A Morning Adventure in Deep Cove, North Vancouver: Hiking, Coffee, & Views!
Travel guide, Blog, Weekend Trip, Vancouver James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, Weekend Trip, Vancouver James Hammond

A Morning Adventure in Deep Cove, North Vancouver: Hiking, Coffee, & Views!

Deep Cove in North Vancouver is one of my favorite places to hang out when looking for somewhere different yet serene.

Deep Cove is a small, picturesque village located at the eastern edge of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the shores of Indian Arm, a fjord that stretches north from Burrard Inlet, surrounded by lush forests and mountains.

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove offers a peaceful escape from the city, known for its waterfront views, outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, and access to trails like the popular Quarry Rock hike.

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48 Hours in Washington, DC: National Monuments & Mount Vernon Adventure
Travel guide, Blog, USA, Weekend Trip James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, USA, Weekend Trip James Hammond

48 Hours in Washington, DC: National Monuments & Mount Vernon Adventure

Washington, DC, has always been on my hitlist of places to visit in the USA.

When I was a young kid watching the news, I always saw videos and photos of the iconic landmarks in this city, such as the National Mall, Lincoln’s Statue, the White House, and Capitol Hill.

Finally, I managed to visit, and this blog combines two visits over two days a year apart, aided by my friends Adam and Stephanie from Road Unraveled.

In this blog, I'm taking you on a weekend trip through the heart of American history—Washington, DC!

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Slow Travel Madeira: Peaceful Exploration and Stunning Views
Blog, Vacation James Hammond Blog, Vacation James Hammond

Slow Travel Madeira: Peaceful Exploration and Stunning Views

It was one of those rare occasions when we went away for a holiday—no plans, just relaxation and sun.

So, where do you go in the middle of winter for a nice, mild, sunny break in Europe?

Madeira, Portugal!

Known for its charming countryside, secluded beaches, and Cristiano Ronaldo, this is a gem of a place for a week’s break—which is precisely what we did!

When travelling, we become guilty of travelling too fast and getting in as many experiences as possible, but this travel is different this week.

I am in Madeira for a relaxing week, enjoying our swimming pool at the accommodation and checking out the island leisurely.

This blog will have great tips and ideas for combining easy travel with relaxation at your own pace.

This came at the end of a seriously fast year of travels, during which we visited over twenty countries and tried to keep my podcasting project going. It was tough going!

I will also share why going on ‘holiday’ is rare for me and why I loved Madeira, some much-needed R&R.

Let’s get stuck in!

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A 7-Day Itinerary in Taiwan: Exploring Taipei and Kaohsiung
Travel guide, Blog, Itinerary, East Asia James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, Itinerary, East Asia James Hammond

A 7-Day Itinerary in Taiwan: Exploring Taipei and Kaohsiung

Welcome to my short and sweet Taiwan adventure!

I'm super excited to take you on a journey through Taiwan in this blog.

Over the next seven days, I'll be exploring the vibrant cities of Taipei and Kaohsiung, discovering their top attractions. From the iconic Taipei 101 and the spiritual Longshan Temple to the bustling Shilin Night Market and the busy Ximending, Taipei has so much to offer.

Then, I'll head south to Kaohsiung, where we'll visit the stunning Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, and the Pier 2 Project.

Our seven-day trip was magical. We checked out awesome night markets to try the famous street food of Taiwan. This episode includes a lot of coffee, temples, memorials, lakes, and views.

I have covered all the bases in this one. We even managed to get into a favourite Japanese haunt for lunch one day; thanks, Coco!

The bullet train was a dream to ride on as we travelled south, and it is an experience you should have once you are there.

Who doesn't want to travel at 300km per hour?

This video has great hostel options if you want a cheaper option in both cities. I even chuck in a few Western brunch places to keep the vultures at bay.

Whether you are planning your own trip to Taiwan or just love travel adventures, this guide has something for everyone.

Let's go on a journey!

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Busan Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit and Historic Gyeongju: A Journey Through Korea's Cultural Heritage Sites.
Travel guide, Blog James Hammond Travel guide, Blog James Hammond

Busan Travel Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit and Historic Gyeongju: A Journey Through Korea's Cultural Heritage Sites.

Today, I am taking you on an unforgettable journey through two of South Korea's most captivating destinations: Busan, the vibrant coastal city, and Gyeongju, the historic treasure trove.

We had spent five days in Seoul, and our aim for the second half of our trip was to always visit somewhere different in Korea. We looked at a map and picked out two exciting places. We had no idea what to expect or find when we headed south towards the coast.

First, we'll explore Busan's bustling streets and stunning beaches, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. I have stunning walks along the beach, with brunch and coffee recommendations to get your juices flowing!

The weather was sensational for our beach trip; sunscreen and a hat are necessary in this video. The colours were breathtaking as I strolled down the boardwalk along the beach.

Next, we'll step back in time as we visit Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Dynasty. Known as the "museum without walls," Gyeongju is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the majestic Bulguksa Temple and the ancient tombs of Daereungwon.

We hopped on a bus from Busan to Gyeongju for a day trip to this quaint little town, which showcases a slice of Korean history. I don't think I have ever seen the colour green like I did in Gyeongju; the colours blew me away.

Join me as I take a little trip into the unknown and try my best to showcase as much as possible in my short time on the southern coast of South Korea.

Whether planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this blog will give you all the inspiration and tips you need.

Let's go on a journey!

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The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Seoul, South Korea
Travel guide, Blog James Hammond Travel guide, Blog James Hammond

The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Seoul, South Korea

Welcome to the bustling heart of South Korea, where ancient traditions meet modern marvels in a city that never sleeps.

We flew into Seoul from Taipei, and it is fair to say that after a great eight days in Taiwan, I had low expectations of Seoul due to previous blogs I had read and videos I had watched.

They described Seoul as boring, grey and too big. Were they right?

No, they were not! This was the most enchanting trip to a place without expectations; Seoul exceeded them.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or a culture enthusiast, Seoul has something incredible to offer. Over the next five days, immerse yourself in a vibrant metropolis brimming with centuries-old palaces, cutting-edge architecture, bustling markets, and top-quality coffee.

Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the top attractions, the best cafes, and must-visit spots that make Seoul an unforgettable destination.

From the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace to the trendy area of Hongdae, I'll guide you through the best experiences this dynamic city offers.

As first-time visitors, this video would be perfect for anyone looking to book a trip to Seoul for a long weekend or a week; there is so much to see and do. I tried to mix the traditional sights with some gems in there, too, and with the weather being hot and humid, there are plenty of cafe stops along the way for coffee.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Seoul!

Let’s dive in!

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Exploring Portland Again: Updated Travel Tips and A New Appreciation For The City
Travel guide, Blog, USA, North America James Hammond Travel guide, Blog, USA, North America James Hammond

Exploring Portland Again: Updated Travel Tips and A New Appreciation For The City

Welcome to the City of Roses! Whether it's been a few years or just a few months since your last visit, Portland always has something new and exciting to offer.

This vibrant, eclectic city constantly evolves, with fresh attractions, updated travel tips, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. In this guide, I will take you beyond the well-trodden paths and introduce you to the latest must-see spots, insider secrets, and local favourites that make Portland an endlessly fascinating destination.

Our last visit was in the Fall of 2019, and little did we know that this would be one of the last times we would visit the USA because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That would be our penultimate trip before the lockdown, and at that point, like most people, we almost took travel for granted.

Since then, we have been itching to return and see this quirky, fabulous city. Late last year, I booked tickets to TravelCon, so I was visiting anyway, but I decided to stay for the long weekend to check out some favourite haunts and new spots.

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