I’m Liisa Ladouceur. A Toronto travel blogger who likes to wander — 27 countries plus most of Canada so far. And I want to inspire your next adventure
My Story
It all started with a week in Mexico.
Where I came from — a low-income family in small-town Ontario — travel was for Rich People. Growing up I was plenty curious about the world, but I satisfied myself reading library books instead. Then in my twenties a partner convinced me if I could save up $1000 we could fly to Cancun and go climb pyramids. So I did!
That first trip opened my eyes and changed my life.
I climbed my first pyramid at Chichen Itza. I took my first ocean swim, saw my first banana tree, ate so many quesadillas before discovering there is more vegetarian Mexican food than quesadillas….Cancun is not the most “exotic” location on Earth perhaps, but a very long way from my hometown.
Every day is an adventure when you are travelling. I quickly realized that it’s an opportunity to learn about other people, cultures, and yourself. That when you step off the hamster wheel of daily routine, you can find out what truly makes you happy. (And that for me, this includes Oaxacan cheese sandwiches.)
Most importantly, I learned that travel is not just for The Rich. There is fun, excitement, wonder, and beauty to be found on any budget.
In Mexico I fell in love with experiencing new things in new places. And I haven’t stopped since.
Dream. Plan. Go!
Like most North Americans, I mostly get away on short breaks: a long weekend here, a week or two there, the occasional longer, grander adventure.
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel for work, making music documentaries or writing. (You may know me from my books Encyclopedia Gothica and How to Kill a Vampire, my arts and culture journalism, my work with BangerTV, or my goth style YouTube channel. Hi!)
I’ve been equally lucky to travel with friends and also discovered I appreciate small group tours to more faraway countries. But I also know that you don’t need any of that or anyone else to see the world. Solo travel is a rewarding experience everyone should try at least one in their lives.
I’m here to show you that if travel is your dream, it can be done without selling everything you own and taking off in a van. (Although I sometimes fantasize about that…) Just dream, plan, and go!
Why I launched a travel blog in the middle of the pandemic
Travel is such a privilege. Like so many people, I realized that more than ever in March 2020 when borders closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and we were asked to stay home.
Ironically, I had decided that 2020 would be the year I dedicated my writing to travel. But how could I blog about travel when I wasn’t able to go anywhere?
I launched Liisa Wanders anyway. In part to showcase the best places to visit close to home, but mostly to keep the travel dream alive. And I’m so glad I did — in just a few years this blog has connected with me with so many kindred spirits. Hearing from readers who find my stories helpful brings me great joy.
How can I help you travel more — and better?
Liisa Wanders isn’t limited to any one location or style of travel. But there are some things I’m particularly passionate about and have more expertise to share. You can expect posts on:
- Travel Tips for solo women travellers
- Great Cities to explore on any budget
- Strange and Unusual attractions
- Hot springs, Saunas and Spas
- Toronto and Canada
I hope that Liisa Wanders inspires adventures of your own, whether that’s around the world, or around the block. Please send me a note or connect on my socials if you have any questions. I’d love to talk travel with you!
This world is a marvellous place. Let’s go see what’s out there.
On y va. Yalla!
Liisa
Selected Freelance Travel Articles
Meet the women rickshaw drivers of Jaipur, India (for Intrepid Travel)
How to See Some of the Best Toronto Museums for Free (for Ultimate Ontario)
10 Punk Museums Around the World (for spin.com)
Explore Parkdale with a Street Art Tour (for Destination Toronto)
Ask me anything
