My Fave Places: Travel Writer Claudia Laroye Weighs In With Her Choices

January 20, 2021 ctn_admin

Being a travel writer whose ability to travel has been curbed by the pandemic for 11 months (and counting) is a bit of a contradiction in terms. It’s almost an existential question: am I still a travel writer if I cannot travel?

As it turns out, yes, indeed I am. This on-the-ground holding pattern has permitted me to catch up on a great deal of travel writing work, for which I’m grateful.

I miss travel hugely but have come to terms with not venturing too far from home for the health of those around me and my own well-being. At least until we’re vaccinated against the virus, soon. Fingers crossed.

The enforced downtime has also allowed perspective on how, why and where I travel, and honed my focus on where I plan to spend my time when the opportunity to break free from my own borders arrives.

In the meantime, I spend time writing and travel dreaming for the future. To wit, here are a few of my favorite things, places and spaces, at home and abroad.

Fave world cities: Paris, France; Bern, Switzerland. The former is exciting and beautiful and filled with French flair; the latter is sedate and sleepy but contains myriad gems if you know where to look.

Fave beach: Kits Beach in Vancouver where I walk weekly; and Polihale Beach on the Garden Island of Kauai, my absolute favourite Hawaiian island.

Fave nature spot: Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver where we walk our dog; and the gorgeous and varied mountain ranges of British Columbia.

Fave place in Canada other than home: Rathtrevor Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, where we’ve camped in our VW Westfalia each summer for the past 20 years. I love the beaches, forests, meadows filled with wildlife, and to enjoy a refreshing G&T by the campfire while watching the summer sun go down.

Fave local spot in my Vancouver neighbourhood: I live in Kitsilano and in walking distance to our favorite local dinner spot, Temaki Sushi. It’s our go-to for delicious dine-in or takeout sushi and Japanese food.

Claudia Laroye is a travel writer and editor living in Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow her on Claudia Travels, and on social on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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