A passion for travel

Hey there! I’m Sara — your resident high-curiosity explorer behind Basic Tourist. I’m a laid-back travel enthusiast, part-time overthinker, and full-time appreciator of stunning views you don’t have to hike 10km to see.

By day, I work in HR, and by night (or let’s be real, weekends and whatever quiet moment I can find), I run this blog to explore the beauty of Canada. I’ve been obsessed with storytelling for as long as I can remember, and while my bank account hasn’t quite caught up with my wanderlust, I believe travel isn’t about how far you go — it’s about what you notice along the way.

I spent over 20 years in the real estate industry in Ontario before transitioning to HR a move that has better suited my introvert needs and most recently, I have moved to British Columbia.

I've also worn a few other hats — as a public speaker, a health technology advocate, and a contributor to publications including The Huffington Post, The Yummy Mummy Club, and The New Family. My speaking experience includes presenting at Stanford's MedX Ed conference, where I shared insights on leveraging technology for better health management. I've been featured in Canadian Press discussing the intersection of technology and wellness. And for a fun fact: in 2014, I appeared in a television commercial with my oldest child — just another chapter in my storytelling journey!

I started Basic Tourist because I love discovering small, meaningful, and sometimes weird corners of Canada — and I know I’m not the only one who’d rather wander a quirky beach town than climb a glacier. Whether you’re a casual traveler, a tired parent, or just someone who loves a good roadside photo op, I hope you’ll feel at home here.

So grab your travel mug, ignore your inbox, and join me as we explore Canada — one offbeat and honest adventure at a time.

Come wander with me - I saved you a seat.