Melody Wren

Travel writer & photographer

    “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

    Neale Donald Walsch

    • The Coolest Thing to Do in All 26 Caribbean Countries

      (Far & Wide, March 2020) – Great weather, easy access by plane and diverse cultures mean that the 26 Caribbean countries have many choices when it comes to travel excursions. Not sure which Caribbean island’s best for you? Here we list the best thing to do in each Caribbean country — from the classic car…

    • Is Scotland Safe? What Travelers Need to Know

      (World Nomads, March 2020) – Just how safe is Scotland? Melody Wren shares her travel safety tips on crime, unpredictable weather, safety in the mountains and what to pack on a hiking trip.

    • Author documents history of Key West’s Jews

      (The Canadian Jewish News, February 2020) – Arlo Haskell’s The Jews of Key West: Smugglers, Cigar Makers and Revolutionaries (Sand Paper Press) illustrates an unexpected perspective of the southern, hurricane-magnet city in covering its 195-year-old Jewish community.

    • The Florida Keys – It doesn’t get much better

      (The Canadian Jewish News, January 2020) – The Keys have a much different feel than the hustle and bustle of Florida’s mainland cities. A soft breeze, the gentle murmur of voices and an island vibe is felt throughout.

    • Greenland and Wild Labrador – A Cultural Experience with Adventure Canada

      (Waypoints Global, January 2020) – Our hiking group was scattered on the beach when our guide spotted three polar bears on the far side of the fjord. Suddenly, two of the bears started swimming diagonally not far from our protected zone. The guide quickly gathered us together and urged us to swiftly board waiting zodiacs.

    • Step Back in Time on Mackinac Island

      (Family Fun Canada, January 2020) – Pronounced Mackinaw, Mackinac Island is a pristine island is filled with charm and character-filled houses lining each street. Horses’ hooves echo as buggies carry ferry loads of visitors from the dock.

    • Stop bellyaching

      (CAA Magazine, December 2019) – Parasites are the last souvenir you want to bring home from a warm-weather vacation this winter. Here’s how to avoid them.

    • Sand, surf and seafood on South Padre

      (Canadian Traveller, Winter 2019) – The brief for a mother-daughter holiday was simple: Somewhere hot with beaches and watersports. It would be an escape for my daughter, Sara, and a reconnection for both of us as we rarely get dedicated time together.

    • How to Have an Urban Digital Detox in Downtown Toronto

      (Family Fun Canada, December 2019) – A digital detox is going without technology for a certain period so phones, TV, radio, computers – anything that connects us to the outside world – are all switched off. The benefits of completing a detox means you have time to enjoy hobbies, activities or have a long nap…

    • How to Avoid Getting Parasites When You Travel

      (Fodors Travel, November 2019) – After a refreshing trip from an exotic destination, the only souvenirs you want to bring back are those you choose yourself. However, according to Dr. Andrea Boggild, Director of the Tropical Disease unit in Toronto as many 30% of travelers return with at least one parasite and often more than…

    • Five Days in Family Friendly Finger Lakes, NY

      (Family Fun Canada – October 2019) – With rolling hills and field after field of vineyards, charming towns filled with architecturally beautiful houses and a thriving culinary scene, comparisons to France are inevitable. While France flourishes as an elegant film set, Finger Lakes has a relaxed tangible quality that lends itself perfectly to a gentle…

    • Text While you Trek with Unigear Waterproof Gloves

      (Waypoints Global, October 2019) – Any pair of gloves that has this poem on the tag attached wins my heart immediately – even before I try them on. The detailed fit with soft leather palms suitable for texting and the elasticized wrist with wrist zipper for optimal fit all lived up to the hype the…

    • How Sweet it Is – Finger Lakes Flight of Honey

      (Waypoints Global, October 2019) – Honey is a hot topic right now, primarily for health reasons. A natural sweetener, it can also be used to heal wounds, help sore throats and colds and help the planet. Buying a raw honey flight with four different types of honey is an ideal souvenir or gift to bring…

    • A Winery Offering Audacity and Ferociousness

      (Waypoints Global, October 2019) – Part of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Three Brothers Wineries and Estates is home to three wineries, a microbrewery and a café. Owner Dave Mansfield started the vineyard eleven years ago and spent the next few years building it up to 40 acres.

    • Kino Puts the Keen into its Sandals

      (Waypoints Global, September 2019) – There is a saying in Key West that  if you take home sand in your shoes, it’s a good indication that you’ll return. So, if you take home sandals that are made in Key West, what could that mean?