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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, Palo Alto, California, United States of America.

This interactive museum is a space where children participate in hands-on learning activities to explore natural phenomena like gravity, inertia, force, motion, balance, energy, states of matter, electricity, and magnetism.

The attached zoo & netted aviary has a peacock roaming about, a climbable treehouse that overlooks the animals, an underwater tunnel and nooks to hide, and close-proximity to flamingos, macaws, meerkats and other animals. This whimsical setting makes for a wonder-filled experience.

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Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin, Texas, United States of America.

Zilker Botanical Garden is a delightful space across 26 acres in the heart of Austin. The garden is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Three areas of the garden are particularly interesting: the Heritage Live Oaks, The Hartman Prehistoric Garden (featuring a variety of vegetation that existed during the time when dinosaurs roamed), and the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden (which offers winding pathways and a place of tranquility).

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share photos from Grand Hyatt, Nashville, Tennessee. Situated between The Gulch, downtown and the base of Broadway Street (honkey tonk galore!), Grand Hyatt Nashville offers a combination of luxury, convenience, and entertainment that makes it a compelling choice for visitors.

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a marvel that combines natural beauty with adventure. At the heart of the park is the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, an engineering masterpiece that stretches 137 meters across the roaring Capilano River and surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees.

The park offers a number of other attractions including the Treetops Adventure, an intricate network of suspended walkways that leads you through the forest canopy with a bird’s eye view of the stunning coastal rainforest below. For those seeking more adventure, the Cliffwalk hangs on the edge of a granite cliff face, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Capilano River Canyon. Visitors can also learn about rich indigenous culture and history of the region.

From the moment you step foot in Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, you’ll be immersed in the perfect blend of natural beauty and exhilarating attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to this iconic park is worth the short drive from downtown Vancouver.

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a stunning oasis nestled in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia. Sprawling across 55 acres, this world-class garden invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

With 7,500 unique plant and flower species and varieties, visitors flock to VanDusen Gardens to admire the diverse range of plants and flowers on display. From vibrant rhododendrons and exotic ferns to delicate cherry blossoms and aromatic roses, the garden is a feast for the senses throughout the year. Different themed gardens such as the Asian Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and Sino-Himalayan Garden showcase plants from specific regions, providing a unique and immersive experience.

If you find yourself in Vancouver, don’t miss the opportunity to visit VanDusen Gardens and indulge in the natural beauty that awaits you.

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share our notes about Courtney Carver’s “Project 333”, a fashion challenge designed to force us to reexamine our relationship with stuff.

In the process, travelers readying themselves to live out of a backpack/carry-on for long-term travel can experiment with living with less.

Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we discuss what items you may consider packing when preparing for a (university) semester abroad program.

We recommend bringing the essentials and other items that may drastically alter the experience without them (i.e. medicine, electronics etc.). By starting with a less-is-more approach, you’ll have a chance to spend some time in-country and assess what additional items you may need to purchase based upon your schedule, activities, weather etc.

Note that most of these recommendations assume you are based in a place with moderate-to-high accessibility to goods. For those studying in the bush, rural areas, or an atypical setup, this post may need to be adjusted to suit your specific circumstance.

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Reading Time: 3 minutesThis post explores the idea of a travel uniform, or clothing that we already turn on a daily basis at home that transitions nicely into our travel plans.

Instead of purchasing new outfits for a trip, select the pieces you already know, love and wear eases decision-making when on the road.

Read more to learn about the numerous benefits and examples of how a travel uniform might come together for a 10-day summer trip.

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Shinjuku Gyoen National Park Tokyo, Japan.

Developed in the Edo Period (1603-1868) as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence, it was transformed into a botanical garden, then a public space used by the Imperial Family (Japan-guide.com, 2023). World War II brought near total devastation to the area, and after extensive repairs, the park opened to the public in 1949.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park offers three different gardens within a single 144-acre park, including a Japanese landscape garden, English Garden and formal French garden.

This park is particularly beautiful during hanami as 1,000+ somei yoshino trees blossom and create a moment-in-time gloriously beautiful atmosphere.

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Reading Time: 2 minutesIn this post we share photos from Shinjuku’s Chuo Park, Tokyo, Japan.

If you need a break from shopping in Shinjuku, or have just feasted at the Park Hyatt’s New York Grill and need a walk, stop through Chuo Park. This lovely space offers two children’s play areas, wild flowers, open concrete expanses for gathering and green space for sport.

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Yanaka, Tokyo, Japan.

Within walking distance to Ueno Park, the shitamachi flair brings visitors to a Tokyo from a previous time. The narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, atmospheric coffee shops and izakaya pubs make for a a wonderful glimpse into a different side of Tokyo.