Category: Inspiration

Top 6 Worldwide Photo Ops to Anticipate

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Photography, Planning

As most of you know by now, I am a photographer.  (If you want to see more of my travel landscape photography, feel free to check it out over at www.lotsasmilesphoto.com.)  I love nothing more than a breathtaking scene and I get giddy immortalizing it and its associated memories in pixels.  In fact, while I can’t wait to experience some worldwide history and culture, while I long to stand atop some world-renowned trails, and while I’m an incurable foodie, I am most looking forward to the photography opportunities.  There’s so much to see; how could I not?

Here are the top items on my photo op bucket list.
Continue reading “Top 6 Worldwide Photo Ops to Anticipate” →

Norway: Epic Road Trip

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Norway, Stories, Video

The Drive

norway-pin-1

Driving in Norway was easier than we thought it would be. The road signs were easy to follow and many times we had the road all to ourselves. Doing a car camping road trip through the country was very peaceful compared to anything we’ve ever done in the U.S. or in Costa Rica. It was hard to believe we drove over 2,000 km, but some of the best views were right off the road. Why do a 20 km hike for one view, when you can drive for a thousand? Here were some of our best views.

Snowy Lake in Norway

Continue reading “Norway: Epic Road Trip” →

Isla Tortuga Banana Boats and Snorkeling – Costa Rica

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Costa Rica, Inspiration, Stories, Video

For my 40th birthday, I wanted to do something pretty awesome. I always enjoy doing some kind of boat ride whenever I travel. So we took this cruise from Puntarenas to Isla Tortuga. What a beautiful trip! The boat ride was nice with a loaded bar, a couple of mini pools to stay cool, and awesome views. It couldn’t get much better…… Continue reading “Isla Tortuga Banana Boats and Snorkeling – Costa Rica” →

Have you ever zip-lined before? Not like this! – Costa Rica

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Costa Rica, Inspiration, Stories, Video

For my 40th birthday, I knew I wanted to do something epic. I wanted something that would challenge my fears and push the limits of my comfort zone. While I have been zip-lining before, it was kind of like a ski run down the kids training slopes compared to this. My first impression was WOW! The views were incredible. It was beyond words that could adequately describe it. I was speeding over the jungle canopy 500+ feet below and could hardly breathe at times because of the wind combined with my speed. Brianna thought that her helmet would fall off, but the helmet wasn’t going anywhere. Continue reading “Have you ever zip-lined before? Not like this! – Costa Rica” →

Crocodiles Costa Rica

Kissing Crocodiles in Costa Rica

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Costa Rica, Inspiration, Stories, Video

No, we never kissed a crocodile and don’t ever plan to. We did get the chance to pet one when we went on a crocodile tour down the Tarcoles river in Costa Rica. The tour was an unexpected part of our trip, but those usually are the best kind of adventures. We stopped to go look at the crocodiles from the highway bridge, but as soon as we parked, we were instantly approached by people offering a boat tour down the river. The decision to go wasn’t difficult and it became one of the highlights of our trip. We would highly recommend it if you happen to get down there. It was epic! Continue reading “Kissing Crocodiles in Costa Rica” →

Our Amazing Trip to Costa Rica – Teaser Trailer

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Costa Rica, Inspiration, Stories, Video

We just got back from spending 8 solid days in Costa Rica. Our first thought is WOW! The beauty of this place is astonishing. Around every corner was something new and we would definitely go back someday to see all we missed. Why did we take so long to go to this place?   Continue reading “Our Amazing Trip to Costa Rica – Teaser Trailer” →

Why I Want to Travel the World – Brianna

Posted on by Brianna Shade in Inspiration, Photography, Planning, Stories

I have a restless spirit.  Anyone who spends any time with me knows I always have to be doing something.  I honestly don’t know how to sit back and do nothing; I can’t even justify an hour of video games because they simply aren’t productive enough.

The same translates to my physical location.  I love to explore, and I get antsy if I’m living in one place for too long (I blame my military brat upbringing for that one).  The joy I get out of discovering someplace new is unlike anything else; I get bored too easily with the “known.”

But why the world?   Continue reading “Why I Want to Travel the World – Brianna” →

Why I Want to Travel the World – Aaron

Posted on by Aaron Shade in Inspiration, Planning, Stories

Traveling the world is a dream I have always had. It is something I’ve always believed only the rich and famous could do.  That is simply not true, and I’m more ready than ever to get out there and spread my wings. Continue reading “Why I Want to Travel the World – Aaron” →