />

discovered travel photography is my passion.<br />

Discovering new places, people, cultures, and<br />

getting out of my “comfort zone” has been a truly<br />

important part of my life. <strong>Travel</strong> photography<br />

has become a focus of my career.<br />

Website: giraffeboyproductions.com<br />

Instagram: @chrisklingephoto<br />

Equipment: Nikon D800Nikon 50mm/1.4Nikon<br />

85mm/1.8Nikon 35mm/1.8Nikon<br />

70-300/4.5-5.6Nikon 18-55/3.5-5.6<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 17


18 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Dochula Pass in Bhutan on the way to Punakha. There are 108<br />

memorial chortens or stupas built by the order of the eldest Queen<br />

Mother. They are a memorial to 108 Bhutanese Soldiers. A beautiful<br />

view with the Himalaya mountains in the background.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 19


An amazing local woman at the prayer wheels in the Gangtey Valley.<br />

The people of Bhutan are so friendly. This woman was so kind to let me<br />

take her photo.<br />

20 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Young monks playing a serious game of marbles between classes at a<br />

Monastery in Thimphu.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 21


22 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM<br />

Monks descending<br />

the steps at Punakha<br />

Dzong.


Tachogang Lhakhang bridge, built in the fifteenth century. It is on<br />

the way from Paro to Thimphu. There is a new bridge for tourists<br />

adorned with many prayer flags. Often a first stop for tourists on the<br />

way from Paro to the capital of Thimphu.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 23


A local woman praying outside the Memorial Stupa in Thimphu. The<br />

red around her mouth comes from chewing an Areca nut wrapped in a<br />

Betel leaf with lime, known as Doma.<br />

A local man praying outside the Thimphu Chorten also known as<br />

the Memorial Stupa. The stupa was built to honor the third King of<br />

Bhutan.<br />

24 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Small prayer flags at a stop outside of Punakha.<br />

Local school children on their way home from school on a hiking trail<br />

in Gangtey Valley.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 25


Buddha Dordenma Statue in the Thimphu Valley of Bhutan. The statue<br />

is one of the largest in the world. It measures out at 169 feet and is made<br />

of bronze and gilded in gold.<br />

26 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 27


La Manga Club<br />

Murcia, Spain<br />

BY: STEVE DRAKE<br />

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad<br />

breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots –<br />

but you have to play the ball where it lies.” Bobby Jones<br />

28 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


When Robert Dean Putman was<br />

appointed to design the two golf<br />

courses for LMCG, he was given<br />

carte blanche to use the available<br />

land as he saw fit, the only condition<br />

being that the resulting courses<br />

should be of championship<br />

standard. Work began on marking<br />

out the courses in January 1971 and<br />

in February of the same year the<br />

diggers set to work to create the 14<br />

lakes, 200 bunkers and 36 fairways<br />

and greens. Ten months later<br />

construction was complete, and the<br />

courses were ready for play.<br />

Despite the feverish pace what<br />

emerged were two courses that<br />

could be both challenging for the<br />

pros when needed yet forgiving<br />

for the club members thus quickly<br />

establish La Manga Club as the<br />

premier golf resort in Spain. A title<br />

that still stands today, 47 years later.<br />

The South Course has been<br />

the venue for many major<br />

professional tournaments, including<br />

several Spanish Opens, PGA<br />

Championships, for both men and<br />

women. At almost 6,500 metres<br />

from the white tees, it has water<br />

hazards on 15 of its 18 holes, wide<br />

fairways and a good combination of<br />

short and long holes.<br />

The front nine are particularly<br />

challenging with two par 3s in<br />

excess of 200 metres and some<br />

daunting par 4s, which call for<br />

accurate driving between lakes and<br />

bunkers. The back nine, although<br />

shorter, has a number of intriguing<br />

dog-leg holes.<br />

Palm trees, lakes and natural storm<br />

gullies known as 'barrancos' are key<br />

features of the North Course, which<br />

is slightly shorter than the South,<br />

with tighter fairways and larger<br />

greens.<br />

The ideal course for all players.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 29


The West Course, (newest of the<br />

three) with its frequent changes in<br />

elevation, offers a different set of<br />

challenges. The front nine demand<br />

accurate driving to avoid the<br />

'barrancos' (natural storm gullies),<br />

while the back nine, up amongst the<br />

hills, is more open but nonetheless<br />

challenging. The 18th hole, being<br />

at one of the highest points on the<br />

course offers the most amazing view.<br />

From the tees you can see the entire<br />

resort, surrounding hillsides and the<br />

beautiful blue Mediterranean.<br />

The Hotel<br />

Principe Felipe is all that you<br />

would expect from a 5-star resort.<br />

Distinguished Spanish design<br />

with elegant décor. 192 rooms<br />

fully equipped and designed for<br />

maximum comfort. Included is<br />

access to saunas, steam rooms,<br />

indoor pool and gym at the Wellness<br />

Centre, Free Wi-Fi and Free internal<br />

transport service to get from place<br />

to place within the resort.<br />

The Amapola Restaurant, located in<br />

the Principe Felipe 5* Hotel, is the<br />

ideal place to enjoy delicious and<br />

traditional Mediterranean cuisine,<br />

all of which is made with seasonal<br />

products that are grown locally.<br />

Sol y Sombra Restaurant was one of<br />

my favorite spots. Located alongside<br />

the swimming pool and over<br />

looking parts of the golf course, Sol<br />

y Sombra is the spot to enjoy snacks<br />

or lunch and cool refreshments.<br />

30 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


The Spa<br />

The Wellness Centre at La Manga<br />

Club is the perfect place to restore<br />

your mind, body and spirit. The<br />

spa menu is well thought out and<br />

includes massages, facials, ritual<br />

scrubs and mani-pedis. I might<br />

suggest the C+C BODY treatment.<br />

An exquisite ritual which starts with<br />

a citrus bead exfoliation, a soufflé of<br />

bitter oranges in a treatment mask<br />

and a reshaping body massage<br />

Closing Thoughts...<br />

When you start planning your next<br />

golf getaway, make sure La Manga<br />

Club is high on the list. The weather<br />

is superb, the accommodations<br />

are 5-star and the staff are always<br />

friendly and helpful. But most<br />

importantly, the courses are in<br />

excellent condition and offer just the<br />

right amount of challenge for golfer<br />

of all skill levels.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 31


Antarctica<br />

Seven essential adventures<br />

BY: FRANKLIN BRAECKMAN<br />

Unless you’re a scientist, there’s no such thing as a means-to-an-end Antarctica trip.<br />

Merely being in that otherworldly wilderness of ice is reason enough to make the<br />

journey – even, we wager, for the scientists who travel to Antarctica solely for<br />

research.<br />

Still, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to maximize your Antarctic<br />

experience.<br />

32 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Cross the Antarctic gateway: the Drake Passage<br />

As most Antarctica cruises require you to sail the Drake Passage (crossing from Argentina to the<br />

Antarctic Continent), this is the one part of the list that’s generally unavoidable.<br />

But this is a good thing: While sailing the Drake, you’ll see a voluminous cast of seabirds not<br />

possible for those who simply fly to Antarctica.<br />

You’ll also win a sense of accomplishment, having undergone the traditional Antarctic “rite of<br />

passage.”<br />

For those prone to seasickness, the Drake Passage crossing may require a few meds and an optimistic<br />

mindset, but those are easy trades against the splendors of Antarctica.<br />

So stock your pills, read your Shackleton, and do not go gentle into that blue dawn.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 33


Watch Antarctic whales from a ship or Zodiac<br />

Humpback, minke, blue, orca, sei, fin… The list goes on.<br />

Boating to, from, and around Antarctica (whether in an ice-strengthened vessel or Zodiac) will give you<br />

the chance to spot several species of whale. As evidence, check out Oceanwide Expeditions’ extensive<br />

supply of whale-watching cruises.<br />

The question now is, will you bring a camera keen enough and photography skills honed enough to<br />

preserve the Antarctic moments in pictures?<br />

Remember, time and tide wait for no one. And neither do whales.<br />

34 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Kayak<br />

Antarctica’s<br />

crystalline bays<br />

If you’re craving close contact<br />

with icebergs, ice floes, and<br />

icy Antarctic seas, nothing<br />

delivers these better than<br />

kayaking – except maybe<br />

scuba diving, but we’ll cover<br />

that later.<br />

If you’re not quite ready for<br />

the plunge, however, try a<br />

kayak. It’s warmer.<br />

Let veteran kayak guides<br />

show you around the<br />

crystalline polar seas, where<br />

you’ll get views of Antarctica<br />

only enjoyed by a few lucky<br />

travelers and the more<br />

curious marine mammals.<br />

All you have to do is soak<br />

up the silence, breathe the<br />

bracing air, and glide by the<br />

power of your own two arms.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 35


Make pals with a few hundred penguins<br />

More so even than whales, Antarctica is famed for its plentiful penguin population.<br />

Just about everywhere you go along the Antarctic coastline, penguins are not far away. And some places have<br />

these flightless birds in spades, supporting breeding colonies that number in the thousands.<br />

In fact, some Antarctica trips are neatly categorized by the penguin species you’re likely to encounter: gentoos,<br />

Adélies, kings, chinstraps, you get the idea.<br />

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Camp under the Southern Hemisphere stars<br />

Remember that part about reading your Shackleton?<br />

Antarctic camping lets you live like Shackleton.<br />

Actually, Shackleton had it much worse during his expeditions. But hey, they’re called expedition cruises,<br />

not polar torture simulations. When you camp with a competent cruise operator, you’ll have as much<br />

comfort as a snow dugout and mummy bag can afford.<br />

And just watch that Southern Cross twinkle in the polar sky…<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 37


Soar over the Antarctic sea and snow in a helicopter<br />

Why just walk when you can also sail, and why just sail when you can also fly?<br />

On select Antarctica voyages, such as some of Oceanwide Expeditions’ Weddell and Ross Sea cruises, you can<br />

survey the far southern icescapes from a seabird’s-eye-view.<br />

Join a helicopter group and let the pilots astound you with soaring aerial sweeps of the Antarctic wilderness.<br />

If you think it looks amazing standing along the shoreline, you won’t believe how it looks several hundred<br />

meters above it.<br />

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Take the true polar plunge: Antarctica scuba diving<br />

Kayaking is great, camping is a blast, but there are few activities that divide the certified snow fiend from<br />

the ordinary Antarctic traveler so completely as polar scuba diving.<br />

And not just anyone can do it, at least not without a lot of practice.<br />

Due to the inherent difficulty of this activity, you’re often required to have at least 30 dry-suit cold-water<br />

dives under your belt before joining such dive programs.<br />

But if you have this documentation, good for you! You’re in line to experience one of the rarest pleasures<br />

of the polar world: an exotic tour of its icy underbelly.<br />

So suit up, strap in, and enjoy a whole new world of Antarctic colors and creatures.<br />

To learn more visit oceanwide-expeditions.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 39


How will social media impact<br />

the way we travel in <strong>2019</strong>?<br />

BY: JANE LEE<br />

Does social media impact where<br />

and how you travel? From looking<br />

to favorite social media influencers<br />

for genuine travel inspiration,<br />

to considering making a career<br />

out of travel itself and sometimes<br />

falling into the pressures of having<br />

a compelling online presence, it<br />

seems that travel and social media<br />

work hand in hand. Booking.com<br />

surveyed 21,500 travelers across 29<br />

countries to find out just how social<br />

media will continue to change the<br />

way we travel in <strong>2019</strong>.<br />

SOCIAL<br />

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 41MEDIA<br />

Past time or full-time<br />

For most, the odd check-in, beach<br />

selfie or family snap upload is enough<br />

of a social media fix, but for many who<br />

dream of traveling the world as a social<br />

media influencer, it’s not. 17% see travel<br />

as a potential opportunity to earn a<br />

living as an influencer or travel blogger,<br />

as opposed to having a traditional, fulltime<br />

job.


Social Stimulus<br />

In today’s world, traveling with social media at our<br />

fingertips is visibly very different to the days before it was<br />

so accessible. People no longer rely on guidebooks and<br />

oversized paper maps to navigate a new location. Instead<br />

they have instant access to real-time information and look<br />

for inspiration from real people via social media. Many go<br />

so far as to recreate a pose from one of their favorite celebs<br />

or Instagrammers.<br />

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#Unattainable Instagram<br />

The year of <strong>2019</strong> will see an increased focus on travel<br />

influencing that is genuine and honest. The most popular<br />

social media travel channels will be those creating<br />

practical, useable content more so than inaccessible or<br />

fake imagery. While travelers want to view content that<br />

they feel is real, there are some who fall to the pressures<br />

of social media. Many are guilty for having used an older,<br />

more flattering photo of themselves on holiday from a<br />

previous trip, for the trip they were on, while others will<br />

snap a photo of an accommodation pretending they were<br />

staying there when in fact they were staying elsewhere.<br />

Booking.com’s study also found that over one quarter<br />

of travelers say that they prefer unique and quirky<br />

accommodation (26%) over more traditional places. Two<br />

fifths value being unique in their travels, looking to visit a<br />

destination that none of their friends have been to (43%).<br />

And though all good things must come to an end, some<br />

travelers pretend to still be on vacation when in fact,<br />

they’re home sweet home. Maybe sometimes living<br />

vicariously through our own social media pages beats<br />

living in reality?<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 43


Varanasi<br />

BY: KOUSHIK CHATTERJEE<br />

A wildlife and travel photographer<br />

from India as well as a Photography<br />

Expedition leader<br />

Equipment: Nikon as my primary<br />

gear and Tamron Lenses<br />

Website: earthpicturesque.com<br />

Instagram: @earthpicturesque<br />

Varanasi, Benaras (or Kashi) is one of the oldest<br />

living cities in the world – and legend has it, that<br />

it was here that Shiva and Parvati stood, at the<br />

beginning of time. A vibrant confluence of many<br />

things – myth, reality, culture, mystery, spirituality,<br />

knowledge and architecture, Varanasi is more than<br />

a destination to visit, it is an experience.<br />

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For any globetrotter traveling to Varanasi the prime attraction is towards the<br />

Varanasi ghat. The early morning sun hung large and low in the sky. Slowly, it<br />

rose, shining brightly, casting a dewy glow over the holy river and the ghats.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 45


I loved the magical light filtering through the claustrophobic alleys. You would never<br />

know when you might cross paths with a moody cow or other residents. This is Kāshi<br />

(Where the soul finds salvation). Like this dog takes her siesta very seriously.<br />

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The architecture of the buildings rising up from the ghats is interesting,<br />

and the color of the buildings is surpassed only by the color of life in<br />

this charismatic city.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 47


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With hundreds of temples, and countless pilgrims coming to Varanasi every<br />

day the Flower sellers from nearby cities like Gazipur, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh<br />

also come here to buy flowers to be sold in local markets.


Walking on the ghats of Ganga in Kashi is like a looking at a slice of life – where devotion<br />

and playfulness co-exist. Here a child offering evening prayer to river Ganga.<br />

Varanasi effortlessly blends the new with the old. Tourists jostle with the cows and the pilgrim<br />

crowds and most find peace in the most cacophonous environment they are likely to ever find.<br />

People in Varanasi prefers to wear white and orange outfits of cotton made. Saffron dress is preferred<br />

by religious people and Hindu saints. A thin cotton-made towel (locally called “Gamcha”) is another<br />

distinguishing feature of Varanasi people. It is a multi-utility cloth piece which is used in various<br />

ways like as handkerchief, towel, turban. Like here a cute kid witnessing the innumerable travelers<br />

and devotees gathering and passing-by.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 49


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The Ganga Aarti is one of the most beautiful experiences in India. The spiritually uplifting<br />

ceremony is performed daily to honor the River Goddess Ganga. It’s common to place a<br />

small candle inside a cup made from leaves and flowers and float it down the river. It is<br />

a common ritual for pilgrims to release them on the holy Ganges as they make a wish.<br />

Hundreds of candles can be seen floating on the river each night.


TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 51


Cities that are Cool<br />

when it is COLD<br />

BY: ANNIE HENNESSEY<br />

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN<br />

In addition to being the world’s<br />

design powerhouse, Stockholm<br />

is also a Nobel Prize contender<br />

for Scandinavia’s friendliest<br />

citizens. No matter how cold<br />

the temperature outside, you’ll<br />

be warmly welcomed with open<br />

arms to this urban city, where<br />

medieval alleys, majestic parks<br />

and an awe-inspiring Royal<br />

Palace will leave you eager to<br />

explore. From December to<br />

February travelers have very<br />

high chances to enjoy the snow<br />

around the city.<br />

Where to stay: Located one floor below the popular<br />

Urban Deli restaurant and marketplace in central<br />

Stockholm, the trendy Hotel With Urban Deli features<br />

industrial-modern rooms near the lively Stureplan<br />

dining and shopping area.<br />

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REYKJAVIK, ICELAND<br />

Iceland rumbles with volcanoes<br />

and geysers and in Reykjavik,<br />

the capital city, the urban and<br />

natural worlds meld together.<br />

See how Hallgrímskirkja<br />

Church, one of the tallest<br />

structures in Iceland, rises<br />

into the sky like an ice wave<br />

or plunge into the geothermal<br />

waters of Nauthólsvík Beach and<br />

warm up faster than you can<br />

say “Eyjafjallajökull”! January is<br />

the coldest month of the year in<br />

Reykjavik and although snow is<br />

not 100% guaranteed, chances<br />

of enjoying the fluffy white snow<br />

are high.<br />

Where to stay: Occupying<br />

a historic 1930s building in<br />

downtown Reykjavik you’ll find<br />

101 Hotel. Chicly designed,<br />

this hotel is a stylish haven for<br />

travelers.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 53


EDINBURGH, UK<br />

There’s something about<br />

Edinburgh and storytelling.<br />

After all, this is the city that<br />

inspired Barrie, Stevenson and<br />

Rowling. Bundle up and let<br />

your imagination take flight<br />

in Old Town’s maze of streets<br />

and write your own story in the<br />

home of haggis (a savory local<br />

cuisine), single malt whisky and<br />

deep-fried Mars bars. During<br />

the winter months, Edinburgh<br />

becomes an atmospheric<br />

destination with cozy cafes and<br />

bars to warm up in and meet the<br />

locals.<br />

Where to stay: Opposite<br />

historic Calton Hill Park, The<br />

Hedges Bed & Breakfast is a<br />

traditional guesthouse with<br />

spacious rooms and an inclusive<br />

breakfast.<br />

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CHICAGO, USA<br />

Nicked named the Windy City,<br />

Chicago experiences its coldest<br />

months in January and February.<br />

Standing proud along the shores<br />

of Lake Michigan, Chicago is<br />

down-to-earth, friendly, and<br />

abounding in culture. Don’t let<br />

the cold stop you! Ice skating in<br />

Millennium Park and shopping<br />

on world-famous Michigan<br />

Avenue are only some of the<br />

activities travelers can enjoy<br />

during the chill of the winter<br />

months.<br />

Where to stay: Just blocks<br />

away from the luxury shopping,<br />

dining and entertainment of<br />

Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent<br />

Mile, the boutique Kimpton<br />

Gray Hotel is in the heart of<br />

Chicago. Guests can warm up<br />

and relax on the hotel’s rooftop<br />

bar and take advantage of the<br />

complimentary evening wine<br />

hour.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 55


Built on a sheer cliff called<br />

Cape Diamond, Québec City is<br />

a genuine gem. While the old<br />

town, where you can uncover<br />

the city’s European roots, is<br />

enchanting year around, it takes<br />

on a whole new dimension of<br />

wonder in the winter. So take<br />

a bite-sized trip packed with<br />

culture along Rue du Petit<br />

Champlain – it bubbles over<br />

with bars and bistros that serve<br />

everything from hearty pub grub<br />

to fancy nouvelle cuisine.<br />

Where to stay: Along the St.<br />

Lawrence River, steps from the<br />

shopping on Le Petit Champlain<br />

Auberge Saint-Antoine is a<br />

stylish hotel with luxurious<br />

guestrooms in Quebec City’s<br />

Old-Port area.<br />

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SAPPORO, JAPAN<br />

Want to feel like a kid again in<br />

<strong>2019</strong>, if so this year, bring the kid<br />

in you out at the annual Snow<br />

Festival in the capital of the<br />

Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido.<br />

This yearly event is hosted every<br />

February and is very popular<br />

amongst both domestic and<br />

international travelers. Snow is<br />

almost guaranteed every winter,<br />

so put on your boots and gloves<br />

and get ready for a snowball<br />

fight.<br />

Where to stay: Grids Sapporo<br />

Hotel & Hostel is in the Sapporo<br />

City Centre district, 400<br />

metres from Odori Park. The<br />

property features dormitory<br />

and private units, as well as a<br />

female dormitory room. Visitors<br />

can leave their baggage at the<br />

property’s storage space and<br />

relax and stay warm in the<br />

shared lounge before exploring<br />

the cool city.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 57


ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA<br />

In the winter, St. Petersburg is<br />

like a real-life snow-globe full<br />

of splendid cathedrals, snowy<br />

parks and charming bridges –<br />

perfect for the 34% of scenerystricken<br />

Canadian travelers that<br />

have said that taking photos for<br />

social media is what they look<br />

forward to the most when going<br />

on vacation. During winter the<br />

city can be covered in snow,<br />

but bundle up, the average<br />

temperature is -6°C during<br />

January and February.<br />

Where to stay: The exclusive<br />

5-star State Hermitage Museum<br />

Official Hotel is set in the 1830’s<br />

mansion in the centre of Saint<br />

Petersburg and represents the<br />

atmosphere of the original<br />

Hermitage Museum. Guests will<br />

have the opportunity to stay in<br />

luxurious rooms and suites with<br />

elegant furnishings, designed by<br />

Italian woodwork masters from<br />

Florence.<br />

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TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 59


TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE IN <strong>2019</strong><br />

BY BRITNEY HOPE<br />

Now more than ever before, travel can be a catalyst for positive social change, an<br />

economic driver for environmental conservation, and transformative – in nearly every<br />

sense of the word. This coming year, instead of looking at travel as merely a means of<br />

discovery and exploration, consider how your trip plans could be more purposeful,<br />

whether that means challenging yourself physically, seeking out a road less traveled, or<br />

making a meaningful impact on the destination you visit.<br />

Don’t know where to start? Here are five purposeful holidays for <strong>2019</strong> from the experts at<br />

Bannikin <strong>Travel</strong> & Tourism.<br />

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Start the year off right by making travel<br />

plans that leave a positive impact.<br />

EMBRACE PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES<br />

In an attempt to honor our natural resources, permaculture is a growing travel trend which encourages greater respect<br />

for the earth. In April <strong>2019</strong>, the first boutique ecolodge of its kind will open its doors in Colombia, ushering in a new<br />

era of experiential travel in South America. Cannúa, an 18-room retreat set within 27-acres of protected forest, was<br />

conceptualized as a permaculture retreat from the very beginning, and its overall holistic approach has been rooted<br />

in permaculture principles. Specifically designed to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings using sustainablysourced<br />

building materials such as bamboo and compressed earth blocks, Cannúa will supply its on-site restaurant<br />

with two acres of organic gardens and permaculture-informed food forests. cannua.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 61


BE A CITIZEN SCIENTIST<br />

Citizen science, the act of collecting data on flora and fauna, is a great way to give back in-destination. Rainforest<br />

Expeditions’ four lodges, a group of retreats in Tambopata, Peru, have designed such experiences called Wired<br />

Amazon, an initiative of interactive science projects created specifically for travelers. Among these activities is<br />

Discover a New Species, an experience led by Dr. Juan Cardos which studies a rich biodiversity of insect families.<br />

Similarly, travelers with Rainforest Expeditions can also partake in the Tambopata Macaw Project which researches<br />

how Macaws live in the rainforest. perunature.com<br />

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GO INTO THE WOODS<br />

There’s never been a better time to disconnect from our devices and go on a natural escape where unplugging is not<br />

just encouraged - it’s necessary. Beautiful hikes into ancient, thousand-acre forests, stunning mountainscapes in<br />

remote lodges and long walks on unchartered coastlines are just as enjoyable without a hashtag. New Zealand Walking<br />

Tours guides lead travelers through paths less trodden that reach locations not accessible by land vehicles, so guests<br />

can expect a renewed sense of energy and opportunities for quiet contemplation with every step. As John Lennon once<br />

said, life is what happens when you’re busy making plans, and in today’s context, life is what happens between Wi-Fi<br />

signals. newzealandwalkingtours.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 63


DIG DEEPER IN-DESTINATION<br />

While Earth may not have many places left undiscovered, there are plenty of opportunities to dig deeper into<br />

existing destinations and uncover cultures that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Ireland, a country filled with<br />

deep history, is still home to communities rich with ancient Irish culture. Discover the Emerald Isle’s great outdoors<br />

with Wilderness Ireland’s hike along the Wicklow Way, or explore remote, historic towns which still honor Ireland’s<br />

ancient culture. One such place is Dingle, which boasts of the 6th century Reask Monastic Site. This ancient city is<br />

also home to some of the oldest archaeological sites in the country, such as the Gallarus Oratory, said to be the best<br />

preserved early Christian Church in Ireland, and the Dún Beag Fort, which dates back over 2000 years to 500 BC.<br />

wildernessireland.com<br />

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COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS EXPLORATIONS<br />

Choosing socially-aware travel that involves slow food, local initiatives, and responsible destination development is a<br />

way to make travel more purposeful. Adventure Canada’s circumnavigation of Newfoundland delivers all of the above.<br />

Visit the Indigenous community of Miawpukek, whose residents have successfully married centuries-old traditions<br />

with contemporary culture. Also journey to L’Anse aux Meadows, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site -<br />

and home to a 1000-year-old Norse settlement. adventurecanada.com<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 65


Where Mountains<br />

and Movies Meet<br />

Whistler Film Festival - Canada’s Coolest Film Festival’<br />

BY: LESLEY DIANA<br />

“This year was demonstrably our best event ever, with enthusiastic sold out screenings. Two thirds of<br />

our programming was Canadian, and 46% of the films were directed by women,” said Paul Gratton,<br />

WFF Director of Programming. “There was also more diversity in the selection, with stories told<br />

by people of color (IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK), Indigenous (FALLS AROUND HER,<br />

RED ROVER and TROUBLE IN THE GARDEN) and films dealing with the LGBTQ community<br />

(ROOBHA, LOVE SCOTT). In many ways, you could measure the increasing sophistication and<br />

openness of Whistler audiences to quality cinema from around the world.”<br />

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Eighteen years ago the Whistler Film<br />

Festival (WFF) set on an adventure<br />

to host films and filmmakers from<br />

around the world. Today the festival<br />

continues to grow and is recognized<br />

for screening Oscar contenders<br />

before they have a wide release.<br />

Held each year for five days on the<br />

first weekend in December, the 2018<br />

festival top billing opened with the<br />

sold out screening of the feature film<br />

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS starring<br />

Oscar nominees Saoirse Ronan (Lady<br />

Bird) and Margot Robbie (I Tonya)<br />

before its wide release in North<br />

American theaters. Josie Rourke’s<br />

breathtakingly beautiful directorial<br />

debut chronicles the family rivalry<br />

and explores the turbulent life<br />

between Queen Elizabeth (Robbie)<br />

and Mary (Ronan), when the latter<br />

attempted to overthrow her cousin’s<br />

seat on the English throne. The other<br />

highly anticipated films screened<br />

were IF BEALE STREET COULD<br />

TALK, the first film from director<br />

Barry Jenkins since winning the<br />

Academy Award for Best Picture<br />

with MOONLIGHT. The Whistler<br />

Film Festival’s Audience Award went<br />

to ON THE BASIS OF SEX, Mimi<br />

Leder’s topical biography of Supreme<br />

Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg<br />

played by Felicity Jones. It’s the<br />

under-the-radar product that WFF<br />

does best.<br />

At the time of writing this article<br />

the <strong>2019</strong> Golden Globe and SAG<br />

Awards announced many actors<br />

and best film nominations included<br />

the films screened at the Whistler<br />

Film Festival.<br />

I have been attending the film<br />

festival for many years and this is<br />

one of the best festivals to attend if<br />

a film industry career is calling you.<br />

The festival makes it easy to attend<br />

workshops and networking parties,<br />

meet actors and directors while<br />

networking with like-minded people.<br />

With more than 1,000 submissions,<br />

festivalgoers experienced 85 films<br />

from over 12 countries, including<br />

leading award season fare, meritable<br />

Canadian content and more female<br />

directed films than ever before.<br />

“In 2018 at our 18th edition, the<br />

Whistler Film Festival truly come<br />

of age as a filmmaker’s festival,”<br />

said Shauna Hardy Mishaw, WFF<br />

Executive Director and Founder.<br />

“The level of talent and industry that<br />

came together to participate in our<br />

Film Festival, Content Summit and<br />

Talent Programs was by far the most<br />

impressive to date. We maintained<br />

our commitment to making media<br />

equitable with our Women on Top<br />

Series and being inclusive of diverse<br />

voices throughout our programming,<br />

which included an increased focus<br />

on more Indigenous and diverse<br />

talent and stories.”<br />

The event features four themed days<br />

with 30 interactive sessions designed<br />

to foster business connections and<br />

collaborations for filmmakers and<br />

dealmakers through high-level<br />

keynotes and panel discussions<br />

on topics that range from finance,<br />

marketing, distribution and<br />

technology to export. With guest<br />

experts attending from across<br />

Canada and the USA, the Whistler<br />

Film Festival remains a place for the<br />

industry to meet and do business and<br />

includes some of the top talent and<br />

executives in the business.<br />

There is something magical about<br />

a film festival in the mountains. I<br />

went up early to take in some of the<br />

sight and adventures that Whistler<br />

has to offer.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 67


While you’re there...<br />

Flying High<br />

I have a fear of heights so when I was<br />

invited to try Superfly Ziplines I took<br />

on the challenge to conquering my<br />

fear by flying through the trees. For<br />

anyone who seeks adventure, this is<br />

the ‘ticket to ride.’ The brochure says:<br />

“We all crave what is beyond the<br />

everyday. The new, the exciting, the<br />

unordinary. Where we don’t just pass<br />

the time, we forget it even exists. This<br />

is our chance to reboot. Where fun<br />

is the great enabler, and now is all<br />

that matters. This is the adventure we<br />

live for. To seek out the places where<br />

we grow.” I must admit I was rather<br />

proud of myself once my feet hit the<br />

ground after the last line.<br />

Superfly Ziplines operates with a<br />

unique harness system that creates<br />

the most comfortable ride possible as<br />

you fly from mountain to mountain<br />

so you feel safe. All four ziplines at<br />

Superfly have two lines that run sideby-side,<br />

which allows you to share<br />

your experience while you race down<br />

the lines at speeds reaching up to 100<br />

km per hour! The Adventure Group<br />

is located at Cougar Mountain,<br />

just a quick ten-minute drive from<br />

Whistler Village and is also home to<br />

Snowmobile Tours. agwhistler.com<br />

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Where to Stay<br />

Hot, Cold, Relax, Repeat!<br />

With all the exhilaration behind me<br />

Scandinave Spa is an experience.<br />

As a unit publicist on TV series<br />

many of the cast that I’ve worked<br />

travel to Whistler on their days off<br />

to reboot after grueling 12-hour<br />

days on set. I had to see what they<br />

were talking about.<br />

Scandinave Spa in Whistler is<br />

the perfect destination to enjoy<br />

relaxation in the heart of nature.<br />

Engulfed in a peaceful spruce and<br />

cedar forest this 25,000 square foot<br />

outdoor day spa is a Nordic-inspired<br />

oasis of calm. Their philosophy is to<br />

disconnect from your busy life and<br />

enjoy pure relaxation as you breathe<br />

in the invigorating mountain air.<br />

No phones allowed! Experience the<br />

unique sensation of contrasting hot,<br />

cold, relax and repeat. Allow a few<br />

hours to follow the cycle to soothe<br />

tired muscles, eliminate toxins<br />

and improve circulation. Warm<br />

your body in the Eucalyptus steam<br />

room, hot baths or wood burning<br />

Finnish sauna then cool down in<br />

the refreshing Nordic waterfalls,<br />

cold plunges or outdoor shower. Be<br />

Brave!! It is chilly but invigorating!!<br />

Then experience the Multi-Purpose<br />

Yoga Studio, Relaxation Rooms or<br />

Sun Deck, terraces with three to four<br />

rotations you will experience the true<br />

meaning of relaxation. scandinave.<br />

com/whistler/<br />

This year I booked into the Four<br />

Seasons Whistler. My first stop was<br />

for spiked hot chocolate and s’mores<br />

by the vintage camper and fire pit. I<br />

then got to unwind in the luxury of<br />

my room with the fireplace warming<br />

me up. While lying in bed writing<br />

this article I really took the time to<br />

enjoy the hotel rather than just using<br />

it as a place to sleep. Rooms are well<br />

appointed – a luxurious bathroom,<br />

a table for work – and – a walk in<br />

closet! I settled in for the night.<br />

After a restful night sleep, rather than<br />

rushing I ordered from the ‘Laze &<br />

Graze’ breakfast menu. I ordered the<br />

Coast Mountain Breakfast in bed.<br />

Too much to eat in one setting, I went<br />

for a swim in their heated pool while<br />

big snowflakes floated down. One<br />

of the most memorable moments I<br />

have ever experienced! I also had a<br />

steam and hot tub before heading<br />

back up to my room to nibble. So<br />

relaxed that it was hard to find the<br />

energy to pack. It brought new<br />

meaning to the phrase ‘checked out’!<br />

fourseasons.com/whistler<br />

After a full five days of the festival you<br />

may want to gather your thoughts as<br />

you reflect on all the talent, the films,<br />

the workshops, the networking that<br />

you have experienced.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 69


Photographing<br />

BY: EMILY FORD<br />

London’s<br />

Most<br />

Iconic<br />

Monuments<br />

70 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


London is one of the greatest cities in the world.<br />

There are so many iconic and historical sites that,<br />

as a photographer, it can be hard to know where to<br />

get started. Whether you’re a tourist snapping on<br />

your mobile or planning a trip specifically to take<br />

photos, you need to have a plan. We’ve created this<br />

guide to outline so of the top locations in London for<br />

photography.<br />

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben<br />

Perhaps the most ‘English’ view is that of the<br />

Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of<br />

Westminster. The location, next to the River Thames,<br />

has been used as a royal palace since the 11th century,<br />

but the current building has been in place since 1840.<br />

The clock tower of Big Ben is one of the most famous<br />

landmarks in the world.<br />

To get the best shot, head to the South Bank and get a<br />

wide-angle shot from across the river. If you want to<br />

get closer, walk across Westminster Bridge and take<br />

some shots down the river.<br />

St Paul’s Cathedral<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 71


One of the landmarks you<br />

can see from the top of<br />

The Shard is St Paul’s<br />

Cathedral. As one of the<br />

most important buildings<br />

in London, there has been a<br />

church on the site since AD 604.<br />

The domed roof of the current<br />

structure has been there since 1697.<br />

For the ideal angle of the Cathedral,<br />

head to the Millennium Bridge and<br />

take your shot from there. You can<br />

also get a great view of the Tate<br />

Modern.<br />

The Tower Bridge<br />

Next to Big Ben, Tower Bridge<br />

is one of the most recognizable<br />

structures in London. This<br />

suspension bridge was completed<br />

in 1894 and spans the Thames.<br />

Many people confuse it with<br />

London Bridge, which is far less<br />

impressive.<br />

You can get a great picture<br />

of Tower Bridge from either<br />

side of the river, but from<br />

some angles, you can also get some<br />

of London’s modern skyline in the<br />

background, including The Gherkin.<br />

The London Eye<br />

This giant Ferris wheel is the UK’s<br />

most popular paid tourist attraction.<br />

It was opened to the public as part<br />

of the Millennium celebrations<br />

and has firmly established itself in<br />

popular culture. Not only can you<br />

get some great shots of it, but riding<br />

it affords some excellent views of<br />

London.<br />

72 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Buckingham Palace<br />

Another famous destination is<br />

Buckingham Palace, the London<br />

residence of the royal family. As one<br />

of the top tourist locations, it’s going<br />

to be very busy, so it can be hard to<br />

get that ideal shot. However, if you<br />

head to the fountain in front of the<br />

Palace gates early in the morning,<br />

you might get a lucky shot.<br />

If you plan on seeing the changing<br />

of the guard, head to the back of the<br />

Palace near the gardens.<br />

Abbey Road<br />

You may have heard of a small band<br />

from Liverpool called The Beatles.<br />

They had some popularity back in<br />

the 60s. One of the most iconic<br />

shots of the Fab Four was taken<br />

on Abbey Road zebra crossing,<br />

near the studio of the same<br />

name. If you’re in any way a<br />

fan of the quartet, or some<br />

of the other huge names<br />

who have recorded there,<br />

you should definitely take a<br />

picture.<br />

Canary Wharf<br />

London’s financial district is home<br />

to a number of skyscrapers and<br />

impressive buildings. If you can<br />

get a shot at sunrise, you’re almost<br />

guaranteed a good picture. You be<br />

asked by security what you’re doing,<br />

but if you head to Cabot Square,<br />

you can get an amazing view of the<br />

Wharf across the river.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 73


eat your way across the<br />

Emerald Isle<br />

BY BRITNEY HOPE<br />

Rooted in tradition but defined<br />

by innovation, Ireland’s cuisine is<br />

often underestimated by many a<br />

food-loving traveler. In fact, most<br />

people may not know that long<br />

before its famous 19th century<br />

famine, Ireland was heavily reliedupon<br />

for its culinary exports<br />

– namely, its meats, seafood and<br />

dairy. Since then, the Emerald<br />

Isle has really come into its own<br />

as an up-and-coming epicurean<br />

destination, and visitors can find<br />

everything from foraged greens<br />

and freshly-caught ceviche to<br />

savoury seafood chowder and<br />

delicious handmade cheeses. Of<br />

course, the farmers and artisans<br />

crafting these tasty treasures<br />

are scattered to the wind across<br />

the country, and not all the<br />

experiences below are readily<br />

available, so having a guide who<br />

can hook you up with the right<br />

tailor-made experience – like the<br />

folks at Wilderness Ireland – really<br />

comes in handy.<br />

Here are a few great reasons why<br />

you should start packing – and<br />

working up an appetite – for your<br />

next trip to Ireland.<br />

74 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


While colcannon (a creamy<br />

concoction of potatoes, butter<br />

and greens) is largely considered<br />

the ultimate of Irish comfort<br />

foods, there’s so much more to<br />

this country’s culinary landscape<br />

than cabbage and spuds. Belfast, a<br />

growing favorite for urban foodies<br />

– and typically less pricey than<br />

Dublin – has excellent restaurants<br />

serving up everything from high<br />

tea to homestyle pub food to<br />

traditional dishes with a modern<br />

twist. Check out both Belfast’s<br />

cuisine and history before hiking<br />

the Causeway Coastal Route and<br />

Donegal. If you’re thinking of<br />

biking the Kerry Peninsulas, both<br />

Kerry and Cork have a reputation<br />

for mixing traditional dishes with<br />

fresh new ingredients sourced<br />

from across the country.<br />

The wild shores of Ireland are<br />

full of delicious and edible items<br />

often overlooked by most. For<br />

adventurous families, explore the<br />

rugged coastlines of Connemara<br />

with a local seaweed and foraging<br />

expert to learn about their value as<br />

an Irish “superfood” (some enjoy<br />

it in cheese, soups and even as<br />

dessert)! In southwest Ireland, sail<br />

the waters of Kerry in search of<br />

sashimi-grade goods for a custommade<br />

picnic lunch. Foragingto-fork<br />

is another popular way<br />

to explore the rugged valleys of<br />

Kerry. Set out on a guided salad<br />

trek to collect fennel, kelp and<br />

other free-growing greens, then<br />

enjoy your harvest in the kitchen<br />

of a local farmhouse.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 75


Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ireland’s<br />

great sweeping landscapes<br />

have made an ideal pasture for<br />

livestock agriculture – and its<br />

grasses, often grown in the salty<br />

sea breeze, make for some truly<br />

excellent grass-fed butter, cheese<br />

and ice cream. The Aran Islands<br />

are beloved for encapsulating<br />

Irish traditions, be that the Irish<br />

language, traditional music and<br />

dance or tasty farm-to-fork<br />

products – particularly, goat’s<br />

cheese. Take a break from hiking<br />

Connemara and the Cliffs of<br />

Moher to visit a goat farm on Inis<br />

Mór, and learn how they make<br />

their goat’s cheese, gouda and feta<br />

products before sampling some<br />

of the very best grass-fed cheese<br />

around.<br />

Sligo, or Sligeach in Irish, literally<br />

translates to “shelly place” –<br />

implying that the region’s famed<br />

Lissadell Mussels, oysters and<br />

other shellfish were enjoyed<br />

long before we had a name for<br />

them. In fact, many lovers of<br />

moules-frites may be surprised<br />

to find that Lissadell Mussels are<br />

a fan-favourite of chefs in both<br />

London and Paris. Should you<br />

find yourself hiking the mountains<br />

of Connemara and Mayo, be sure<br />

to stop in at an oyster farm, where<br />

visitors can sample the wares of<br />

Ireland’s aquaculture – paired<br />

with a pint of Guinness, of course.<br />

Prefer your seafood fully-cooked<br />

after a long day’s hike? Dingle<br />

boasts a great selection of seafoodonly<br />

eateries where you can<br />

indulge in a daily catch prepared<br />

crispy, creamy, chargrilled or in<br />

chowder form.<br />

76 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM


Speaking of chowder – being a<br />

seaside trove of ocean bounty,<br />

Ireland’s seafood chowder is a<br />

source of pride throughout the<br />

island, with many pubs claiming<br />

to boast a first-rate recipe. The<br />

search for the island’s champion<br />

chowder is a favorite pastime<br />

of visitors and locals alike, and<br />

though legend tells of a converted<br />

barn in northern Donegal that<br />

serves up a truly beautiful bowl,<br />

everyone knows that the hunt is<br />

half the fun. Hop on a cycling tour<br />

of the cliffs and coast of Donegal<br />

to weigh in on which bowl is best.<br />

There’s plenty of ways to wash<br />

it all down… Naturally, the best<br />

way to enjoy a delicious dish in<br />

Ireland is with a perfect pairing –<br />

whether that be whiskey, Guinness<br />

or gin. The Irish word for whiskey<br />

literally translates to “the water<br />

of life” – a fitting phrase for a<br />

country known for its distilleries.<br />

Old Bushmills Distillery, licensed<br />

in 1608 and one of Ireland’s<br />

most respected, is only a stone’s<br />

throw from the iconic Dunluce<br />

Castle and Giant’s Causeway on<br />

Northern Ireland’s Causeway<br />

Coast. Not to be outdone, gin is<br />

another popular Irish liqueur,<br />

thanks to the island’s abundance<br />

of juniper. Visit Ireland’s Ancient<br />

East where you’ll meet a local<br />

forager to collect your own<br />

juniper before going back school<br />

at the Listoke Distillery and Gin<br />

School for a lesson in field-toglass<br />

mixology that ends with your<br />

very own bottle of gin.<br />

TRAVEL OFTEN . LIVE WELL . 77


SUBTLE CRYSTAL JEWELRY FOR THE MODERN BOHÈME<br />

VANCOUVER, CANADA<br />

78 . <strong>DRIFT</strong>TRAVEL.COM

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