About Me

about outdoor adventure travel blog - Mistico Park, Costa Rica

About Treks and Trails – Outdoor Adventure Travel Blog

Hi! I’m Nicole, the travel addict, nature lover behind Treks and Trails—a travel blog dedicated to inspiring others through unique, nature-focused adventures.

My love for the outdoors started young. Growing up in Alberta, Canada, I was the kid constantly begging my parents to take me camping, hiking, or on spontaneous road trips. That early curiosity for adventure planted the seed for a lifelong passion for exploration.

Fast-track a couple years, in 2018 I graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Chemical Engineering. But like many people fresh out of university, I wasn’t sure what path I wanted to follow. So instead of jumping straight into a career, I bought a one-way ticket to Thailand.

That decision changed everything.

I spent three incredible months traveling through Southeast Asia—Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. It was my first solo backpacking trip, and I planned the entire thing myself. Immersing myself in new cultures, landscapes, and histories completely reignited my love for travel. I came home knowing one thing: seeing the world would always be a priority in my life.

Since then, I’ve built a career in the energy sector that allows me to work two weeks on, two weeks off – leaving me with plenty of time to explore the world. I’ve now traveled to over 15 countries (and counting), from tropical beaches and jungle ruins to mountain peaks and desert dunes.

In 2024, after a trip to Guatemala that left a lasting impact on me, I finally decided to start this blog as a creative outlet and a way to share my journey. Treks and Trails has grown into an outdoor adventure travel blog about embracing nature, exploring with curiosity, and finding meaning in every trail taken. I hope it not only helps you plan unforgettable adventures, but also encourages you to step off the beaten path—and maybe even learn from a few of the mistakes I’ve made along the way.

Places I’ve Travelled:

Favorite Destinations For:

about outdoor adventure travel blog - Laos

Nature:

Canada, Vietnam, Hawaii, Laos
Sloth, Costa Rica

Wildlife:

Costa Rica, Guatemala
Spain

Beach Escapes:

Thailand, Spain, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico
about outdoor adventure travel blog - Thailand Temple

History & Culture:

Spain, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Guatemala, Abu Dhabi
Whistler, BC

Skiing & Snowboarding:

Canada, United States
about outdoor adventure travel blog - Nova Scotia, Cabot Trail

Road Trips:

Canada, United States, Spain

What You’ll Find on This Outdoor Adventure Travel Blog:

about outdoor adventure travel blog - Volcano Acatenango Guatemala
Nature-focused trip guides and itineraries
Travel inspiration and personal stories
Travel tips & practical advice
Off-the-beaten-path destinations
Gear reviews & packing guides
Hidden gems and unique stays—from treehouses to off-grid cabins

Start Exploring

If you’re new here, the homepage is a great place to start. You can also head over to the Destinations page to see where I’ve been lately.
I hope this blog helps spark your next adventure—whether it’s a quiet weekend hike or a life-changing trip abroad.

Check Out My Recent Work On Instagram

Montserrat Abbey, Spain
Thailand
hot air balloon, Laos
Vietnam
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