Torres del Paine National Park, located in the southern reaches of Chile, is home to breathtaking scenery and some of the most famous hikes in the world.  There is a lot of information on the W Trek and camping in “refugios,” with tents and shared bathrooms, but if you’re like me and too old for such endeavours, keep reading for tips on a hassle-free visit to this stunning national park.…

Selling out a retreat requires a mix of strategic planning and targeted marketing. The retreat planning process can be overwhelming for retreat leaders but there are a few key things to focus on which will increase the appeal of your retreat. In Movement Travel’s experience, both from working with retreat leaders and planning our own Signature Retreats, we have noted consistent trends in guest preferences and the factors which make…

Expedition Cruises to polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic allow travelers to explore some of the most remote and untouched regions on the planet.  Here is what I learned on my recent 12-Day journey to Antarctica with polar region specialists, Quark Expeditions.  How Expedition Cruises Differ from Traditional Cruises Expedition Cruises are on much smaller, purpose-built ships, designed to travel in some of the harshest environments.  Most vessels…

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada Located in the Southern Gulf Islands, a short 30-minute seaplane ride from Vancouver (2h 50m by ferry), Salt Spring Island is a perfect getaway during the spring, summer, and early autumn months.  With its abundance of artisans, farms, restaurants, and nature, there is something for everyone. Where to Stay on Salt Spring Island Nestled on the shores of Ganges Harbour, the rustic and tranquil…

“What travel insurance do I need”? is a common question from travellers as COVID 19 may increase the likelihood that travel is cancelled or changed. Many travellers may be covered by employee or credit card policies but it is important to carefully review what is included. These policies often exclude the comprehensive travel insurance coverage needed to be fully protected against unforeseen events.   Prior to purchasing insurance, check the…

Corporate & Executive Retreats - The Key to Success Engage your team through meaningful shared experiences and use corporate retreats as a key tool to promote employee engagement while solidifying your corporate culture.   Since the start of the pandemic and the ensuing Great Resignation, workers are leaving the workforce en masse.  As many employees continue to work remotely for some or all of the time, and with burnout levels higher…

Retreat Leaders' Insurance Needs If you are planning a retreat, you must ensure that both you and your guests are protected from unforeseen events occurring before or during a retreat. If you fail to adequately protect yourself in order to save money, you may find yourself in an expensive litigation scenario with either a retreat guest or supplier. There are many factors outside of your control when hosting a retreat…

Host a Retreat - Work with Movement Travel, a TICO-Registered Travel Agent Hosting your own retreat can be both rewarding and stressful.  In addition, navigating the Travel Industry Council of Ontario’s (TICO) strict guidelines for Special Interest Travel can be confusing.  TICO Special Interest Travel can include, but is not limited to: Yoga Retreats Fitness Retreats Golf Retreats Wellness Retreats Photography or Art Retreats Walking, Hiking or Biking Holidays If…

Being a Person of Colour I never gave much thought before to being a person of colour.  I was born in Canada; my parents were born in Canada and even one of my grandparents was born here.  I was fortunate to grow up in a multicultural community where I did not feel like I was much different from other people.  As a child, I remember racial slurs being used towards…

Unplugging We recently returned from two weeks in Baja California Sur, Mexico.  What was planned as a working holiday quickly became our very own wellness retreat.  It wasn't until we arrived in Mexico that we realized how exhausted and stressed we both felt.       Throughout our vacation, we worked as planned, but left ample time to relax, reflect and nourish our minds and bodies so we could feel well…