All posts filed under: News, Features, Info & Tips

Pixel 8 Pro, TCL 20 Pro, DSLR, Camera Gear, TravelBloggers.ca, Iain Shankland, Gail Shankland

Do You Still Use A “Real” Camera When You Travel? Why? 📸🎥

Why Our DSLR’s Gather Dust While Our Android Phones Shine It started innocently enough. On a whim during a trip to Germany, we left our cameras at home – too heavy, too much hassle for what was supposed to be a relaxed holiday. For us, it was a huge leap of faith to even consider going without a camera. As avid photographers, virtually every time we travelled, we’d pack multiple DSLRs, lenses, power cords, chargers, Micro SD cards etc. and spare batteries – all crammed into a couple of bulky (and heavy) camera backpacks. Instead, on that trip I relied on my then-Samsung A8 phone (16-MP primary sensor + 8-MP secondary sensor) – Gail used her trusty TCL 20 Pro (48-MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 16-MP ultra-wide lens alongside a 32-MP front-facing camera) to take pictures of castles, villages and towns on our trip. To our surprise, the photos weren’t just “good enough.” They were vibrant, detailed, and ready to post to social media or keep in our travel files on …

Hawthorne Suite kitchen at Liberty Inn Caledon, Private hot tub at Liberty Inn Caledon, Liberty Inn Nordic Spa Hotel Caledon Review, TravelBloggers.ca, Iain Shankland, Gail Shankland

Exploring Ontario: Relax & Rejuvenate At The Liberty Inn Nordic Spa Hotel – Caledon’s Hidden Gem

It’s been a busy 2025 for us because we’ve been downsizing – again to simplify our lives and hopefully give us the chance to travel a bit more. As a result, we haven’t been venturing far, sticking mostly to local spots. Then, out of the blue, we received an invitation to experience The Liberty Inn Nordic Spa Hotel in Caledon! Perfect timing – an overnight getaway of relaxation in a beautiful setting sounded like the perfect tonic to recharge before winter sets in!

The Scoop on the Poop Nobody Talks About: How to Stay Regular While Travelling

Hi there, Gail here! Today’s topic is a little taboo, so Iain wanted to make sure you knew that it was his crazy wife writing and not him! I personally don’t think it’s a big deal, and I’m willing to bet you’ve been dying for us to post about it but were too afraid to ask. That’s okay, we get it, you’re shy. No worries, I’ve got you!

Niagara - Peninsula Ridge Winery, TravelBloggers.ca, Iain Shankland, Gail Shankland

Niagara Beyond The Falls: Autumn / Fall Festivals & Wine Events (September – October)

Fall in Niagara, swaps summer’s heat for crisp air, colourful leaves and some of the region’s best events. We’ve lived here forever and still get giddy for harvest season – think ribs, wine and cozy festivals. The entire Niagara Region is renowned for its vibrant wine festivals that celebrate the area’s rich wine culture and stunning landscapes. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the top wine festivals in the Niagara region, including key events, prices, parking, and tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Nicholas Harvey: Diving Deeper into Adventure, Mystery, and High-Stakes Thrills

We first featured author Nicholas Harvey back in 2017 with his debut thriller Twelve Mile Bank. Since then, he’s become a USA Today bestselling author with multiple mystery series, a podcast, and even AJ Bailey merch. From AJ Bailey to Nora Sommer and Kat Cromwell, dive into our latest spotlight on this prolific island-based storyteller.