Melody Wren

Travel writer & photographer

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

    Neale Donald Walsch

    • 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?

    • Enjoy the Sun – Protect Our Reefs

      (Waypoints Global, September 2019) – The Keys have a focus on reef preservation and taking care of our creatures in a natural world. Coral is being transplanted by volunteers who can then snorkel to see the transplanted coral which spawns within two years. With reef preservation in mind, the Keys have banned regular sunscreen; any…

    • Duck Key’s Newly Renovated Hawks Cay Resort

      (Waypoints Global, September 2019) – Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key recently completed a $50-million renovation. Walking into the lobby with gentle soothing colours, palm leaf fans, and rattan furniture, in soft tones, the beach vibe is immediate and soothing.

    • Welcome to the Conch Republic – What Locals Call Key West

      (Waypoints Global, September 2019) – There is a different feel to the Keys as soon as you are removed from the hustle and bustle of Miami. A soft breeze, gentle murmur of voices and a relaxed island vibe is felt everywhere you turn.

    • Adventures on South Padre Island: The Sweet Side of Texas

      (Family Fun Canada, September 2019) – At the tip of Texas on the Gulf of Mexico is South Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world.  The island is about 30 miles long, running north and south and only 1/2 mile across at its widest point, making it very easy to navigate. Cars share…

    • Travelling Light? Just Carry-On

      (Family Fun Canada, April 2019) – I recall the trip I was on when I firmly decided it was carry-on luggage only from then onward. I was flying to Milwaukee out of Toronto’s Air Canada terminal 1. I arrived the prescribed 2 hours ahead with one suitcase to check. Piece of cake, right? Not so. 

    • Mystical Minack Theatre, Cornwall, England

      (Waypoints Global, March 2019) – Several years ago we rented a house in Cornwall for a month which gave us loads of time to explore the gorgeous beaches, to enjoy local fish, and explore the area. One of the best evenings was spent at the Minack Theatre, a remarkable clifftop venue that overlooks Porthcurno beach,…

    • Galapagos Islands – Beyond All Expectations

      (Waypoints Global, March 2019) – I didn’t realize how many preconceived notions I had about the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. When I booked my trip, I was looking forward to seeing animals, sea life and a few birds in their natural habitat, but I wasn’t prepared for the vast numbers of sea lions, marine iguanas,…

    • UnCruise in the Aquarium of the World

      (Family Fun Canada, February 2019) – Rain spattered my cheeks, a warm wind gently wafted and the sound of distant barking and braying of sea lions could be heard. 6:45 yoga on the top deck welcomed many of us to the Sea of Cortes. The instructor introduced herself and said “we stop for nature so…

    • Embrace Your Inner Pirate in Magical Dominica

      (Family Fun Canada, February 2019) – Mentioning to friends I was travelling to Dominica, they all replied, “oh, you mean the Dominican Republic.” No, I mean, Dominica, a tiny island off the coast of Venezuela, close to Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St. Lucia. It has the ocean, mountains and rainforest all within a close range of the…

    • The Real Secrets of Secret Bay

      (Waypoints Global, February 2019) – A boutique hotel composed entirely of sustainably sourced materials fits in with the natural surroundings of the island and serves as a luxurious retreat for guests. Situated on a cliff (with access to Tibay and private beaches), this boutique hotel has a small cluster of villas and bungalows with private…