How To Create A Travel Journal Or Blog As A New Mother

BY  Sibashree Mar 13, 2025

Banff, home to the towering Rocky Mountains, is a true Canadian treasure. It has endless hiking trails and breathtaking natural beauty at every turn.  Further, tourism in Banff is centered around Banff National Park, a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Also, tourism is the main economic driver of this Canadian town, with Banff National Park having around 4 million visitors every year.  Moreover, as a hub of adventure and outdoor activities, natural abundance, and biodiversity, Banff is a crown jewel in the tourism landscape of Canada.  However, Banff is not a popular choice for travelers who adhere to a shoestring budget.  On average, a one-week trip to Banff will cost you around $750-1000.  Having said that, it’s time to break the myth and explore Banff on a budget as a local.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will discuss how you can explore the charm of Banff on a fixed budget.  Our practical tips will help you plan your trip, find budget-friendly accommodation, and have the best adventure experience without overshooting your budget.  Banff On A Budget: Planning The Trip Right Exploring Banff on a budget starts with planning the travel itineraries and activities right. Planning involves knowing the right time to visit Banff, choosing the right transportation options, and knowing the free or budget-friendly attractions in the city.  Here you go!  Choose The Right Time To Visit Banff On A Budget  If you want to explore Banff on a budget, you have to choose the best time to visit. September to October and April to May are the ideal seasons to visit Banff, as travel costs and lodging expenses are usually lesser in these months.  Further, if you travel during these months, you can avoid the summer population or the surge of visitors to the natural sights in Banff.  Also, if you are visiting Banff in winter, you can schedule your trips during off-peak dates. Moreover, you will find affordable opportunities to enjoy Banff's ski areas if you secure lodging early and purchase the non-peak ski passes.    Transportation Options From Calgary To Banff   You must start your journey from Calgary to explore Banff on a budget. You can find the following economical transportation options from Calgary to Banff.  Banff Airporter It is perfect for Samesun Banff guests, and Banff Airporter offers 15% off on round-trip rides.  On-It Regional Transit It operates $10 one-way trips from downtown Calgary on weekends and public holidays.   Rider Express You can take a Rider Express direct bus from Calgary Airport for just $47.62 one way.  Moose Travel Network Moose Travel Network offers affordable day tours and transportation to popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.   Things To Do In Banff On A Budget   The natural beauty of Banff will never disappoint you if you want to explore the town on a budget.  Further, Banff's hiking trails and wildlife offer you affordable recreational opportunities and service-free activities.    Take Part In The Budget-Friendly Outdoor Activities In Banff National Park   As I mentioned earlier, Banff National Park is at the epicenter of tourism in Banff. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first national park in Canada and third in the world, offers you many free attractions and activities.  The free hiking trails, like the ones leading to Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain, and Sulphur Mountain, offer breathtaking vistas.  Further, you will meet Lake Louise here. You can walk along the lake's border or enjoy your aquatic pursuit in a rented canoe.  Moreover, Banff National Park is the hub of wild animals such as deer, bears, and elk. Watching them from a safe distance will be a lifetime experience.   Tour And Travel Note You will get food and drinks at the park kiosks. However, you must pack your drinks and snacks and bring reusable bottles because these items are pricey. Explore These Places To Visit In Banff On A Budget  Are you planning to explore Banff on a budget? These are the places you must visit.  Banff Park Museum Banff Park Museum is the best place to learn about the history and wildlife of the national park and the entire region.  Further, you will only have to pay $4.5 to enter the museum.   Cave And Basin National Historic Site Cave And Basin National Historic Site is another budget-friendly attraction in Banff. Here, you will learn about Banff's historical background, including the town and natural hot springs.  Downtown Stroll If you want to soak in the cultural vibrance of Banff, you can take a walk along Banff Avenue.  Here, you will find street performers on Banff Avenue. You can even enjoy the view of the mountains and indulge in shopping here.  Choose Affordable Dining Options Near Samesun Banff   Banff has many affordable dining options, such as the Samesun Banff in-house The Beaver Bar. Further, you can have coffee or grab quick bites at local cafes and eateries.  Some local places to eat in Banff are Wild Flour Bakery and Melissa’s Missteak.   Moreover, you can cook your meals in Samesun’s guest kitchen and dine picnic-style in nature to make your trip more budget-friendly.   Look For Discounts And Deals To Visit Banff On A Budget   Samesun Banff and many other hotels in Banff partner with local transit and tour operators to offer exclusive discounts to guests.  Ask the front desk for access to promotions, such as discounted shuttle services or free tourism perks like guided hikes to explore Banff on a budget.  Samesun Banff Hostel: Your Affordable Accommodation   The following aspects make Samesun Banff the ideal budget-friendly accommodation option:  Free Breakfast: Start every morning with a complimentary meal.   Affordable Bar & Restaurant: The Beaver Bar onsite offers cheap meals and drinks for hostel guests.   Free WiFi: Stay connected without any extra costs.   Fully Equipped Kitchen: Save on dining by prepping your meals in the shared guest kitchen.   Social Common Room: Meet fellow adventurers during your stay.   Laundry Facilities: Adding more value for backpackers and road trippers.    Making The Most Of Your Stay In Banff The goal of budget travel in Banff reaches beyond financial savings to achieve better experiences.  Tips for Saving Money While in Banff   During peak summer, use Banff's free public transport options, such as free shuttles, to access popular spots like Moraine Lake.   Further, you must bring your hiking gear, reusable utensils, and water bottles to avoid renting or purchasing these items.   Moreover, split tour costs with other travelers or join group activities organized by Samesun Banff to reduce your expenses.  Banff On A Budget: Book Your Stay at Samesun Banff Hostel   Banff remains among those must-visit destinations in Canada. Further, you can now explore Banff on a budget by following the tips I have shared here.  Moreover, you can plan a stay at Samesun Banff Hostel to save money on lodgings. Also, the hostel's central location ensures easy walking or shuttle access to Banff’s main attractions, reducing transportation costs. In addition, Banff delivers unlimited outdoor possibilities for those who want to explore the Rockies by hiking or socializing with other travelers.  So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Banff international hostel today and start planning your dream budget-friendly getaway! 

BY  sagnika Jul 26, 2023

Craving an indulgent and immersive travel experience and yet cannot travel? We have got Velvet Escape Travel Blog to satisfy your visual and mental cravings! This blog is the ultimate example of perfection, branching out in diverse ways related to tourism and travel. As a Blog, it encapsulates a complete version of all travel aspects, such as the interests of tourists, trending travel destinations, promoting different marketing aspects, and others. In this article, you will find a discussion of detailed elements that highlight the Velvet Escape Travel Blog. This site addresses and answers all your concerns. It has detailed travel stories about city trips, adventure sports, offbeat locations, leisure experiences, and much more. You will find the blog a refreshing and welcoming website for travel plans and advice compared to others in the market. Overview Award-winning luxury travel website Velvet Escape Travel Blog offers a selection of destination guides, travel schedules, hotel and tour reviews, and motivational travel narratives to help you have luxurious yet immersive travel experiences. Velvet Escape is founded and published by Amsterdam, Netherlands-based Keith Jenkins. He had a prosperous ten-year career in investment and corporate banking. He quit his job in the business world in 2008 to pursue his passions for writing, travel, and photography. As a result, in December 2008, the blog Velvet Escape was founded. Velvet Escape Travel Blog: Why Should You Check It Out? The writings of Jenkins are detailed regarding getting an overview of the travel experiences. He is detailed about his knowledge and uses blogs to connect with his readers by answering their questions in the comments. He makes it a point to inform travelers about buildings, notable structures related to history, and other educational content. The blog details sustainable travel experiences and how Jenkins explores the world by visiting different destinations. The blogs also help connect with other travelers, find deals on booking tickets and accommodations, and learn about people's experiences. You get to know a lot, especially about locations and how to visit them. What Is A Velvet Escape Travel Blog? The Velvet Escape Travel Blog has the logo "Go explore. Experience. And be inspired." which presents a fresh perspective on traveling. The new generation of travelers considers travel in a different light where it is more of part of lifestyle instead of just a little break. Here comes a beam of light as an inspiration for travelers for adventure or leisure. The unique element of storytelling is comprehensive information, personal experience, and guidance for diverse travel experiences. The blogs on Velvet Escape Travel Blog create an immersive travel experience with stunning visual images, detailed backgrounds of the locations, and adventure. They also make customized travel experiences regarding the personal experience of the travelers who write the blog. Founder The founder of the Velvet Escape Travel Blog website is Keith Jenkins, also the Chief Executive Officer of Ambassador. The Ambassador is a leading network for content creators and professional travel bloggers worldwide. He is also the publisher of the Velvet Escape Travel Blog website. The website is an award-filming site and has successfully influenced millions of people across the globe. Jenkins is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He has been an investment and corporate banker for a decade; however, it was in 2008 that he embarked on a new journey. His journey consisted of pursuing his passion for traveling by traveling, photography, and writing about it. In 2008, he founded the blog called Velvet Escape Travel because it created diverse avenues for travelers like him. Services Available On Velvet Escape Travel Blog Various services are available on the blog founded by Jenkins because it focuses on writing detailed, fun, and inclusive articles. He also tries to create an experience for the readers so they can use it as their guide. The significant features of the blog are services, shops, as well as ambassadors. In relevance to services, you will find a variety of marketing and advertising services. Velvet Escape has made a significant contribution to different travel experiences and approaches. iambassador is a premier travel blogger network connecting bloggers worldwide based on content services and digital marketing. The product or the destination of travel is essential. Hence, it is through this network encourages and advises tourists and travelers to take on that dream trip. The Velvet Escape blog is also a store that sells travel accessories and travel souvenirs. The different products you can buy from it connect you further with travel experiences and destinations. Why Is The Velvet Escape Travel Blog Different? The blog makes travel an inclusive experience with a wealth of propitious information. The articles written on the website are a collection of hotel experiences, travel itineraries, tour reviews, destination guides, as well as luxury stays. As a practical resource, blogs are for thoughtful travelers seeking advice and travel ideas. The articles have a lot of details for a month-long or a week-long vacation, which is quite an idea for people who want a customized itinerary instead of just following tours and trip packages available in the market. The blog is also successful in highlighting offbeat locations so that travelers seeking a unique experience can develop an idea. Topics related to food and wine, nature, beaches, travel stories, culture & history, plane views, and city trips are all there on the website. Types Of Blogs On The Website The collection of articles is diverse on the website, especially concerning the features related to travel destinations and experiences. Offbeat and stunning locations are highlighted in the articles written by Jenkins. History & Culture The range of destinations this site covers under history and culture is diverse. The man's personal experience on this platform, along with practical guidance and advice for the people, is immensely helpful. The articles are compelling from the perspective of travel bloggers who love traveling. Luxury & Wellness The articles are written by Jenkins and sponsor products related to wellness and luxury. You will find guidance when affiliating with different businesses and brands. Some blogs inform about the writer's personal choices and how they can guide others. Nature The blogs about nature are pretty descriptive and help readers understand visitors' preferences in different locations. It is essential to identify how the writer highlights the significance of nature in his blogs. Whenever he visits different places, he discusses nature and the way it influences nature. It is unique because many travel blogs do not share their personal experiences. City Trips The blogs talk about the trips concerning the locations and how you can go around the city. A detailed description of the town, the transportation, and the local resources are shared by the author. How Does Velvet Escape Travel Generate Content? Among the most often asked questions about travel are beaches, city trips, food and wine, luxury and wellness, culture and history, nature, plane views, road trips, and travel stories, especially from first-time visitors. This is a friendly and helpful guide for travelers to use while planning their vacation. The Velvet Escape travel blog covers a variety of locations, price points, and leisure pursuits. Some of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the world are briefly described in his writings. Everybody has occasionally yearned for a change of scenery. You have to get away from the stresses and anxieties of everyday urban life, even if only for a day or a few weeks. You should go to one of the many breathtaking places if beaches and the ocean are part of your idea of the perfect vacation. A trip to a city to see some famous buildings and structures is something you should do if you're interested in culture and history. Discovering new places, learning about different cultures, and experiencing different lifestyles are all made possible by travel. This fantastic resource for travelers uses the author's personal experience to create interesting and educational content. One method of creating content is to write about one's own travel experiences. In addition, he offers advice, recommendations, and anecdotes about travel based on his expertise and experience. He takes his own pictures, films, and footage in order to produce content. In addition, research is done to gather data from different sources. Furthermore, he works with numerous companies and brands. Conclusion Please read the article to learn about the Velvet Escape Travel Blog and the features of the blog. Comment below regarding your favorite blog article in the Velvet Escape Travel Blog. Read Also: Lifestyle Blog For Women Family Fashion Food Travel: Why You Should Follow Them! Things To Know About Glasgow Foodie: Foodie Explorers Food Blog Travel Blog Momondo Flights: Should You Try This Platform For Booking Flights?

BY  Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

If you’ve ever tried planning a trip with friends or family, you’ve probably asked the same thing: Do we even have enough people for this to count as a group? Or maybe the opposite: can we just make our own plan instead of sticking to theirs? Most companies draw the line somewhere around 8–10 people. That’s the usual cutoff for a group booking. Still, if you’ve got fewer folks, don’t stress.  Many operators will let you set up a custom plan—though, yep, it usually costs extra. That’s just the baseline, though. Everything shifts depending on what kind of trip you’re eyeing, where you’re headed, and even when you go. Those details can totally change the rules. So, if you are also wondering how custom itineraries help groups to plan for the perfect getaway, you are at the right place. In this blog, I am going to delve into the various aspects of custom itineraries for different group sizes. Looking into how they help and how to negotiate them. So, keep reading to know more! What Are Custom Itineraries? Unlike normal or fixed itineraries, custom itineraries refer to personalized travel plans that include a meticulously designed guide for trips. By covering how to travel, where to stay, and what to do, they provide the perfect tour guide. In addition to this, they consider the budget for the trip. So, the guide covers all the tour spots that can be managed within the budget range, which prevents overspending or going beyond the budget. Moreover, they are not generic and do not fit all. That is, based on your specific needs and demands, the itinerary is created with recommended activities, tickets, accommodation options, and more. So, it provides a completely tailored trip guide with detailed planning that meets your requirements. How Do Custom Itineraries Help Group Trip Planning? Generally, travel agents use custom itineraries while planning group trips for parties that do not fall within the size limits. So, they collect the necessary details from the group. Focusing on their budget, trip demands, accommodation needs, and activity plans. Moreover, they use the details to create a perfect group trip plan. Also, they recommend certain activities, trip destinations, and a comprehensive guide for the trip. In addition to this, solo travellers also use custom itineraries for travelling to their favorite places with their preferences. So, based on their destination plans and staycation ideas, they create the custom itineraries. Also, this helps in making the trip memorable and enjoyable without indulging in unnecessary activities, just because it is mentioned in the itinerary. How Do Group Size Requirements Vary By Trip Type? Not every trip plays by the same numbers. Adventure stuff—like safaris or hikes—tends to keep it small.  Sometimes just 4–6 people, which makes sense when you think about logistics (and honestly, it feels better that way). But if you’re talking about big bus tours or a cruise excursion, that number jumps. Think 15–20 people minimum just to make the math work out. Cultural things, like a city walking tour or even a cooking class, usually land in the middle. Around 6–8 people keep it personal but still cover costs. What Seasons Affect Group Size Requirements? Season matters—a lot. In busy tourist months, operators are usually chill because they can mash smaller groups together and still hit their targets.  Off-season? Totally different. They might stick to the rules harder or even raise the minimum just to cover expenses. There’s a silver lining, though. During shoulder seasons, many companies bend the rules a bit to pull in more bookings.  If you can travel, then you’ll probably find more flexibility (and better prices, too). What Hidden Costs Should You Consider With Custom Groups? Custom sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: it’s rarely just the base price. Extra fees sneak in. Private guide? Extra.  Special access after hours? Extra. Even behind-the-scenes admin costs for coordinating all the moving parts—yep, also extra. So, with the custom planning for the trips, there are always hidden costs associated with every activity and tour plan. Transport can be tricky too. Smaller groups split costs across fewer people, so per-person prices climb fast. And mid-sized groups?  They’re stuck in that awkward middle—too many for a small van but not enough to fill a full coach. In those cases, a van rental for 15 passengers is often the sweet spot. Oh, and some places add “exclusivity” charges if you want the space or service all to yourself. Always, always ask for a breakdown before you lock anything in. What Options Exist For Groups That Don't Meet Minimums? Didn’t hit the magic number? No big deal. A few workarounds exist. You could pay a small-group supplement (basically a surcharge for being fewer people).  Or, an easier option, join another group that’s already booked and running. Another route: check if the company offers “guaranteed departures.” That means the trip happens no matter what.  Downside is, you won’t usually get custom tweaks—it’s more of a fixed plan. But hey, at least you know the trip won’t get canceled. How Can You Negotiate Custom Itineraries? If you’re leaning toward a custom trip, here’s the trick: go in with a clear list of what really matters and what you can bend on. Operators are way more open to changes when you’re flexible. List out your must-haves (non-negotiable stuff) and your nice-to-haves (things you’d love but could swap).  Be ready to compromise on timing, hotels, or smaller activities. That balance—firm on priorities but loose on details—usually gets you the best outcome. Custom Itineraries For Group Trips So, where does that leave you? Well, step one is simple: jot down a wish list. Split it into “musts” and “maybes.”  When you bring that to an operator, you’ll not only save time but also make it easier for them to build something that actually works.  They see what’s important, and you still give them room to figure out the logistics. That’s how you get a trip that feels like yours without breaking all their rules. Read Also: Planning To Travel The World? How To Pack Up Your Life So It’s Ready For You When You Get Back Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide A Step By Step Guide On Planning A Luxury Travel Vacation