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Get inspired with great articles about travel destinations, experiences, hotels and adventures.

An image of two vendors at the Lincoln Christmas Market in Lincolnshire, England
Visiting the Lincoln Christmas Market can get you into the holiday spirit. Photo by DEBBIE OLSEN
Articles, Travel Inspiration

Lincoln Christmas Market

How to Make the Holidays Happy A court jester on stilts was wandering around the wooden stalls at the Lincoln Christmas Market in Lincolnshire, England. Every so often he blasted a small horn and made the formal announcement: “nothing is about to happen.” The square was packed with people, because contrary to the jester’s announcement, something was about to happen. The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral was about to offer a seasonal blessing on the Lincoln Christmas Market following which the Mayor of Lincoln would officially declare the market to be open. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a natural bridge rock formation in Bryce Canyon National Park - best hikes in Bryce Canyon
A natural bridge rock formation in Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo by GREG OLSEN
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Best Hikes in Bryce Canyon

One of the Prettiest Parks in North America If you want to feel a sense of your own smallness, stand at the edge of the 12-mile (19-km) long Bryce Amphitheater. There are few places in the world where the forces of natural erosion are more tangible. Or better yet, go for a walk among the hoodoo formations and colorful rock layers of this amazing national park. Here are our suggestions for the best hikes in Bryce Canyon. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.   Navajo Loop Trail The 1.4 mile Navajo Loop is one …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of Shadow Lake Lodge in Banff National Park Alberta, Canada
Shadow Lake Lodge is an oasis of luxury in Banff’s backcountry. Photo by GREG OLSEN
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Shadow Lake Lodge – Banff Backcountry Bliss

Exploring Banff’s Backcountry in Comfort Canada’s oldest national park contains vast tracts of pristine wilderness that only a few backcountry hikers ever see. The price they pay for their exclusive tour of nature’s most wondrous mountain scenery usually includes a sacrifice of creature comforts – hot showers, warm beds and home cooked meals. But there is another way to experience the backcountry. A stay at Shadow Lake Lodge makes it possible to experience Banff National Park’s amazing backcountry without having to sacrifice life’s little comforts. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.   Related: …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of an iceberg in the fog near Ilulissat, Greenland
Iceberg in the fog. Photo by GREG OLSEN
Articles, Travel Inspiration

Ilulissat, Greenland – Birthplace of Icebergs

Taken by Surprise in Ilulissat, Greenland Our ship slid through the fog on the morning we arrived in Ilulissat, Greenland. It was difficult to see anything through the dense vapor, but we boarded a zodiac and headed into town. As we entered the harbor, the fog lifted and the first iceberg came into view. Minutes later we saw more icebergs and colorful houses. These were our first hints that this remote spot was someplace special. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.   Exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site Just outside the town of …

Greg Olsen
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An image of two skeletons in a Day of the Dead display - Day of the Dead Festival- Día de Muertos
Skeletons are a playful symbol of the Day of the Dead Festival. Photo by DEBBIE OLSEN
Articles, Travel Tips

Day of the Dead Festival

What You Need to Know About Dia de los Muertos The Day of the Dead Festival is celebrated right after Halloween, but even though it includes playful costumes and decorations, it is not a Hispanic version of Halloween. Dia de los Muertos takes place over two days (Nov 1 and 2) as a colorful way for families to come together and celebrate the memory of deceased loved ones. On November 1, families honor deceased children and infants with Dia de los Inocentes and those of the Catholic faith also honor Catholic Saints on All Saints’ Day. November 2 is for celebrating older deceased relatives and is also All Souls’ Day, a day dedicated to prayers for the dead. Both days are national …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of two kids paddleboarding of Yelapa Beach - Jalisco, Mexico
Yelapa is a quiet village when the tour boats aren’t there. Photo by DEBBIE OLSEN
Articles, Travel Inspiration

Yelapa Beach – Where no Roads Go

It’s 9 am on a Sunday morning and as I make my way along the uneven cement sidewalks and little backstreets of the Mexican village of Yelapa, there isn’t a soul in sight. The only sign of life comes when I pass a small convenience store, which is just opening its doors for the day. Even the beautiful golden sand of Yelapa Beach is completely deserted. Surrounded by mountains, there are no roads into Yelapa and the only way to reach the village is by boat from nearby Puerto Vallarta and the first boats haven’t yet arrived. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a hiker jumping from one rock to the next with clouds behind them on Haleakala on the island of Maui, Hawaii - Hiking Maui
You are above the clouds when you’re hiking Haleakala. Photo by DEBBIE OLSEN
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Hiking Maui to Discover its Magic

Finding the Magic on the Magic Isle by Hiking Maui While most travelers come to Maui to worship the sun on its white sand beaches, locals consider the mountains and rain forests to be the island’s most sacred places. For them, the true magic is found in hiking Maui. It is hidden in the wilderness near waterfalls, rain forests and volcanoes. To discover these places is to find the real Maui. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.   Discover the Power of Remote Places Maui has an incredibly diverse terrain that supports a …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of the author grasping a chain to climb up Hidden Canyon Trail in Zion National Park in Utah - Best Zion National Park Hikes
Hidden Canyon Trail has incredible views – even in the spots where you have to grab a chain to stay on the narrow ledge.
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Best Zion National Park Hikes

Zion – A Well-Named National Park There are many wonderful Zion National Park hikes, but one of the best views in the park is at the end of the less traveled Canyon Overlook Trail. As I gazed out at the red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs surrounding the main canyon, it wasn’t hard to see why the canyon was so named. Isaac Behunin, the first Mormon pioneer to homestead inside the gorge called it Zion in 1870, a biblical name for a sacred place of refuge. In today’s hectic world, the name seems more appropriate than ever. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a two people standing on a bridge over Oirade Stream - Lake Tawada and Oirase Gorge
A water crossing on Oirase Stream – Lake Tawada and Oriase Gorge
Articles, Outdoor Adventure

Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge

The leaves had just started to make subtle shifts from green to yellow as my husband and I walked along a well-maintained path beside Oirase Stream in northern Japan. It’s one of the most beautiful hikes in the country – especially in the autumn. We had thought about taking a tour bus through the area, but then decided to rent a car and go on our own. As we walked along at our own pace towards Lake Towada, I was happy with our choice. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.   Do-it-yourself Tour …

Debbie Olsen
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An image of a group of people participating in a yoga class at Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica - Yoga Retreat Costa Rica
Morning yoga at Anamaya Resort
Articles, Travel Inspiration

Anamaya Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica – Resort Review

My husband had never really done yoga before our visit to Anamaya Yoga Retreat Costa Rica and if he ever felt that yoga was for sissies, he doesn’t feel that way anymore. On the first day of our one-week holiday, I looked over to see him shaking as he strained to hold a pose. His heels were almost touching his head – a position he hadn’t experienced since his time in the womb. He was doing better than I was, since I had already rolled out of the position and was watching him. There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, Wander Woman Travel Magazine may receive a small commission at …

Debbie Olsen
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