"Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." - John Muir _ Bright lights and soothing sounds of Ruby Falls near Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. _ Located over 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls is America's largest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. Hundreds of gallons of water pour down the falls every minute. _ My favorite feature? Free public wifi! Yes, even this far under the ground! _ #naturegram #tennessee

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"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment." —Jane Austen _ It's #traveltuesday _ One of my favourite moments from our #BenderGoRVing trip around Arizona, Utah & Nevada this year. _ Absolute silence as I put my feet up and watched the sun rise over The Mittens in Monument Valley on the Utah/Arizona border. Perfection! _ If you're planning a visit, I recommend staying in The View cabins. It's as close as you can get and will be a travel memory that lasts a lifetime. _ :::::: If you haven't checked out our blog travelwithbender.com recently, take a look today. We've got 3 new articles about our recent trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. @travelwithbender ::::::

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Which Mexican Adventure Park Are You?

A trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya is not complete without a visit to at least one Experiencias Xcaret park. And whichever style of vacation floats your boat, we’ll help you choose which the best adventure park.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman _ Sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in sunny San Francisco. _ We visited the city for a few days back in May at the end of a road trip which originated in Sacramento. Northern California is gorgeous! _ #onlyinsf #california @visitcalifornia

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"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." - Lewis Caroll _ Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. One of the most beautiful road trips we've ever done. Fortunately, I knew where I was going. While it's hard to get lost on this long road between Jasper and Banff, it's easy to lose yourself in nature's beauty. Spectacular! _ #explorecanada @travelalberta #roadtrip

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Floating Down A River In An Adult Diaper In Sian Ka’an, Mexico

We took a environmentally sensitive and socially conscious small group tour to to Sian Ka’an on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. It included authentic Mayan food, ancient Mayan ruins, traditional stories, lush jungle, and something a little unexpected… giant adult diapers.
Read more at our travel blog.

#throwbackthursday to Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. _ It seems like a lifetime ago but this sunset shot was only taken in April this year. I clearly remember that day because it was my birthday. 🎂 _ What were you doing this year (or last) on your birthday? _ @archesnps #beautifuldestinations

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Are Playa Del Carmen Vacation Rentals The Right Choice For You?

If you’re planning a vacation to Playa Del Carmen, don’t book any accomodation until you read this. Find out where we stayed along with tips on how to make your family getaway not only comfortable, but the best ever.
Read more at our travel blog.

"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it." - Richard Bach _ Underground rivers in @xplorpark Mexico. _ Beautiful blue. _ We took a small raft down one of these underground rivers. My kids absolutely loved it. Would you do it? _ #mexico

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Ready for an afternoon nap? _ Welcome to Hammock City. Population: me. A beautiful resting spot in @xplorpark in Mexico - just what is needed after a whole day of zip lining, jeep safari, underground rivers and more. _ #mexico #beautifuldestinations

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"Just like a sunbeam can't separate itself from the sun, and a wave can't separate itself from the ocean, we can't separate ourselves from one another. We are all part of a vast sea of love, one indivisible divine mind." - Marianne Williamson _ Filtering light in the dining hall at @xplorpark in Mexico. Absolutely gorgeous! _ This is one of our favourite adventure parks in the world - zip lining, cenotes, caves and more. If you visit Riviera Maya, make sure you don't miss this. _ While we were in Mexico we used our @tepwireless wifi hotspot to stay online everyday. For a full review take a look at the link in the right sidebar on travelwithbender.com. _ #lightphotography #mexico

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"Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." - Mark Twain _ This island located near St Andrews, New Brunswick, was one the summer home of one of Canada's most powerful and wealthy man in the 19th century, Sir William Van Horne. He was the driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway. A company that changed the face and future of Canada during its formative years. _ We took a tour of the island and this tractor situated in the old barn grabbed my attention. The texture and lighting was just perfect. What so you think? _ #explorecanada #newbrunswick #ExploreNB

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How The Super Rich (And Super Smart) Do Disney World

I discovered an almost-secret VIP Tour in Disney World that is used by the rich and famous. There’s no waiting in queues, expert knowledgeable guide, and best of all… everyday visitors like you and me can actually save you money! What?!
Read more at our travel blog.

"How does the meadow flower its bloom unfold? Because the lovely little flower is free down to its root, and in that freedom bold." - William Wordsworth _ Very yellow. _ Street art in Isla Holbox, Mexico. Vibrant, bold, inspiring. _ There's something about this gorgeous island that drew me in even though we only had 1 day to spend there just over 1 month ago. I love how these sorts of unexpected travel experiences can change one's perspective. _ The last 4 weeks have been a whirlwind - Playa del Carmen, Mexico, New Hampshire, Boston, Juneau, Alaska, Glacier Bay, Alaska, Bellingham, Washington, and now Kelowna, Canada. But while I'm here with the kids Erin is at a travel conference in Texas. You have to watch her snapchat today. It's incredible! Private helicopter flight, luxury bus, behind-the-scenes access to Dallas Cowboys training, amazing food, Four Seasons resort, and much more. 👻user: travelwitbender

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"What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road." – William Least Heat Moon _ Juneau reflections - Alaska. _ When the sun sets here on a cloudy day (which is more often than not), it often sets off a Blue Hour that can last 2 or more hours in summer. _ The first time we visited Juneau last year we only had 6 hours as we were on a cruise boat. This time we had 1 week to explore the region and loved every minute. _ Simply gorgeous! _ #lovealaska #traveljuneau

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Happy World Photo Day! It's hard to believe photography has been around for 177 years. _ This shot from our recent trip to Juneau, Alaska always makes me smile. I don't know who is more surprised by my son catching his first salmon... This fun-loving 7-year-old boy or the salmon itself. But they both have the same priceless expression! _ This tour with Chum Fun fishing charters was one of our highlights in Juneau. Highly recommended if you ever visit. _ Where we're you when you caught your first fish? _ #lovealaska @traveljuneauak

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Where To Stay In The Heart Of Downtown Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan is an up and coming district in The Big Apple. It’s close to tourist attractions, offers a wide variety of food and shopping options and close to public transport. So where should you stay on your next family vacation? We have the answer.
Read more at our travel blog.

7 Reasons NOT To Take Your Kids To Iceland

I’ve never been to Iceland and I heard it’s not place to go. I mean, who would want to be blown away with endless natural beauty? What about waterfalls that leave you speechless? Or the mesmerizing Northern Lights? So I asked several top family travel bloggers about their experiences and will share with you their grim warnings.
Read more at our travel blog.

Beyond Orlando: Florida’s 5 Hidden Holiday Gems

I ventured beyond Orlando to discover the amazing attractions and destinations on offer in Florida. This helpful overview includes recommended attractions, restaurants and hotels. Everything to kickstart your own family adventure in Florida.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Mistakes are, after all, the foundations of truth, and if a man does not know what a thing is, it is at least an increase in knowledge if he knows what it is not." - Carl Jung _ Walking through Juneau, Alaska last week and spotted these stunning buildings. I love the colours. Especially with the low hanging cloud drifting behind. #lovealaska _ 🌟🌟🌟While we were in Alaska we stayed online with our @tepwireless portable wifi hotspot. Check it out for your next international trip. 💡🌟🌟🌟

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"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." - Napoleon Hill _ Waiting patiently... _ One of the Alaskan Huskies at Gold Rush Dog Tours. We took an amazing dog mushing tour near Juneau, Alaska. These dogs absolutely love it, and it helps build their muscles in preparation for the winter long distance mushing competitions. _ Each dog has such a unique personality. They're adorable! The coloured kennels make it easy to identify which dog belongs to which breeder. And in order to prevent unplanned breeding the dogs are tethered. _ Did you know: Alaskan Husky is not an officially recognized dog breed with kennel associations, it's actually a collection of breeds which have originated from up to 15 different breeds over the decades. These dogs are bred for performance in extreme conditions rather than appearance, so they can look drastically different from each other. _ #lovealaska @visitJuneauAK

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$500 Of Visa Gift Cards From Lay’s #PassportToFlavor

On 16th August 2016 we’ll be part of a Twitter party. Follow along with the hashtag #PassportToFlavor.
Read more at our travel blog.

2 Week Nova Scotia Road Trip (PLUS A Little Slice of New Brunswick)

Nova Scotia’s distinctive unhurried vibe is like medicine for the soul. If you’re looking for a relaxing road trip to escape city life, this is the place to do it. We share the best tips on what to do and where to stay in this gorgeous Maritime province.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier _ Sea kayaking in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska just a couple days ago. _ What looks like a super soaker strapped to the front of my kayak is actually a rescue tool to help remove water from a flooded kayak (just in case). _ On this paddle we spotted harbor porpoises and a sea otter. Not a whisp of wind, the water was ultra smooth. Total seclusion. Such a beautiful slice of Alaska... Should be on everyone's bucket list. 😁 I'm not quite adventurous enough (or at least my kids aren't) to go camping in the backcountry out here. Would you? _ #lovealaska #naturegram

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"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle _ Our first time dog mushing today in Juneau, Alaska. _ This is the summer exercise season for these highly trained Alaskan Huskies. During winter some of these dogs take part in incredible 1000-mile cross-country competitions. We learned so much about these gorgeous creatures. And if you ever get a chance, I recommend trying this. _ #lovealaska #juneau

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11 Unexpected Reasons To Visit Halifax, Nova Scotia

After 2 weeks of touring New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by car we rolled into our final destination - Halifax. Find out what to do and where to eat in this captivating Maritime city.
Read more at our travel blog.

"I've learned to respect the whimsical." - Michael Leunig _ Took a drive along "The Road" in Juneau, Alaska a couple days ago for a mini road trip. Couldn't get enough of the beautiful views just like this one. _ Dancing sunbeams, mountain backdrop, light salty whimsical breeze. Magical! _ #lovealaska #juneau

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Mysterious mountains. _ Encased in fog, and shrouded in beauty. This was the view yesterday from our full day boat tour through Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. _ Amazing to think just 250 years ago this very spot was covered in a 1-mile think sheet of ice. What's left behind now has been carved by time and ice. The sheer weight of the ice buckled the mantle far below the earth's surface. And now it's still springing back slowly like a memory foam mattress, and the ground continues to rise by several inches every year. Fascinating! _ #lovealaska

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Why Is This The Most Popular Tourist Attraction In America?

I’ll never forget that magical moment I ate my first peanut butter M&M’s chocolate. Standing in the heavenly scented M&M’s World in New York City in 2007. Although the store was busy and bustling, everything seemed in slow motion, the world around me faded, silence fell. The salty, the sweet. My life changed. Did you know that the M&M’s World in Times Square, New York City is the most popular tourist attraction in the United States? I mean, there is a ton of things to do in New York so how did M&M’s World become the top one?
Read more at our travel blog.

"Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting." - Joyce Meyer _ Sorry I've been quiet over the last 6 days. Been having too much fun in Alaska with stunning scenes like this glacier carving yesterday in Glacier Bay National Park. The next few images with have been worth the wait. _ Simply breathtaking! _ #alaska #lovealaska

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The Secluded Natural Getaway You Know You Need

Nestled along the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, you will find Liscomb. A place where locals have never left and tourists rarely come. A place, as we discovered, where getting reacquainted with nature quickly becomes second nature.
Read more at our travel blog.

5 Things To Experience In The Scallop Capital Of The World

Around 2,000 people call the tiny, unassuming town of Digby in Nova Scotia, Canada home. But it’s also known for it’s bounty of fresh seafood. Find out what to do and where to stay in this quaint seaside town.
Read more at our travel blog.

The Ultimate Summer Weekend Getaway Guide To New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Only have a few days for a summer US getaway? No problem! Here’s everything you need to know 3 days in New Hampshire - accommodation, attractions, food and more.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." - Jim Rohn _ Crossing a bridge at Rocky Gorge Scenic Area in @visitNH. _ #usa #LiveFreeNH

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"What we think, we become." - Buddha _ One of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire... Flume Gorge in the White Mountain National Forest. _ We just spent 3 days discovering this gorgeous corner of the US. Keep an eye out on travelwithbender.com with a brand new post about it tomorrow. _ #LiveFreeNH @visitNH

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Tuesday's sunset over Falls Pond at Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, New Hampshire, USA. @visitNH _ We found this lookout while driving down the famous hwy 112 through the White Mountains. New Hampshire is gorgeous! _ Yesterday I posted my first Instagram Stories video. Check them out for fun daily stories about our crazy adventures. Today we're visiting one of America's most mysterious tourist attractions! What will it be? 😱😲👻 _ #LiveFreeNH

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7 Things To Do In St Andrews With Kids

Don’t let the relaxed pace and friendly small-town feel of St Andrews fool you. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in this Canadian vacation hotspot.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison _ One of the stunning waterfalls inside Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in New Hampshire, USA. _ I took this photo yesterday as we drove around the White Mountain National Forest and stopped at a few gorgeous locations. Our kids particularly liked this one because they were able to crawl around the boulder caves. An absolute highlight! _ Today I shared my first Instagram Stories post (or as I call it, Instasnap). Tell me what you think? Should I do more? _ @visitNH #LiveFreeNH #newhampshire

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"Your big opportunity may be right where you are now." - Napoleon Hill _ Big bite of an art installation in Kingsbrae Gardens in St Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. _ Our kids absolutely loved this gorgeous garden, filled with lots of cool features like a goat that thought it was a dog 😂 if you want to find out more about this beautiful seaside Maritime town check out the latest blog post on travelwithbender.com or just follow the link in my bio. _ #newbrunswick #ExploreNB #ExploreCanada

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Where To Stay In St Andrews, New Brunswick

St Andrews has been a popular summer coastal getaway destination for Canadians for over a century. And now 4 Vegemite-wielding Australians were invading. Trying to decide on a place to stay in St Andrews was easy. One hotel stood out head and shoulders above the rest.
Read more at our travel blog.

Perfect reflection in Bow Lake along the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. _ We loved every minute of our 14-day road trip around Alberta in 2015 but this view would have to be one of the highlights. #ExploreCanada _ Today we're leaving Mexico and flying to New Hampshire for a short trip in the White Mountains, followed by a stopover in Boston and then a week in Alaska. August looks like it will be a big month! _ As we're travelling we stay connected with @tepwireless. In fact I'm uploading this very IG post using our personal wifi hotspot 😊 well worth considering for your overseas summer vacation.

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"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." – Mark Twain _ Ministers Island near St Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada was the summer home of one of Canada's most influential characters - Sir William Van Horne. He was the President of Canadian Pacific Railway and one of the country's wealthiest men at the time. _ This row of trees lined the old road towards Sir William's house. _ #standrews #ExploreCanada #ExploreNB

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