Rediscovering the Joy of The Moment
My last blog post was recapping my time in quick turnaround in Vancouver before I took a ferry with my car to Vancouver Island. I spent a total of 3 weeks on the island which felt like a whirlwind visiting Ladysmith, Courtenay (inside the Comox Valley), celebrating friend’s marriage on Sproat Lake, camping on Hornby Island, lastly driving north to Campbell River. I then began my passage back “down” island stopping in Vancouver again before reversing my steps on the lower highway back to the Okanagan.
Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island
If the places I mentioned sound like gibberish to you, welcome to western Canada and the province of British Columbia. These destinations need to be on your wish list as the beauty of BC is untouchable. Even after spending 10 years in Vancouver, and visiting these destinations before they still give me a “wow” dopamine hit again, they’re truly special.
Ferry Crossing back to Vancouver
And to have the flexibility to enjoy mid-day boat rides, or wine tastings, jump in with new friends for a pizza dinner, take a Friday off to go camping makes me feel extra lucky to work on the road and travel. Yes I’m sneaking in edits of the podcast while waiting for the ferry, I’m taking phone calls early morning to meet with folks in Europe, and the song by Reba “I’m a Survivor” rings extremely true (minus the kids part).
It’s been a juggling act as a solo traveller, as it always is. I’m the driver, navigator, chef, boss, producer, project manager, trainer and while I desire the company of a partner and longer term travel friends I know this chapter is super unique and one I’ll be proud to reflect on.
If any of this resonates with you, respond with a comment below, it’s a joy to connect on common experiences with folks!
MONTENEGRO GROUP TRIP
POP-UP COLIVING IN THE BALKANS
One month on the Adriatic where time slows, friendships spark, work output flows, sunsets are pure magic and we do the damn thing — together.
September 27 - October 27, 2025
Private accommodations [bed, bath + kitchen] + weekly cleaning
A space to work, relax + connect [rooftop terraces 😍]
Coworking space [less than 15 minute walk] with reliable wi-fi
Onsite Community Manager / Host
Welcome dinner [vegetarian friendly]
At least 2 pre-planned activities
Group workouts led by Coach Shandi
Community activities such as skill shares, masterminds, hikes, swims, snorkelling, community dinners etc.
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Walking distance to beaches
Membership to the Your Travel Friend Community
Daily tourism tax
Can’t make it? Share this with a friend instead!
P.s. there is a solo female traveller looking to split an apartment with any girlies [+ be more budget friendly]
FAVOURITES
📺 Watching
Since Love Island wrapped up [p.s. Pepe if you ever become single 😉] I'm binge watching Perfect Match which was just released
🍌 Num in my Tum
Ciders are my go to summer drink + loved tasting some from Fossil Beach Farm’s on Hornby Island alongside some other BC favourites - Lonetree, No Boats on Sunday + Grower’s
✈️ Travel Fav
Always having access to data so I don’t get lost driving on this road trip! Airalo e-sims are still my fav after 3 years
WHERE SHE BUILDS | EP. 5
Ever paid for a dinner bill with friends abroad and instantly regretted not talking money sooner?
In this episode, we dive into the practical but often overlooked side of travel—managing your money. From personal finance habits and expense tracking to navigating international banking, we share what’s worked for us so far (and what definitely hasn’t), including tools like Splitwise, Revolut, Wise, and Anna’s Money Tracker.
COMMUNITY
🕺🏼 Hello 14 new subscribers on YouTube
🤳🏼 3 friends joined on Instagram
📧 Welcome to the person who joined this newsletter
🌎 YTF WhatsApp Community had 4 new friends join! That’s over 220 Travel Friends!
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