The Journal
Adventures, Guides & Stories
Real guides from real trips — destination breakdowns, packing lists and honest stories from Barbados to Patagonia.
trip-planning
The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide — 4 Weeks Around Aotearoa
New Zealand had been on my list for years before I finally booked a one-way ticket from Barbados and gave myself four weeks to explore the whole country. No rigid plan, no tour groups, just a bus pass
hiking-camping
Walking the West Highland Way with a Toddler — A Realistic Day by Day Guide
There is a version of the West Highland Way that exists on the official website. It involves covering 154 kilometres in around eight days, averaging close to 20 kilometres daily across some of the…
barbados
Barbados Packing List: 20 Items You Must Have
Your flights are booked and now it's time to pack for your Barbados vacation — so where do you start? I was amazed by how many visitors came into shops saying they packed all the wrong things, clothes too hot and heavy…
toddler-travel
The Best Toys, Activities, and Hacks to Keep Toddlers Entertained While Traveling
Travelling with a toddler is a wild mix of adventure and chaos. One moment they're happily pointing out every airplane at the airport, and the next they're melting down because their banana broke in half. It's not…
packing-lists
Mum & Son Hiking Packing List
We are about to embark on a 3 week trip around Argentina and Chile exploring Patagonia and hiking. The goal was to travel as minimalist as possible. This list has managed to fit in my 50L Osprey…
trip-planning
Long Haul Flight Tips: How To Survive Long Haul Flights
Surviving long haul flights in economy is not easy. The confined space and uncomfortable seating makes it even more challenging. One of the downsides of travelling on a budget is that you don't have t
trip-planning
Budget Breakdown: Canadian Rockies Road Trip
So if you followed our adventures on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/wanderingbajans) you may have seen some of our instagram stories about our Canadian Rockies road trip that we started in Whitehorse. Why Whitehorse?…
barbados
Barbados on a Budget
Barbados has a reputation for being expensive — and honestly, it is not entirely undeserved. The high season runs from November to April and during that window, particularly over Christmas when the ce
barbados
Self Drive Island Tour of Barbados by a Local
You've done the south coast. You've done the west coast beaches. You've barely scratched the surface. Barbados is a small island but it contains extraordinary variety — and the only way to really see it is to get…
road-trips
South Island Road Trip — Mount Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown and the Catlins
I had a limited amount of time in New Zealand and it was hard trying to fit in as much as possible while also spending real time with my sister. I think I did quite well — Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Q
toddler-travel
Why the Osprey Renn 50L is the Best Backpack for Single Moms Traveling with Toddlers
Traveling with a toddler as a single mom can feel like a juggling act. You need enough space for gear, clothing, snacks, and comfort items—but without overpacking or weighing yourself down. After…
hiking-camping
Minimalist Adventure Packing Guide for Single Moms Traveling with Toddlers
Traveling as a single mom with a toddler can sound impossible—but it doesn't have to be. With the right strategy, you can keep your load light, stay organized, and still have everything you need for…