NomadGirl Travels

I like to travel by myself. It allows me more freedom than having a travel partner. That said, I have traveled with my Mom (and will again), and with my counsin (that did not go so well).  As a solo traveler, and a female traveler, I feel it is sometimes better to travel with a tour company. This is not always the case-- I have traveled to England, California, and parts of New Zealand by myself. But when I do travel as part of a tour, I tend to like the companies that cater to small groups. Here are a list of companies that I have traveled with or had help with booking my trip: Canada Moose Network www.moosenetwork.com This backpacker company has two types of tours. In the West, travelers can hop-on or hop-off wherever they please and then book the next bus that has room available. In the East, tours are scheduled with specific stops and hostels. There are two options for the Moose East tours: Inclusive and non-inclusive. Inclusive is a bit more and all hostels and attractions 

The 'Art Deco' architectural style in Napier, New Zealand makes it a unique place to visit. It did not always look like it does today. On February 3, 1931 a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Hawkes Bay region along the east coast of New Zealand. This was, and still is, New Zealand's most devastating earthquake. Due to the fires and subsequent damage caused by the tremors, downtown Napier was especially hard hit and had to be rebuilt. City planners decided to rebuild the city in the new 'Art Deco' style that was gaining popularity in Spanish countries. The Tom Baker Fountain This 'Art Deco' style gives Napier a unique style in New Zealand, making it a tourist attraction. As Napier is a major port, cruise ships stop there so that people can see the amazing architectural styled buildings in downtown. One major attraction along the waterfront is the Tom Baker Fountain, an 'Art Deco' style fountain that is lit up at night for a light show. '

Québec City is beautiful! La belle ville! Especially Vieux-Québec, the Old City. This is inside a fortress wall that the British built to defend against the Americans and Indians during the Seven Year's War.  Québec City is the only fortified city in North America, outside of México City. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It has a very European feel to it. Inside the wall, one of the gatehouses Outside the wall Québec City was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608. During the Seven Year's War, in 1759, Québec City was captured by the British. In 1763, the French handed the city over to the British, thus starting the long history of resentment between the French and English in Qu é bec that continues to today. The name "Québec" is derived from the Algonquin Indian word Kébec, meaning "where the river narrows". This is because the St. Lawrence River narrows where Québec City sits across the river from L é vi

Canadian Falls A great day trip from Toronto is to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Niagara Falls are shared by the United States and Canada, with the falls split by Goat Island in the middle. One company that offers a trip to Niagara Falls picks up from hostels and hotels in downtown Toronto. The day trip costs $55 CAD and can be bought from various hostels in downtown, including Canadiana Backpackers and Global Village Backpackers. It is also available through Moose Network ( www.moosenetwork.com ) Pick ups take place between 9:15 and 9:45 am. It is approximately an hour drive to Niagara Falls, passing cities including Mississauga, Hamilton, and St. Catherines. Once there, the tour driver takes you to a great view of the Falls at a lookout. After about an hour you have the option of going on the Maid of the Mist. This costs $19 if you were to go alone, but there is a group rate of $16 too, that is offered on the tour at an additional cost. The Maid of the Mist gets you up clos

“Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it.”  ―  L.M. Montgomery ,  Anne of Green Gables I have been traveling in Eastern Canada. One place I have always wanted to see is the home of Anne of Green Gables - Prince Edward Island. I stopped in Charlottetown, the capital and birthplace of Confederation. PEI is known for a several things including: Red beaches, Confederation, and Anne of Green Gables . I went to the Anne of Green Gables store in Charlottetown. It has everything you could want relating to Anne: books, magnets, dolls, calendars, and Raspberry Cordial.  A bit of background to my story is a chapter from Montgomery's book. For those who are not familiar with Anne Shirley, she has a knack for getting into trouble. So here is what happened when Anne's best friend, Diana Barry, came over for afternoon tea. Anne invited Diana over for tea one afternoon, and it was very special because Marilla Cuthbert had given her permission to serve Diana Raspberry