THE BLOG

I recently returned from an epic trip and return “home” to a place near and dear to my heart: South Africa (and surrounds). I had lived and worked there on two separate occasions and stayed with two different families, living as their “daughter” in both…and I had not returned for 16 years. It wasn’t because […]

I have always believed that travel connects us to people and places we otherwise would not have known and it has the ability to impact and shape us in life changing ways. This belief is actually in my mission statement for Heather Lane Adventures: To create and design purpose-driven travel that connects clients to different […]

I don’t know about you, but when I travel I really try to avoid being a tourist…or at least looking like one. However, let’s face it, when we are visiting a new place whether we are in our own country/culture or not, we are in fact tourists. There are ways that we can be more […]

Sometimes we just need to get away….even when we really can’t go away. Times like this call for a stay-cation! I recently had a delightful staycation at an old refurbished lock house along the C&O Canal. Less than 2 miles from my own home, I knew I could easily return at a moment’s notice if […]

It is the start of 2023 and like most of you, I started the year setting out goals, particularly for Heather Lane Adventures, my travel design business. As a new travel business, I am often asked the question “What is your niche?” See, everyone needs some type of focus, otherwise it is hard to target […]

Responsible tourism provides travelers with the unique experiences they seek, while making a positive contribution to local communities and economies in a culturally sensitive (and appreciative way) and minimizing environmental damage and degradation.  The concept of and need for responsible travel has been a core value of mine since my very early days of travel. […]

I’ve asked myself this question a number of times. I’m a seasoned traveler, who has traversed the globe solo or with 1-2 other people, and I have managed and planned my own trips for decades. After going through a travel advisor myself to help me plan a very special once in a lifetime trip, I […]