Just outside of Kyoto, Japan, lies one of the most mesmerizing temples high up in the mountains. The Kurama-dera Mountain Temple is known for its natural powers of inspiration and enlightenment simply by just visiting such a picturesque temple. By train, travel from the city to suburb to forests to the most splendid temple. Upon arriving at the temple, the views of valley down below are truly breathtaking. The temple is simply beautiful with its breathtaking archiecture and perfection up in the mountains.

It truly places a sense of awe and wonder as you embark on your own quest for enlightenment traveling to various temples within Asia. One of the lovely things about this temple is that it usually isn’t to busy, which adds that sense of solitude to your adventure. After you snap a photograph or two, and take in its natural beauty through prayer or meditation, follow the path down from the temple to a quaint little town called Kurama. In this town you will not only be surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and countryside, but will rejuvenate your soul as you enjoy The Kurama Hot Springs.

The baths, traditionally known as ‘onsen’ are full of rich minerals to energize your body, mind and soul. We suggest you take the walk to the hot springs and back as it is just a short walk, and takes you through the beautiful Japanese countryside. Whether your in Kyoto for a day or three, ensure you set aside half a day or a day to embark on this journey through the mountains like no other.

Bali is a place where simplicity meets perfection. It is a place where you truly feel miles and miles away from your ordinary life and are swept into a time where appreciating the nature beauty of a place is met with embracing a culture so vibrant and unique. Wake up to the sunrise on Mount Batur just once and you will feel all your cares and worries wash away in this fast-paced world. Getting the chance to view Bali from the ski bright and early in the morning may not be an ideal thing to do while on vacation (as we all know it really isn’t that much fun to wake up at 2am), but trust us when we way you won’t be disappointed with this trek.

With local guides, hike uphill just before sunrise to the summit of Mount Batur. Just before the sunrises, take a seat to take the night sky turned light. It truly is a magical way of viewing the world from up high in the mountains and with the most knowledgeable guides, you will enjoy a simplistic volcanic breakfast all the while hearing stories and learning about the history of Mount Batur. Many of the traditional hiking treks end with exploring the craters, caves, valleys and peaks of Mount Batur, which certainly is icing on the cake for this adventure. If you ever find yourself in Bali, make it a point to hike up Mount Batur just before sunrise, you truly will not be disappointed by the most splendid view.

Picture this; up in the mountains, peaceful tunes, local food, yoga mat down on the earth, and practicing with some of the most notable yoga gurus. This is what each Wanderlust Festival is all about, a time to come together to practice yoga with the ones you love and creating bonds with friends new and old that will last a lifetime. The term ‘wanderlust’ has been around for years, but it wasn’t until a few friends decided to create a festival to bring likeminded individuals together in a space of love, light and bliss.

The event is held across North America and most recently in New Zealand & Australia. From the beaches of Hawaii to the beautiful lands of Australia each year brings a new location, inspiring speakers, notable chefs and legendary teachers. It is a time for you to rejuvenate yourself in the most empowering kind of way, spending endless hours doing yoga, eating the freshest, most local foods and embarking on your own self-discovery journey. What is so wonderful about Wanderlust is that you not only get to embark on such a lovely journey, but you get to do so in some of the most amazing places around the world. Better yet, if the price of a ticket is a little too steep for you, not to worry as you can volunteer your time and get a free ticket for doing so, karma exchange is certainly the new ‘it’ thing to better your mind, body and soul. If you love yoga, and are ready for a yogic-inspired adventure of a lifetime book your spot at the next Wanderlust Festival, you certainly be in a state of bliss for the weekend and beyond.

Happy Wanderlusting!

Thinking of passing up on travel insurance?

Think again.

Travel insurance is one of the best investments you will make when traveling abroad. Getting stuck in another country without proper coverage could lead to $1000’s of dollars in bills.

We will be following up this post with a mini series on travel insurance brought to you by an insurance broker in the Niagara Region.

Stay Tuned!

Paul LaFratta
Insurance Broker
www.NiagaraInsure.ca

Florence is a historically rich city. There is much to bode about if you are a local of Florence with its high fashion boutique shops to its enchanting cobblestone streets, there is history at The Gucci Museum, statues of the greatest minds and breathtaking religious sights. People who live here find happiness and bliss as they enjoy a dinner at 9pm and take to spending their days enjoying the beauty of their city.
(more…)

Cuba is a popular tourist destination with loads of all inclusive resorts to choose from. Resorts have tons of activities and everything you need for your stay but it’s never really a vacation unless you do some exploring. (more…)

Beaches tinted pink that blend seamlessly into the warm blue ocean and when the sunset lights up the horizon there is no question about the beauty that is Bermuda. But for some of the most breathtaking views you have to go deep down under (more…)

St. Thomas is popular stop on many cruise lines and choosing what to do with the couple hours you have to spend time on land can be difficult. (more…)

Inside The Giger Bar – Photo courtesy of Amy Dianna

While you may have never heard of the Swiss artist H.R. Giger, you’ve definitely seen some of his work if you’ve ever seen the Alien movies. (more…)

Photo courtesy of Kopsahl

If you enjoyed the African Lion Safari you haven’t seen anything yet. While Africa isn’t considered a huge tourist destination like the Caribbean there’s plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife (more…)