Blog

Spirit of Vancouver Island

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Blog, Canada, Inspiration, Photo Essays, Wildlife and Nature

For us, Vancouver Island is the most magical place in Canada. Intimate nature of the island makes it a great place for either winding down and relaxing or enjoying the outdoors by staying active. Just a ferry ride away from Vancouver, you can find yourself in a very...

Mexican Valladolid stole my heart

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Adventures, Blog, Exploring cities, Mexico, People and Culture

Valladolid, the home of Mayan people, lies in the heart of the Yucatan. With population under 50,000 it makes it cozy enough not to be overwhelmed by big city vibes. It’s perfect for exploring the history of Yucatan peninsula. Church, cathedral and colorful buildings...

Our happiest travel moments of 2015

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Adventures, Biking, Blog, Hiking & Trekking, Inspiration, Water Activities

2015 was an awesome year! We love exploring new places and coming back to those we enjoyed in the past. Instead of many international trips, we focused on trips within Canada, where we live. Alberta and British Columbia are both stunning places for outdoor lovers, and...

Biking up the Haleakala volcano on Maui

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Adventures, Biking, Blog, United States

“Haleakala is simultaneously the longest paved continuous climb in the world as well as the shortest ascent from sea level to 10,000 feet in the world. Though not terribly steep, this is a long, grinding climb that will reduce a strong rider to a whimpering...

Isla Holbox, little known Mexican paradise

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Adventures, Blog, Mexico, Water Activities

When we arrived to Isla Holbox, we didn’t have any expectations. Supposedly to be a beautiful paradise. I’m happy to say we found Isla Holbox, little known Mexican paradise to be just what we needed. The island is north of Yucatan Peninsula, separated from the...

Liebster award: our first blogging award

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Blog, Inspiration

Our blog has been nominated for Liebster Award!! Yay! We are stoked that people are reading and enjoying Travel with the Smile blog. After 3 years of living in Canada and endless questions from friends and family about our expat life and trips around, we’ve...

Road Trip through Southern Alberta, Canada

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Adventures, Blog, Canada, Road trips and Hitchhiking

Would you like to take a road trip? Why don’t choose the Canadian province of Alberta? Calgary is a great base to do just that. Most people head west to visit Banff and Jasper national parks. But there is so much more south of Calgary. We’ll take you on a road...

10 gorgeous travel instagram accounts to spark your wanderlust

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 | Blog, Inspiration

As you can already tell, we are very outdoorsy people. On the ground or in the water, we want to try it all. Mountain biking is our passion since I can remember. And upon our move to Canadian Rockies where you can’t bike as easily (as the name tell they are...