Places I Love Archives - Wanderlust Over 70

Another Day at Peggy’s Cove

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Roberta Hill

Yes, we spent another day at Peggy’s Cove, and I can’t help but think about how busy it must get when all the tourists arrive. It’s recognized as one of the biggest tourist spots, right up there with Niagara Falls. The impressive layout makes it easy to navigate, but I’m glad we had the chance to walk across the rocks and meander through the boardwalks with very few people around. It felt like we had the place to ourselves, which added to the magic of the experience. We’ve been enjoying pretty darn good weather, although the winds can make it…

Visiting Rarotonga on The Cook Islands

Posted on May 12, 2025May 9, 2025 by Roberta Hill

One of our most memorable and favourite trips we ever took stemmed from a gimmick. I was looking for something special to do for New Year’s Eve back in 2018 when I stumbled across this fantastic idea. We were living in Wellington at the time, so why not take a flight up to Auckland to celebrate New Year’s and then, the next day, pick up a direct flight to the Cook Islands to celebrate a second New Year’s Eve? It turns out the Cook Islands are slightly over the international deadline. So that’s what we did. We don’t only celebrate…

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia: A Visit That Lingers

Posted on May 5, 2025May 5, 2025 by Roberta Hill

This coming weekend, we are off for a week to Nova Scotia. It is one of my favourite places, and we will visit Peggy’s Cove. Last time, we were fortunate to visit during the shoulder fall season, and this time, it will be similar but in the spring. I mention this because it is lobster season. And the best, and I do mean best, Lobster Rolls are at Tom’s Lobster Shack at Peggy’s Cove. There’s a kind of magic to Peggy’s Cove that sneaks up on you. It’s not the flashy, fireworks kind of magic, but something quieter, like the…

Four Days in the Galápagos: Where Curiosity and Wonder Collide

Posted on April 20, 2025May 5, 2025 by Roberta Hill

If you’ve ever wanted to see evolution in action, the Galápagos is the place. We arrived at the end of our South American trip in the spring of 2024, carrying all the usual expectations and a healthy dose of curiosity. Still, nothing prepares you for how these islands quietly shift your perspective. The Galápagos isn’t just another stop on the map—it’s a reminder of how unpredictable and remarkable the natural world can be. The first thing that struck me was how unbothered the wildlife seemed by our presence. Sea lions lounged on the sand like they owned the place (and,…

Paris Without the Wait: My Tips From 6 years

Posted on March 31, 2025March 31, 2025 by Roberta Hill

Let’s start by being completely honest. There is no way to avoid lines in Paris. Having lived there for six years, I can vouch that the French bureaucracy always guarantees long lines for the public, which also seems to extend to tourist attractions. However, I must say that like any tourist city, everywhere is bound to have long lines, not just Paris. But I am here to show you how to minimize your line wait time. I’ve been saying this for years and years. Always book a ticket to an event online beforehand. Purchasing a museum pass may give the…

Paris Cheat Sheet and Checklist

Posted on January 27, 2025January 28, 2025 by Roberta Hill

It is hard to believe that I lived in Paris for six years, and this will be my first blog post about this remarkable city. It is in anticipation of us taking a two-week trip in March and “house-sitting” at a friend’s place. It is low season, so our flight was quite affordable, and then the next significant expense is always accommodation, which will be covered. Download Your PDF Copy Here Paris Cheat Sheet Overview Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. This cheat sheet provides a condensed guide to navigating Paris effectively…

Old Montreal Quick Reference Guide

Posted on January 20, 2025January 28, 2025 by Roberta Hill

Montreal has much to offer visitors from The Plateau to The Mile End to The Underground City to Saint Laurent Boulevard. It is my hometown, and I live in Ville Marie (Old Montreal). This article and checklist are geared toward first-time visitors. While the itinerary is four days, it includes arrival and departure. Old Montreal can be done in two full days, and I have asterisked what I consider the essential places to visit. I hope you come for a more extended stay and discover all my city has to offer. Download Your PDF Copy Here Old Montreal for First-Time…

A Two-Day Adventure in Kaikōura

Posted on January 2, 2025May 9, 2025 by Roberta Hill

Kaikōura, nestled between the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean on New Zealand’s South Island, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and marine wildlife lovers. This charming coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for senior travellers seeking an enriching two-day getaway. Getting to Kaikōura By Train: The Coastal Pacific train operates between Christchurch and Picton, stopping in Kaikōura. This relaxing journey offers panoramic coastline views, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. The train features large windows, comfortable seating, and onboard commentary, making the journey as memorable as the destination. Depart…

Exploring Napier, New Zealand

Posted on December 20, 2024May 9, 2025 by Roberta Hill

Napier, located on New Zealand’s North Island, is a charming seaside city renowned for its Art Deco architecture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant wine culture. We loved to visit and went for weekend trips quite a few times while we lived in Wellington. For all travellers, Napier offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure tailored to various mobility levels and interests. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to this delightful city. Getting to Napier By Car: A scenic drive along State Highway 2 from Wellington (around four hours) or Auckland (around five hours) offers opportunities to…