Melody Wren

Melody is an Ontario based travel writer who believes travel stories are meant to encourage and inspire and considers her age (over 60) a gift in her journeys, bringing wisdom, experience, humour and a major ‘if not now, when’ attitude to her writing. A formerly nervous traveller, experiential travel has helped her conquer fears as she snorkelled through the Galapagos islands, glacier trekked in the Northwest Passage, danced around a fire in Africa, learned how to make the perfect tiramisu in Florence, kayaked amongst spawning salmon in Ontario, snow-shoed in Colorado, and sailed in the British Virgin Islands . Her work appears in Canadian Yachting Magazine, Canadian Jewish News, The Toronto Star, Kitchener Waterloo Record, Caribbean Beat Magazine, Cottage Life Magazine, Waypoints Global, Active Over 50, and Inspired Seniors.

Le Boat – An Iconic Canadian Holiday on the Rideau Canal

Melody Wren Canada, News & Reviews, Ontario August 18, 2020

We relaxed on the top deck of a 45-ft boat, chatting, listening to music that was carried away by the soft wind off Big Rideau Lake, and marvelled at the ospreys soaring by.  The sound of giggling drew our attention to two girls who ...Read More

Where to Eat on South Padre Island Texas

Melody Wren News & Reviews, Texas, USA February 17, 2020

Surrounded by the sea, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Laguna Madre Bay on the other, South Padre Island is a tropical paradise destination for foodies and families. The compact nature of the destination allows for easy access to beach, ...Read More

Step Back in Time on Mackinac Island

Melody Wren News & Reviews, USA January 16, 2020

Pronounced Mackinaw, Mackinac Island is a pristine island is filled with charm and character-filled houses lining each street.  Horses’ hooves echo as buggies carry ferry loads of visitors from the dock. An island in Lake Huron, it is in the state of Michigan. In ...Read More

How to Have an Urban Digital Detox in Downtown Toronto

Melody Wren Canada, News & Reviews, Ontario December 16, 2019

Welcome to Part One of a series on Digital Detox; exploring how to do a complete disconnect from technology while travelling to different destinations. A digital detox is going without technology for a certain period so phones, TV, radio, computers – anything that connects ...Read More

Five Days in Family Friendly Finger Lakes, NY

Melody Wren New York, News & Reviews, USA October 28, 2019

With rolling hills and field after field of vineyards, charming towns filled with architecturally beautiful houses and a thriving culinary scene, comparisons to France are inevitable. While France flourishes as an elegant film set, Finger Lakes has a relaxed tangible quality that lends itself ...Read More

Adventures on South Padre Island: The Sweet Side of Texas

Melody Wren News & Reviews, Texas September 5, 2019

At the tip of Texas on the Gulf of Mexico is South Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world.  The island is about 30 miles long, running north and south and only 1/2 mile across at its widest point, making it very ...Read More

Summertime in Bobcaygeon and the Living Is Easy

Melody Wren Canada, News & Reviews, Ontario May 27, 2019

A multi-generational cottage holiday in the Kawarthas (Bobcaygeon) It was clear where we were going as a family – a cottage we had rented every other year for 31 years since my daughter was a baby and now she and her partner were bringing ...Read More

Travelling Light? Just Carry-On

Melody Wren News & Reviews, Travel Tips April 22, 2019

I recall the trip I was on when I firmly decided it was carry-on luggage only from then onward. I was flying to Milwaukee out of Toronto’s Air Canada terminal 1. I arrived the prescribed 2 hours ahead with one suitcase to check. Piece ...Read More

UnCruise in the Aquarium of the World

Melody Wren La Paz, Mexico, News & Reviews February 25, 2019

Rain spattered my cheeks, a warm wind gently wafted and the sound of distant barking and braying of sea lions could be heard. 6:45 yoga on the top deck welcomed many of us to the Sea of Cortes. The instructor introduced herself and said ...Read More

Embrace Your Inner Pirate in Magical Dominica

Melody Wren Caribbean, Dominica, News & Reviews February 14, 2019

Mentioning to friends I was travelling to Dominica, they all replied, “oh, you mean the Dominican Republic.” No, I mean, Dominica, a tiny island off the coast of Venezuela, close to Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St. Lucia. It has the ocean, mountains and rainforest all ...Read More