Westworld Saskatchewan

SAVVY TRAVELLER 8 W E S T W O R L D | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 T ravelling introduces us to unique experiences. But venturing into new places and countries can also be stressful and even a little scary. After five years at university, I designed a five-year travel plan to learn more about different cultures and to dis- cover far-off places. I fell in love with the lifestyle and decided to pursue it as a career. Currently, I am the 2015 Sas- katchewanderer, the official travel blog- ger for the province of Saskatchewan. I get to discover and share with my follow- ers the best of living, working and play- ing in the province. After spending so much time on the road, I've learned many lessons, both personal and practical. I've also learned a few ways to make travelling more adven- turous and authentic, as well as less stressful. Here are my six best tips for your next holiday. 1. Say "yes!" Even if it scares you, say yes. Stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to broaden your perspective and discover new activities. I entered a cross-country skiing competition in La Ronge without knowing anything about skiing. Was I scared before my first competition and worried what people might think of my lack of skills? Of course, but I tried it anyway. Competitors were even help- ful, encouraging me and offering pieces of advice. Now, I'm the proud owner of my own set of cross-country skis. Travelling is the ideal time to try something new or different, often with the safety of experts around you to guide you in your experience. 2. Talk to people. It is less about the places you see and more about the people you see those places with. Make sure to talk to the people around you, whether it's other travellers or locals. You'll learn a lot and perhaps gain a new travel com- panion or friend. Most likely, you'll hear about some lesser-known place to explore off the tourist trail. is is the best way for an authen- tic adventure to happen. 3. Be flexible. It's great to plan ahead and have a general idea of your travel itinerary, but don't forget to leave some free time for flexibility. is offers you the chance to take spontaneous opportu- nities when they happen and can also keep you from stressing if something takes longer than expected. 4. Have a good insurance plan. Before I step on a plane to fly out of the coun- try, or even travel out of the province, I make sure I have a great insurance plan. As an adventure traveller, it is very important to know I'll have medical coverage if I am injured while summitting a mountain or scuba diving on a reef. Fortunately, CAA Saskatchewan offers several different types of travel insur- ance that can meet your specific needs. 5. Use a micro-SD card. Updating my followers while on the go is essential to keeping them engaged. For those dialled in to technology, using a micro-SD card in your camera is my best tip. Simply pop the SD card out of its adapter and into your cell- phone to update your friends and family on your adventures. Not only does it save time, but it frees you from having to carry a com- puter to transfer high-resolution files. 6. Embrace unexpected experiences. I love spontaneous, unplanned adventures in the midst of travelling. I caught a ride on a motor railcar tour through southern Saskatch- ewan with the North American Railcar Opera- tors Association. It was all because I had flexibility in my schedule, the openness to embrace unexpected activities and the courage to say yes to a new opportunity. Unanticipated experiences result in the most fun, the fondest memories and the best stories to tell your friends and family. W CAA Saskatchewan is the exclusive sponsor of the 2015 Saskatchewanderer. Tips from a Travel Addict How to turn a trip into an adventure by Ashlyn George, THE 2015 SASKATCHEWANDERER

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