About Me

Hi, I’m Maria - an 80s kid from a country that doesn’t exist anymore. 

I was born in Uzbekistan, when it was still part of the Soviet Union.🪆

I grew up during a pretty interesting time in history - and eventually, the Soviet Union disappeared from the map and Uzbekistan became an independent country. 

So yes… I was literally born in a country that no longer exists. 😂

Maybe that’s one of the reasons I’ve always been fascinated by places, cultures, history, and the stories behind them.

I’ve lived in different places, experienced different cultures, and eventually made my way to Canada.

And somewhere along the way, I discovered one of my biggest addictions:

TRAVEL. 🌎✈️

I love seeing new places, trying new food, discovering different cultures, and finding those little places that make you stop and think:

“How did we even find this?”

I speak 3.5 languages… kind of. 

🇷🇺 Russian — Всем привет!
🇨🇦 English — Hi everyone!
🇮🇱 Hebrew — שלום לכולם!
🇪🇸 Spanish — ¡Hola a todos!

And now I’m learning Spanish, so apparently I’m working toward becoming a person who speaks several languages and remembers absolutely none of them when I actually need them. 😂

Please don’t ask me to translate anything.

I forget words in all of them at the same time.

So… what is The Traveling Mind?

Simply put: I LOVE TO TRAVEL.

Machu Picchu

My family and I would rather spend money seeing the world and making memories than collecting things we probably don't need.

And we LOVE traveling on a budget.

That doesn't mean we never splurge - sometimes you absolutely have to! But give me a good deal, a hidden gem, an affordable hotel with great reviews, or a road trip that lets us see five places for the price of one… and I’m in. 😂

But here’s the thing:

I take travel planning VERY seriously.

Like… probably too seriously.

Before a trip, I’m planning everything — what to pack, what we absolutely need, what needs to be booked ahead of time, where to stop along the way, which excursions are actually worth paying for, what we HAVE to see, and which hidden gems are worth taking a detour for.

I love finding the places that don't necessarily make every “Top 10” list.

Beautiful places.
Historic places.
Strange places.
Creepy places. 👻
Random roadside attractions.
Hidden gems.
Places that make you say, “Why the hell did we come here?” 😂

And sometimes… those end up being the best memories.

This blog is my travel notebook - with a little bit of everything else.

Here I’ll be sharing our family travel adventures, budget-friendly trips, road trips, travel guides, itineraries, tips, hidden gems, must-see places, and the random stops that somehow become the highlight of the trip.

You’ll also find some of my everyday life here — funny thoughts, recipes I actually love, natural and toxin-free finds, products I use, and whatever random idea happens to pop into my head that day.

Shakshuka

Basically…

A little bit of everything, but always with a sense of humour. 

I’m also a digital marketer by profession, a content creator, a wife and mom, and someone who is always thinking about where we should go next.

Because for me, travel isn't just about checking places off a list.

It's about the stories.

The food.

The unexpected stops.

The weird little towns.

The beautiful views.

The “we should probably turn around” moments.

And the memories you end up talking about for years.

So if you love traveling, finding great deals, discovering hidden places, and making the most out of every trip without spending a fortune…

Welcome to The Traveling Mind. 🌎✈️

I’m excited to share the adventures, the planning, the mistakes, the discoveries, and hopefully a few ideas for your next trip.

Now… where are we going next? 🌎

Popular Posts

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Upstate New York: Waterfalls, Scenic Bridges & Beautiful Views

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There is something about fall that makes me want to get in the car, go somewhere new, and enjoy the beautiful colours of the season. And if there is one thing Upstate New York does really well in autumn, it is combining colourful forests with dramatic waterfalls, deep gorges, and scenic bridges. Last fall, we took a road trip from the Toronto area and visited two beautiful state parks: Letchworth State Park and Watkins Glen State Park. And honestly, it was such a beautiful way to experience autumn! From waterfalls surrounded by colourful trees to stone bridges tucked inside rocky gorges, these parks offer so many incredible views.  If you love nature, photography, scenic walks, and finding those places that make you stop and say, “Wow, look at this!”, you will want to add these destinations to your fall bucket list. In this guide, I’m sharing the places we visited, along with a few more New York state parks worth adding to your itinerary if you want to see more waterfalls, bridges,...
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The Perfect Peru Itinerary: 15 Days in Peru from the Andes to the Amazon

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Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Paracas, Huacachina, and the Amazon — our complete 15-day Peru itinerary Peru had been on my travel list for years, and when we finally planned our trip, I knew I didn't want to visit Machu Picchu and call it a day. I wanted mountains, ancient ruins, colorful markets, desert landscapes, wildlife, and the Amazon — and I wanted to experience it all as a family. So we planned a 15-day adventure that took us from the high Andes to the Pacific coast and deep into the Amazon rainforest. Along the way, we discovered just how much this incredible country has to offer. If you're planning your first trip to Peru and want to experience more than the typical Lima–Cusco–Machu Picchu route, this 15-day Peru itinerary will show you how to combine the country's most iconic sights with unforgettable adventures beyond the usual tourist trail. Start Planning Your Peru Trip Looking for flights and hotels for your Peru adventure? You can search and compar...
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Cusco Altitude: What It Actually Felt Like for Our Family

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If you're planning a trip to Cusco, there's one thing you probably can't stop thinking about: the altitude. At around 3,400 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, Cusco is high enough that even simple activities like walking uphill can feel surprisingly difficult. But reading about altitude sickness and experiencing the effects of high altitude yourself are two very different things. We visited Cusco as a family of three — two adults and our 15-year-old — and I quickly realized that knowing what to expect is one thing, but figuring out how your body will actually react is another. Here's what the altitude felt like for us, how it affected our first few days, and what helped us adjust during our time in Cusco. Planning a trip to Peru? I put together our complete 16-day Peru itinerary, including Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Paracas, Huacachina and the Amazon. Read our full Peru itinerary → Arriving in Cusco: "Why is breathing so hard?" We arrived in Cu...
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10 Best Day Trips from Toronto: Charming Towns, Beautiful Streets & Hidden Gems in Ontario

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Sometimes you don't need to plan a big vacation, book flights or spend hours packing suitcases to discover somewhere beautiful. Sometimes, all you need is a full tank of gas, a free weekend and a little curiosity. Ontario has so many wonderful places worth exploring, from historic small towns and picturesque downtown streets to waterfront parks, beautiful bridges, waterfalls and unexpected attractions. Over the years, I've discovered that some of the nicest places to visit aren't necessarily the ones everyone talks about. Some have adorable downtowns, others have fascinating history, and a few have attractions you probably wouldn't expect to find just a short drive from Toronto. In this guide, I'm sharing 10 places in Ontario that are worth adding to your day-trip bucket list. I've included a little bit of everything: charming villages, bigger towns, historic cities, scenic walking trails, interesting museums and even a few unusual attractions. Whether you enjoy...
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Cusco, Peru: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to the Inca Capital

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Driving in Peru: What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car

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Driving in Peru was one of the parts of our trip I was most nervous about — and for good reason. Before our visit, I had read plenty of stories about chaotic traffic, aggressive drivers, police stops, and challenging roads. I wondered whether renting a car would give us more freedom or simply add unnecessary stress to our trip. After driving from Lima to Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina before returning to Lima Airport, I learned that driving in Peru is absolutely doable, especially if you're an experienced driver. But it's not always easy, and you need to be prepared for a very different driving style. This road trip was just one part of our larger 16-day Peru itinerary, which also took us to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon. If you're considering renting a car in Peru, here's what I wish I had known before getting behind the wheel, from what driving is really like to the practical tips that can make your trip less stressful. Renting a Car in Peru We ...
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The Best Way to Get to Ollantaytambo and See the Sacred Valley

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Visiting Machu Picchu? Here's how to get to Ollantaytambo without the guesswork . If you're planning a trip to Machu Picchu, there's a good chance you'll need to get to Ollantaytambo first. It's one of the main departure points for trains to Machu Picchu, but getting there from Cusco doesn't have to be just a transfer from one place to another. What if you could explore the Sacred Valley along the way, instead of spending a day sightseeing and then having to backtrack to Cusco? That's exactly what we did, and it turned out to be one of the smartest decisions we made during our Peru trip. There are several ways to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, including private drivers, public transportation, and organized tours. The best option depends on your budget, schedule, and how much of the Sacred Valley you want to see. Here's a breakdown of your options, including the one we chose and why I'd recommend it if you want to make the most of your time in Peru....
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Why Peru Is One of the Hardest Countries to Plan a Trip To

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When I first started planning our trip to Peru, I looked at the map and thought: “Okay… Peru. How hard can this be?” Famous last words. 😂 Peru looks surprisingly manageable on a map, but once you actually start planning a trip, you quickly realize that this country is huge, incredibly diverse, and not always easy to get around. You can go from the Pacific coast to the Andes, from the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, and from desert dunes to ancient Inca cities — all within the same country. Sounds amazing, right? It is. Planning it? That's a completely different story. Peru looks small… until you start connecting the dots One of the first things I learned while planning was that distances on the map don't tell the whole story. Peru's geography is complicated because the Andes run right through the country, creating enormous changes in elevation and terrain. You have the Pacific coast, massive mountains, canyons, high-altitude valleys, desert, and the Amazon rainforest. And ...
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How to Save Money on Hotel Bookings: My Best Tips for Finding Cheaper Hotels

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Hotels can take a huge chunk out of your travel budget. And when you're planning a family vacation, those accommodation costs add up pretty quickly! I love travelling, but I also love finding a good deal. I'd much rather save a couple of hundred dollars on a hotel and spend that money exploring a destination, trying local food, or doing something memorable with my family. Over the years, I've developed a few habits that help me save money on hotels. I compare prices, book in advance, keep checking my reservations, and take advantage of discounts whenever I can. And while I always compare my options, I keep coming back to one booking platform: Expedia . I've personally found that Expedia often offers competitive hotel rates. I also like the convenience of comparing different accommodation options, earning rewards on eligible bookings, and getting additional benefits at selected hotels. So, if you're planning your next vacation and want to spend less on accommodation ...
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How Long Should You Stay in Aguas Calientes, Peru?

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Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? You're probably wondering how long you should stay in Aguas Calientes. Is one night enough, or is it worth spending two nights in this little mountain town? During our family trip to Peru, we discovered that Aguas Calientes has more to offer than just a place to sleep before visiting Machu Picchu. There are little restaurants, markets, shops and plenty of interesting corners to explore. So, how much time do you really need? Let me share our experience, what you can do in town and how to plan your stay without feeling like you're missing out. Where Is Aguas Calientes, Peru? Aguas Calientes is a small town in the Peruvian Andes, nestled between steep green mountains along the Urubamba River. It's the main gateway to Machu Picchu and the place where most visitors stay before exploring the famous Inca citadel. One of the most interesting things about Aguas Calientes is that there are no regular roads connecting it to the surrounding road network...
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