Travel Insights
Destination guides, packing tips, travel hacks, and stories from the road.
Flight itineraries · Hotel reservations · Travel insurance policies · Emergency contact information · Visa approvals and confirmation numbers
Sightseeing without crowds · Exploring Dubrovnik and Split · National park adventures · Hiking and cycling · Lower hotel rates
Exceptional wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo National Parks. · Clear skies ideal for photography. · Fewer crowds compared to peak migration periods. · Great conditions for c...
Travel is about more than visiting famous landmarks. Some of the most unforgettable experiences come from joining local celebrations that showcase culture, history, music, and community spirit. Fro...
Experience the famous cherry blossom season. · Enjoy comfortable weather for exploring cities and countryside. · Attend spring festivals and traditional hanami (flower-viewing) celebrations.
Fewer tourists at popular attractions · Beautiful gardens and blooming landscapes · Mild temperatures ideal for exploring · Great value compared to peak summer prices
Researching destinations · Comparing flights · Evaluating hotel reviews · Coordinating transfers · Understanding visa requirements · Finding activities and excursions · Creating itineraries
Beach vacations · Surfing and water sports · Sydney New Year's celebrations · Coastal road trips · Family holidays
Skiing and snowboarding · Christmas markets · Winter hiking and snowshoeing · Luxury mountain getaways · Scenic alpine train rides
The trulli houses of Alberobello in Puglia · The rock churches of Matera · The medieval city of San Gimignano · The mosaics of Ravenna · The Royal Palace of Caserta · Villa d'Este in Tivoli · The v...
Mild winters averaging 15°C to 20°C in southern regions · Affordable compared to many Western European countries · Excellent healthcare and infrastructure · Rich culture, food, and wine
As I pack for our three nights in Athens and our 21-night Mediterranean cruise, I thought I would share my must-haves for a long day of travel from Prince George, BC, to Athens, Greece.
Trekking in Patagonia · Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier · Whale watching in Peninsula Valdés · Beach escapes along the Atlantic Coast · Outdoor festivals and nightlife in Buenos Aires
Comfortable weather for exploring Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra · Spectacular wildflowers throughout the countryside · Fewer tourists and shorter lines at major attractions · Excellent hiking condition...
As another Canadian winter approaches, travelers are already planning their escape to warmer climates. While perennial favorites continue to dominate bookings, Winter 2026/27 is shaping up to be a ...
Famous for its iconic tulip fields, intricate network of canals, world-class art museums, and charming bicycle-friendly cities, the Netherlands is a masterpiece of history and modern design. While ...
Famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and constant cooling trade winds, Aruba is the ultimate Caribbean escape. Unlike many tropical islands that experience dr...
Stretching over 4,300 kilometers along the western edge of South America, Chile is a land of astonishing geographical extremes. From the hyper-arid expanses of the Atacama Desert in the north and t...
While river cruises may seem expensive at first glance, they offer a level of convenience, intimacy, and destination access that many other types of travel simply can't match. Rather than rushing b...
Commissions are already built in: Major cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, and resort chains build a sales commission into their advertised rates. If you book directly online, the company simply...
Remote mountain lodges · National parks and wilderness areas · Off-grid eco-resorts · Desert retreats · Coastal villages · Island getaways · Forest cabins and glamping sites
Traveling is one of life's most rewarding experiences. It allows us to explore new destinations, meet different people, and create unforgettable memories. While solo travel and independent trips ha...
Hidden among lush rice terraces, tropical forests, and ancient temples, Ubud is often considered the cultural soul of Bali. Unlike the island's busy beach towns, Ubud offers a peaceful retreat wher...
Nestled along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, Málaga is one of Spain's most captivating destinations. Often overshadowed by larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Málaga offers a perfect blend...
Premium accommodations are widely available · New itineraries are released · Early booking incentives appear · Deposit-based payment plans are offered
Reserve accommodations early in popular foliage destinations. · Travel midweek when possible for better rates. · Consider visiting just before or after peak foliage dates for lower prices. · Look f...
When summer temperatures soar, there's no better time to trade sweltering city streets for crisp mountain air, misty forests, and refreshing lakeside retreats. While beach vacations often dominate ...
The Roman Theatre, one of the city's most important ancient remains. · El Pópulo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. · Torre Tavira, a historic watchtower offering panoramic city views. ·...
Omaha Beach · Utah Beach · Juno Beach · Gold Beach · Sword Beach
Fatigue and daytime sleepiness · Difficulty falling asleep · Early morning waking · Reduced concentration · Digestive discomfort · Mood changes and irritability
Review your airline's baggage rules. · Check in online when available. · Download your boarding pass to your phone. · Arrive early to reduce time pressure. · Know your terminal and gate information.
When travelers think of European cruises, the Mediterranean often steals the spotlight. Yet beyond the sun-soaked beaches of southern Europe lies another extraordinary maritime journey—one filled w...
When people dream of a European wine getaway, their minds often jump to Tuscany's rolling hills or the famous vineyards of Bordeaux. But some of Europe's most exciting wine experiences lie beyond F...
Book flights early but remain flexible—shifting your departure by just one or two days can yield better deals. · Leverage extended-stay discounts at hotels and apartments, particularly in cities li...
When most travelers picture the Greek Islands, they imagine whitewashed villages, turquoise waters, and sunsets over the Aegean. Yet beyond the postcard-perfect beaches lies another Greece—one shap...
Choose operators committed to carbon offset programs and transparent eco-practices · Pack eco-friendly gear and follow decontamination procedures for boots and outerwear · Support science outreach ...
Visit at sunset to experience both the Sea Organ’s music and the Sun’s illuminated display · Wear comfortable walking shoes—Zadar’s old town is best explored on foot · Combine your cultural walk wi...
Danube: Best for history buffs and those seeking Eastern European charm · Rhine: Ideal for lovers of folklore, wine regions, and fairy-tale landscapes
Gain cultural context before island-hopping to more remote atolls like Aitutaki or Atiu · Connect with local guides and community-led tours that prioritize sustainable tourism · Stock up on reef-sa...
Dine where locals eat—look for crowded village spots over tourist-heavy streets · Ask about seasonal dishes like stamnagathi (wild greens) in spring · Join a cooking class in a Cretan home or count...
Never assume your government plan covers you internationally · Always confirm your travel insurance activates the moment you depart · Verify coverage includes emergency evacuation and repatriation
When to go: · December–March: Southern Serengeti hosts calving season—predator action peaks. · June–July: Herds begin dramatic river crossings in the central Grumeti and western corridors. · August...
Travel plans that match your style · Experiences you won’t find on Google · Itineraries that flow smoothly · Trips that feel effortless from start to finish
I was lucky enough to be one of 6 travel agents to be invited on a Familiarization Trip to Madeira Portugal by the Madeira Tourism Board. This was a jam packed one week trip that just touched the s...
Use the yellow BKK app for real-time arrival updates and route planning · Enter the Széchenyi Baths through the less-crowded side entrance near Heroes’ Square · Discover Ficzu Café in District XIII...
Time your arrival to align with shoulder seasons (April–June or September–October) for pleasant weather and lighter crowds · Prioritize walkable neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Kolonaki to reduc...
Book ferry crossings early when visiting Gozo or Comino · Wear sturdy shoes for temple and cave exploration · Learn a few Maltese phrases—locals appreciate the effort
Pinpoint your must-sees — Prioritize attractions like Château Frontenac, Quartier Petit-Champlain, and Plains of Abraham, and schedule visits during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. · Brush up on ba...
Prague isn’t just a city—it’s a living postcard where Gothic spires pierce golden skies and cobblestone lanes whisper centuries of history. For first-time travelers to Europe, Prague offers a perfe...
Imagine stepping off the plane, bypassing baggage claim, and walking straight to your next adventure—no waiting, no weighing fees, no lost luggage stress. That’s the reality of traveling with just ...
Exploring the Historical Bonds and Unforgettable Experiences in Northern France
Navigate the canal belt like a local · Prioritize must-see attractions without missing hidden neighborhood gems · Respect cultural norms while engaging authentically with communities · Optimize tim...
Research regional weather patterns and plan accordingly · Build in flexibility for spontaneous discoveries · Support community-based tourism initiatives
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna: One of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes, Arenal is surrounded by hot springs and hiking trails. The nearby town of La Fortuna is a great base for exploring waterfal...
Walking: Most of Edinburgh’s attractions are within walking distance, especially around the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes—Edinburgh is famously hilly! · Buses and...
Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this iconic landmark. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, and don’t miss the panoramic views from the top. · Louvre Museum: Home...
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) is famous for cherry blossoms, while autumn (September to November) brings stunning foliage. Summer offers festivals and outdoor adventures, and winter is ...
Research Thoroughly: Read guidebooks, travel blogs, and official tourism websites. Look for information on appropriate greetings, personal space, gestures, and gift-giving traditions. · Connect wit...
The British Museum: Dive into centuries of history and marvel at treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. · Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of the official residence of the...
Traveling to another country is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, meet interesting people, and create unforgettable memories. However, proper preparation is key to ensuring your trip...
Buenos Aires: The capital city is known for its European-style architecture, vibrant art scene, and passionate tango culture. Stroll through neighborhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, and La Boca for u...
Oslo: The cosmopolitan capital blends modern architecture with rich history. Must-see attractions include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, and the Norwegian Opera House. Don’t miss t...
Rich Culture and History: Thailand is home to grand palaces, centuries-old temples, and colorful festivals that showcase its deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. Don't miss the stunning Wat Pho and Wat A...
Nova Scotia: Visit Halifax for its vibrant waterfront, historic sites, and excellent dining. Don't miss Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, the picturesque fishing village of Lunenburg (a UNESCO World Heritag...
Best time to visit: May to September for mild weather and festivals. · Getting around: Car rentals and local buses make it easy to explore. · Where to stay: Choose from cozy bed-and-breakfasts, his...
The Markt Square: This lively plaza has been the center of Bruges’ life for centuries. Surrounded by colorful guild houses and dominated by the Belfry, it’s the perfect place to start your journey....
Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Rhine Valley is a region that effortlessly combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Stretching from Switzerland through Germany a...
Cultural Sites: These include monuments, cities, archaeological sites, and architectural masterpieces that reflect human creativity and history. Examples are the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids o...
Traveling abroad is an exciting opportunity to discover new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. However, ensuring your safety while exploring unfamiliar destinations is crucial for enjoying your...
Ecuador, often overlooked by travelers in favor of its larger neighbors, is a jewel waiting to be discovered. Nestled on the northwest coast of South America, this country offers an extraordinary d...
Have you ever dreamed of wandering through a landscape dotted with vibrant tulip fields, picturesque windmills, and charming canals? The Netherlands, a small yet remarkable country in Western Europ...
Santorini: Famous for its dramatic cliffs, blue-domed churches, and spectacular sunsets, Santorini is a must-see. Stroll through the charming streets of Oia, relax in luxury resorts, or explore anc...
Exploring Mainstream, Small Ship, Expedition, and River Cruises
Travel is a passion that fuels my curiosity and love for the world’s wonders. With so many breathtaking destinations on the planet, narrowing down a travel bucket list is never easy—but it’s also a...
El Calafate & Perito Moreno Glacier: The gateway to the Los Glaciares National Park, El Calafate is famous for the massive Perito Moreno Glacier. Witnessing huge ice chunks calving into Lake Argent...
Customization: With a spreadsheet, I can create categories for clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, and miscellaneous items. This helps me visualize what I'll need for each part of my trip...
Imagine a place where crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lap against powdery white sand beaches, where lush mountain peaks rise dramatically from the ocean, and where the scent of tropical flowe...
Discover why a trip to Italy should be at the top of your travel bucket list
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of our daily lives. Many people are searching for effective ways to unwind and reset. One surprisingly powerful remedy for stress is tra...
The Acropolis & Parthenon: Marvel at ancient architecture and panoramic city views. · Plaka Neighborhood: Wander through charming streets lined with shops and cafes. · National Archaeological Museu...
Discover Hidden Gems Beyond the Usual Destinations
Discovering Lesser-Known Wonders Beyond the Tourist Trails
Discover Where to Go Next Year for Unforgettable Adventures
Beach Vacation: Ideal for relaxation, swimming, and sunbathing. · City Break: Perfect for culture, shopping, and dining. · Adventure Trip: Great for hiking, skiing, or exploring new terrains. · Cru...
This year we did a self drive around Scotland. If you would like help planning a trip like this, send me an email.
