Diana Ballon went on her first bike tour a couple of years ago and hasn’t looked back since. She shares her experiences of exploring the world on two wheels, one pedal stroke at a time.
Fight or flight: How to quell air rage before it takes off
As we head into the busy holiday travel season, here’s what experts say you can do to stay calm in flight and help others around you do the same.
Taking it slow in Eastern Spain
After years of both frenetic and leisurely travel, I’ve learned that a slow pace is the fastest route to a peaceful mind. My first-ever trip to Spain in 1989 was part of a mad-dash Eurail blitz across 10 countries. But for my recent return to that country, I instead spent three weeks exploring a small section, along its northeast coast. I got onto a bicycle whenever feasible and I focused more on lesser known, and more serene natural landscapes instead of big cities and famous sites.
More than just biking in the Baltics
From Tallinn’s storybook spires to Riga’s elegant facades and the baroque charm of Vilnius, the Baltic capitals know how to enchant. But for Diana Ballon, the real discovery began when she explored the region by bike. Initially drawn by the promise of flat terrain, the Canadian journalist soon realised the Baltics offer so much more than flat-out fun. With its rich history and resilient people, her journey became an immersive exploration of the region’s heart, culture, and soul.
How to Get Your 20-Something Kids to Travel with You: Tempt Them with Tequila
When my son was noncommittal about coming home for reading week – and Flair Airlines announced $300 round trip fares to Guadalajara — I decided to entice him and his sister with a family trip to Mexico for the break.
Taking It Slow: Island-Hopping in Croatia
With 1,200 islands in Croatia, which will you choose?
Small Ship, Big Adventure: Exploring the Scottish Hebrides
“Eagle,” my husband called out to the other avid birder on our small ship cruise in the Inner Hebrides. “Come quick.” Out raced Penny, binoculars slung over her neck, desperate to add the white-tailed eagle to her life list. This eagle is so massive it’s often described as a “flying door” with outstretched wings as broad as planks.
A big adventure on a wee ship in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides
Look, another rainbow,” I say, pointing out one of the side portholes of our small ship to a perfect striped arc crossing water and sky. My husband responds with a mock snore. Rainbows are common in the Hebrides, where weather shifts dramatically – rain and sun appear and disappear in quick succession, making for moody skies accentuated by often dark clouds. The captain once saw 18 rainbows in a single afternoon.
Lessons from the Blue Zones: Why Blue Zones Matter to Women in a World Obsessed with Living Longer
Do Blue Zones hold the key to women’s longevity?
Anxious about travelling? Six ways to manage your inner turbulence
Make your next trip the best it can be with these strategies for stress management.