Author Archives: elliottcm

Somewhere in my adventurous and independent 30s, I created a birthday tradition with myself. I aimed to challenge my fortitude emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Every year I concoct an over the top plan and, of course, I always have to outdo myself. I’m a firm believer in spoiling yourself on your special day andContinue reading “Birthday challenge 🎂”

Have you ever rolled into a new town & felt an immediate connection? This wave of delight warmed over me upon descending into this “down under” retreat. With a free afternoon ahead, I barely squeezed into the local bike shop ten minutes prior to closing early on a Sunday night and begged the rep toContinue reading “Biking around Wanaka 🚴🇳🇿”

To say I’ve become an expert travel unpacker is an understatement. I’ve hopped on 20 adventure trips over the last 13 years and we typically are on the move every night to a new, exotic town ready for exploration. I can pack or unpack in 5 mins flat. With one big hikers backpack and aContinue reading “Unpacking 101 🎒”

No phone or Wi-Fi reception for two days… sign me up! Completely escaping the grind is my kinda trip and I couldn’t wait to be transported to this remote paradise in the southern half of New Zealand’s north island. After a strenuous and successful 19.4km trek on the infamous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we arrived justContinue reading “Duck Station NZ 🇳🇿”

Halfway around the world, one of the great treks to conquer is 19.4km in the Tongariro National Park. I had booked a three week kiwi tour with this being the #1 must-do activity on the itinerary. What’s the odds that we were halfway around the world when the biggest rainfall ever and flooding hit theContinue reading “Tongariro Alpine Crossing 🥾🏔️🇳🇿”

When was the last time you did something for the first time? It is my new mission to find an over the top experience for each of my close friend’s birthdays. So in mid December, which is typically forgotten amongst all the holiday chaos, we found a hidden gem tucked between the two busy OrlandoContinue reading “Goat yoga 🐐”

It’s a 4hr drive from the launching point of Queenstown to reach the elusive & remote Milford Sound. This day on the itinerary is one of the highlights when basing out of the adventure capital of the world, even after the uncomfortably early wake up call of 6:15am. Does our guide know that we areContinue reading “Milford Sound 🇳🇿🚢”

I get asked quite often what my favorite destinations have been and I always struggle with an answer. Reason being, I dive into each adventure with a completely different mindset. Each meticulously designed trip has served a different purpose in my journey. Sometimes I may be in desperate need of an escape, while others itContinue reading “Top 10 travel adventures 🌍”

Upon arriving into Auckland, New Zealand mid-day on a gorgeous Sunday in late January, I hopped on the Skydrive double decker bus to head to city center and dive into a new adventure. Our travel group met up at the hotel and hit the ground running on our 22 day journey by visiting the AllContinue reading “All Blacks Experience 🏉 🇳🇿”