I'm excited to share with you this installment of the Cozy Cabin Chats series. You will be introduced to Erica Lewis, a remarkable woman from Ontario. She is passionate about sharing her love for family, nature, travel, and picturesque locations in Ontario and beyond.
Erica's keen insights and her ability to reflect on the beauty of the world around us through storytelling make her remarkable. Her work reflects her passion for exploring the wonders of nature.
We're looking forward to discovering more about Erica's unique perspectives on content capturing, traveling with her family, and being in nature in the upcoming episode of Cozy Cabin Chats.
Where are you located?
We're in a city just east of Toronto.
How did you become a content creator specializing in travel + short-term rental
[airbnb ]content?
I've always been a big fan of being around nature, taking photos, and finding new places to stay. It's just magical, well, depending on where you are! I am beyond lucky to be able to see so many beautiful places.
When it comes to capturing content, how do you find inspiration?
I generate ideas randomly, jot them down without a set plan, and eventually, I find a place to bring those ideas to life. Once I'm there, that's when the creative flow kicks in. I can't take credit for everything, though.
If I spot something cool on IG, I save it in a folder and put my twist on it.
How frequently do you go on trips with your family?
Within the province, we go away a few times a month (during the winter months); outside of the province, we go away 1 to 2 times a year.
What are your kids' ages?
My girl just turned 9, and my boy just turned 7
What is the most challenging part of traveling with family and capturing content?
Attitude, all the attitude, haha, just kidding. But seriously, getting the kids to cooperate for photos is a challenge. They're at that age where they see the camera and say, "Nope, not today, Mom." I respect their choices, but it does mean I miss out on some of those perfect "family" shots.
What is the easiest part of traveling with family while working on content?
The coolest part about traveling with kids or family and snapping pics is catching those real, unplanned moments. It's all about the genuine laughs and the surprise fun. And hey, having your family in the shots makes everything feel more personal and real.
How does your travel schedule impact your family?
I'm going close, just a 2-5 hour drive, but the kids get annoyed when I go without them. It's a bit tougher on the hubby, but he's cool with it—luckily!
How important is spending time in nature for you and your family?
Nature's our thing; we're always learning cool stuff out there. It's a big deal for me, for sure. But I've gotta say, we nail it in spring and summer.
Winter, though? Brrr, not so much!
Do you like to jam-pack your trips with lots of activities or are you more into taking it easy and relaxing?
It's all about the vibe of the place we're staying at! I love poking around the town wherever we stay, and sure, I aim for a busy schedule, but hey, some chill time is a must too.
'You have to balance the adventure with a bit of relaxation!'
What is your favorite meal to have when traveling?
I'm all about hitting the local spots for a meal or two; it's part of exploring a new place. But stir fry is my fail-proof go-to, and you can go right with an excellent ol' charcuterie board. (Which I usually try to buy at a local small shop).
When staying at a new place, what's your favorite amenity? Some options might include a Fireplace, hot tub, pool, sauna, or ice plunge.
Oh man, all the above, lol. Being by the water is a must; bonus points for a hot tub or sauna in the winter—total happiness. I'm also all about the cold plunge and working on getting even better at that. Lakes beat pools, but a pool is the perfect backup plan if there's no lake.
What is your favorite place that you have stayed at recently?
I'm afraid to say this because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But honestly, I've loved every stay I've had recently, and they are all my faves in different ways.
What is the one thing that you must have with you when traveling?
Whenever I travel, I bring my drone, favorite pillows, and soft blankets.
'I'm that person who needs to travel with her own pillow.'
Can you tell me about a place you've visited that you really enjoyed? What was it that made the place so special to you?
Oh man, this one is so hard to say. I don't even know; many places leave marks on my heart. I love all the cottage countries here.
Can you share one place you have always wanted to visit? Let's manifest!
Haha, my wishlist is super long!
Top of the list? Japan, but that's a big dream.
For shorter trips, I'm itching to explore out west—places like Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake, Jasper, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake, Tofino, Whistler, Pacific Rim National Park, Stanley Park… basically, all of it. I've even planned the whole trip, so hey, any Airbnbs out west up for a collab?!
Another dream trip: Fly into LA, rent a car, do Disney/Universal, then road trip to South Lake Tahoe, hitting spots like Joshua Tree, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono Lake along the way (and yep, any Airbnbs on this route, let's team up!)
What would be your ideal weekend in Ontario?
Well, there's just so much to do, and it depends on the season; a bucket list for winter is dog sledding, so I'd love to do that while we stay at a cozy cabin. Summertime also involves a cabin on the lake near a provincial or national park to explore.
Let's plan a weekend in Ontario for just us girls! What activities and restaurants do you recommend?
When are you coming all ready?!) I recommend Prince Edward County or Niagara region. We can hit up some beautiful wineries, stay at a unique Airbnb, and maybe find some highland cows to hang out with!
Erica is an expert in creating unique photo and video content. As a social media content creator, she helps businesses expand their reach by sharing their stories in a memorable way. You can keep up with her adventures as she explores her beautiful country, partakes in exciting activities with her loved ones, and invites you to discover your inner peace while on the move.