Coquitlam B.C.: How to Explore Like a Local

*This post was sponsored by Tourism Coquitlam.  As always, all opinions are my own.  All photos: Copyright Maple Leopard Welcome to one of the Lower Mainland's best getaways: Coquitlam , British Columbia. This beautiful city is a bustling urban getaway 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver. I grew up in the area, and spent a few years in Coquitlam. It was an amazing adventure to revisit childhood memories.

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Banff Upper Hot Springs: A First Time Visitor's Guide

   History The lower slopes of the springs at Sulphur Mountain is where 3 railway workers stumbled across the springs in 1883. A total of nine sulphorous hot springs were found. Not long after, a business operation was started and people began flocking to the hot springs. The soothing and healing properties of the mineral rich springs, are still attracting visitors and locals today.

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3 Perfect Days in Cascais: A Mini Guide to Portugal’s Coastal Gem

Image Credit: Visit Cascais Tourism  *This post is in partnership with Cascais Tourism Board. All experinces were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. Lisbon is Portugal’s bustling capital, and beautiful  Cascais is the little sister. The song " Almost Paradise " describes my thoughts exactly about visitng Cascais.  However "almost" is not an accurate description- it IS PARADISE .  This charming seaside town is the perfect blend of old-world elegance and laid-back coastal fun. If you have  three days in Cascais , here’s how to make the most of it!

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Dolphin Watching in Cascais: A Wild Atlantic Adventure with Four Adventure Boat Tours

*This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All  tours & experiences were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own.  Just off the scenic coast of Cascais, Portugal, the Atlantic Ocean is swarming with marine life—and one of the most best ways to experience it is on a dolphin-watching tour . During my recent press trip, I joined Four Adventure Boat Tours for a guided expedition in search of these incredible creatures.

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Tea, Cocktails, and Secret Agents: Inside the Spy Bar at Hotel Palácio, Estoril

Image Credit: Hotel Palacio Estoril, Portugal *This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All tours & dining experiences were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. Estoril, Portugal, may be known for its serene beaches and charm, but hidden inside one of its most luxurious hotels -lies a secret for the ages. Tucked into the historic Hotel Palácio Estoril is a cozy bar with a past straight out of a James Bond novel. 

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Step Into a Fairytale: Touring Sintra’s National Palace and Monserrate Palace

*This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All tours & dining experiences were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. Up in the lush hills of Sintra, a short drive from Cascais, is a treasure trove of royal grandeur and Moorish mystery. During my recent press tour of Portugal’s Cascais region, I had the incredible opportunity to tour two of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks: the National Palace of Sintra and the enchanting Palácio de Monserrate .  

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A Food Lover's Guide to Unforgettable Restaurants in Cascais & Sintra

Image Credit: Visit Cascais *This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All experiences &  dining were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. Cascais, Portugal—just 30 minutes west of Lisbon—is not only a coastal dream, it’s also a rising star in the culinary world.  I was fortunate to explore the town's rich culture, stunning seaside views  and vibrant food scene.

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Where to Stay in Cascais, Portugal: Why Vila Galé Is the Coastal Getaway You’ve Been Dreaming Of

*This post is in partnership with Visit Cascais . All accommodations, tours & dining experiences were hosted in exchange for editorial coverage. All opinions are my own. When it comes to charming beach towns in Portugal, Cascais is the Atlantic coast charmer calling you to visit. Located 30 minutes west of Lisbon, this laid-back seaside escape offers the perfect mix of old-world beauty, that beckons you to stay awhile.

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Vacation Clubs: The Smarter, Cheaper Way to Travel the World

                              This guest post is sponsored by   David E. Webber     LLC .   Image Credit: Pixabay.com If you’re booking vacations online, you need to see www.bigtravelsecret.com — a powerful 3-minute video that reveals hidden secrets about many popular travel sites. This eye-opening investigation was conducted by the NBC4 I-Team in Los Angeles, uncovering insider information every traveler should know.

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Point Ruston: Visit Tacoma's Trendiest Neighborhood

Point Ruston is in North Tacoma, and located on the waterfront in North Tacoma. It is my favorite GO TO spot. I absolutely love it! I  lived in the Seattle area for 30 years, and have taken in many views of Rainier from around the area. In my opinion, this is the best place to capture a panoramic view.

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