• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with us
  • Privacy / Disclosure policy
TRAVEL WITH THE SMILE
  • Start here
  • Destinations
  • Adventure
  • Blog
  • Smile Campervans
Select Page
Surprising moments from our trip around the world

Surprising moments from our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Dec 14, 2021 | Blog, Stories from the road

I was looking forward to writing this post for a long time. Our 2-year trip around the world was a dream come true. And even though I share a lot of travel tips and itineraries from the countries we’ve visited, I thought I would share a different side of our trip as...
Around the world in 2018

Around the world in 2018

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Jan 14, 2019 | Blog, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Stories from the road

Isn’t it fun to look back at the previous year? Where did it take you… What you’ve accomplished…What goals you‘ve reached or how can you get closer in the following year… 2018 was a crazy year. We traveled almost all the way around the world, finished our dream trip...
Month 9 recap of our trip around the world

Month 9 recap of our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated May 29, 2017 | Argentina, Blog, Chile, Hiking & Trekking, New Zealand

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 5, Month 6, Month 7, Month 8 Chile, Argentina and New Zealand – that is how our 9th month of a trip around the world looked like. It was an exhausting month when we trekked a lot, were...
Month 8 recap of our trip around the world

Month 8 recap of our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | May 7, 2017 | Argentina, Biking, Blog, Bolivia, Chile, Hiking & Trekking, Road trips and Hitchhiking

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 5, Month 6, Month 7 March was an adventurous month as we travelled in Bolivia, Chile and got a glimpse of Argentina. We rushed a little bit through Bolivia because we were too excited...
Month 7 recap of our trip around the world

Month 7 recap of our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Mar 27, 2017 | Blog, Bolivia, Hiking & Trekking, Peru, Running

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 5, Month 6 In February, we mostly travelled through Peru. We found great places for trekking, mountain biking and even surfing. After 40 days in Peru, we were sad to leave. We could stay...
Month 6 recap of our trip around the world

Month 6 recap of our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Feb 15, 2017 | Blog, Colombia, Hiking & Trekking, Peru

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3, Month 4, Month 5 I can’t believe we are a 6th month into our trip around the world. Time flies faster when you are constantly moving around, without having a clue what day (and sometimes month) is. In...
Month 5 recap of our trip around the world

Month 5 recap of our trip around the world

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Mar 26, 2017 | Blog, Colombia, Exploring cities, Hiking & Trekking, Venezuela

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3, Month 4 In December, we’ve visited our favourite country yet – Venezuela. It’s not easy for Venezuelans to live there right now. Their government is crazy and they lack the most basic thing – food. But...
Month 4 recap of our RTW trip

Month 4 recap of our RTW trip

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Dec 22, 2016 | Blog, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2, Month 3 During November 2016, we’ve visited Costa Rica, Panama and also landed on South American continent in Venezuela. Costa Rica and Panama are very similar with one big difference. Costa Rica is more...
Month 3 recap of our RTW trip

Month 3 recap of our RTW trip

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Jan 10, 2017 | Blog, El Salvador, Hiking & Trekking, Nicaragua

In case you missed it, read our recap of Month 1 & 2 We’ve visited our most favourite countries of Central America during the 3rd month of our trip around the world – El Salvador and Nicaragua (and Panama in November). And we would definitely like to return there...
Month 1 & 2 recap of our RTW trip

Month 1 & 2 recap of our RTW trip

by Maya Steiningerova | Last updated Jan 10, 2017 | Blog, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hiking & Trekking, Mexico

We left for a trip around the world in the middle of August 2016. From Canada, where we lived, we flew to Mexico to start the trip. In these monthly recaps, we will write about all the highlights and low points, best places we’ve visited and places that made us say...

About us

Hey guys, it’s nice to see you here! We’re Maya and Michal – nature lovers, adventure seekers and active travellers. Our mission is to inspire you to live more adventurously, try new things, discover off the beaten path places and provide you with the best tips for your next trip. Read more about us…

Most popular posts

Adventure quotes
Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary
Our trip around the world
Adventure ideas

Instagram

travelwiththesmile

🏞️ Helping families have more fun outside & plan outdoor adventures
🚵‍♀️ Bike | Hike | SUP | Travel | Road trips
👇 Adventure guides & travel stories

Maya & crew | ADVENTURE FAMILY TRAVEL
LESSONS FROM MY FIRST SOLO HIKE WITH MY BOY ⛰️ LESSONS FROM MY FIRST SOLO HIKE WITH MY BOY ⛰️ I drove 1,5 hours to the mountains so we can have an awesome adventure in Banff National Park. We hiked a 2.8 km loop around Johnson Lake with a few small hills. Little Martin managed to hike about half of it with a huge smile on his face. What I would normally consider a boring hike, turned into a lot of fun. Swipe to see all photos to know what I mean. Kids just bring a new perspective into a well-known environment and I'm here for it!! 🏞 Here are some lessons I learnt from my first solo hike with my boy: 1. We have a washing machine, so have fun instead of worrying about muddy clothes. 2. Abandonded mountain huts are cool. 3. Let's have a snack before posing for photos. 4. If you walk slow enough, you might find treasure along the way. 5. It's always a beautiful day when you spend it outdoors. 6. If there's no bench, sit in the mud but make sure to eat your energy snacks. (7. not pictured - bring a carrier until you're sure he can walk that distance or your arms might as well fall off!)
BEACHES IN MEXICO 🏖 This is not an Instagram v BEACHES IN MEXICO 🏖 This is not an Instagram versus reality but rather two different realities. Both of these pictures were taken on the beaches near Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya. One is picture perfect with azure water and almost white sand and the other is a beach with a bit murky water and seaweed. And I loved both of them!! You wanna know why? I found the gorgeous azure beach when I went for a walk, just finished yoga, was zenned out and was looking forward to cool off. The other beach was in front of our hotel. It's where our little boy tried the Caribbean Sea (or sea in general) for the first time. It's where we were building sand castles, watching birds, and all three of us connecting with each other. What I'm trying to say is that I love any scenery as long as I'm happy internally. And I'm lucky to have a super handsome little guy I get to call my son, an amazing supportive partner and also my yoga practice and lots of other hobbies I'm slowly trying to find time for.
People often need vacation after they return home People often need vacation after they return home from vacation because they feel too tired. ☆ The biggest lesson my little boy taught me is to slow down. Everyday. With everything I do. ☆ I don't need to cram several activities into a short vacation. ☆ I can just sit here, build a sand castle and focus on this tiny human being trying to communicate with me. ☆ I feel grounded and happy. ☆ Isn't it interesting how we try to teach things these little humans and they're also teaching us without even knowing?
FAT BIKING IN WINTER ❄️ I thought fat biking FAT BIKING IN WINTER ❄️ I thought fat biking is almost the same as mountain biking but seems like I was way off. Based on my experience the only thing that fat biking and mountain biking have in common is that you're riding a mountain bike. That's it! And here's why: ☆ You need to use more power than on a mountain bike to reach some speed through the snow. ☆ You ride the fat bike through deep snow, which is fine until you have to get on the bike and your feet sink into the snow. ☆ The trick to a smooth ride is to have the tires deflated a bit more than on a regular mountain bike. It’s making the pedalling through snow much more effortless and without sinking, no matter the snow’s depth or consistency. ☆ Going downhill was a bit scary cause the bike is constantly drifting on turns; it has very soft traction on snow. ☆ The most fun part? Falling off. Something I would be terrified of on the dirt trail riding a mountain bike; in winter, you fall right into the fluffy cold stuff that gets everywhere, haha ⛄️ Would you like to try fat biking? Or what other winter sport do you want to try?
WILD ICE SKATING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES ⛸️ I WILD ICE SKATING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES ⛸️ Ice skating on a frozen lake surrounded by mountains is the ultimate winter adventure and a bucket list for everyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. These are my best tips for ice skating in the Canadian Rockies: LOCATION The most popular lakes in Banff National Park are: ☆ Johnson Lake ☆ Vermilion Lake ☆ Lake Louise ☆ Lake Minnewanka ☆ Two Jack Lake KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: ☆ there is a short weather window between the ice on lakes being thick enough for ice skating and being covered in snow. Sometimes the weather window lasts a day, sometimes a week. ☆ lakes are usually frozen from mid-November but conditions change throughout the winter   SAFETY: ☆ recommended minimum ice thickness (for new clear ice) is 10cm ☆ black ice is usually better for skating, white (milky) ice has air or snow in it and should be considered with caution ☆ it's a good idea to carry a throw bag with rope in your pocket and watch a self-rescue video on Youtube if an incident happens ☆ ice skating on a lake is never 100% safe. It’s up to every individual to check if the ice is safe and have the proper gear for self-rescue & ice skating. ⛸️Have you ever tried ice skating on a frozen lake? Share with us your experience. 》》》More info on our blog: https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/ice-skating-banff-national-park/ or in the stories!
SKATING AT BOWNESS PARK LAGOON ⛸️ Last year v SKATING AT BOWNESS PARK LAGOON ⛸️ Last year vs. this year 🤣 Martin was a bigger fan of ice when Michal or me were pushing him around in the stroller. But when we tried strapped on skates this year, it was a big no! I think he just wasn't in the mood cause he's Canadian so ice skating is in his blood, am I right? We will try again in Bowness Park where you can still skate despite the warm spring weather. It looks like skating at Bowness Park Lagoon is the most popular and we love it! If you want to visit, here's a quick breakdown: ☆ skating rink is open 10 am to 10 pm ☆ the ice is lit in the evening ☆ there are fire pits around the rink to warm up ☆ washrooms are open ☆ you can also skate on the 1.6 km ice trail around park or the narrow channel behind restaurant ☆ skate rental is located at the Boathouse ☆ tea house & restaurant are open ☆ new addition: 4 rinks for Crokicurl (outdoor game combining crokinol & curling) 》》》More info on our blog: https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/skating-bowness-park/ or in the stories!
Martin is now in a 'no toys' phase. He wants to cl Martin is now in a 'no toys' phase. He wants to clean, sweep, play with pots in the kitchen, TV remote or Michal's screwdriver. But most of all, he's imitating everything we do. In just a few days, he learnt how to put his pants and shoes on. Of course now leaving the house takes longer but I love watching him figuring out how to do it correctly and then he proudly shows me. In other news, we now finally have temperatures above zero in Calgary and since the snow is mostly gone, we took his learning bike for a ride! He learnt how to bike!! I'm proud of him everyday 💙 I'm sharing some life updates in the stories today but Martin deserves place on the feed 😊
May your holidays be filled with joy, rest, and go May your holidays be filled with joy, rest, and good food 🎄 Michal and I were very emotional this Christmas. Last year, Martin was 6 months old and he was sitting in his highchair playing with a toy while we had dinner. This year he ate the same food, had the same drink in the same glass and was actively participating in the conversation. And don't get me even started on the pink big-boy shirt he was wearing, what a cutie pie. I remember looking at a small bike when I was pregnant wondering how amazing it would be buying our baby a bike. Now that time's here! Martin loves his new bike and was riding it around the house all day. Our little (big) handsome biker 💙
I've been struggling lately. A lot. It feels lik I've been struggling lately. A lot. It feels like my chronic pelvic pain is stronger than ever and I'm slowly running out of options of what to do or try next. It's been 1,5 years. I'm back on pain meds. I don't remember the last time I went for a walk without pain. The stress that occupies my mind and body everyday is draining. Sometimes it's really hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I know it's there. I got a glimpse a few times. And our little smiley is reminding me to take it day by day. So I'll go have a bath, do my excercises, take my meds and go to bed knowing that one day I'll wake up pain-free. I don't know where I'll find the strength to keep going but I know I have to try. For me, for Martin, and for Michal. I will heal. I've heard it from everyone helping me along the way with my recovery, and I'll give it my all.
This is how I wish to spend Sunday, with my boys 💙💙 Even though all the trees entered the winter mode and we got first snow of the season ❄ In case you're following the story from my last two posts - Martin and I are slowly finding our flow. On the 3rd day of Michal's work when it was just the two of us, we both had a great time. The library was a huge hit! Martin climbed in the play area, waved everyone, we've read some books, and the day just flew by. Michal only works 3 days a week, so all of us can adapt slowly to this new normal. Sunday is my self care day when I don't open any social media. I'll do my best to gather as much rest and energy to get me through the next few days with our little tornado. But I have a feeling we'll do just fine.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Disclosure

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Posts

  • How to Combine Traveling and Education
  • Main Reasons to Travel as a Student
  • Review of the Sky Castle Indoor Playground

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • RSS
Copyright © 2019 Travel with the Smile
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT