Insider Information for Smarter Travel

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Artificial Intelligence to Research and Book Travel Photograph generated by AI (as an appropriate example!) Artificial Intelligence has quickly become part of everyday life, and travel planning is no exception. In just a few seconds, AI can suggest destinations, create an itinerary, recommend hotels, compare cruise lines and even tell you what to pack. For someone sitting at home dreaming about their next vacation, that can be incredibly

When your carefully planned river cruise suddenly changes course just days before departure, the challenge can feel overwhelming. But sometimes, an unexpected change opens the door to something even more meaningful. The Unexpected AmaWaterways Belgium and Holland River Cruise This was the reality of my July 22–29 AmaWaterways journey, originally planned to explore the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Just four days before departure, our itinerary was rerouted to the Best of Belgium

Traveling is one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be a source of stress and unexpected costs if you're not careful. Many travelers fall into common traps that can lead to overspending, missed opportunities, and even safety concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore how to travel confidently by avoiding costly vacation mistakes. By planning ahead and being mindful of your choices, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Understanding Common Vacation Mistakes

Beijing • Xi’an • Suzhou • Shanghai, April 16 - 27, 2026 Sandra at the Great Wall of China Introduction: An Invitation I Couldn’t Refuse When I was invited to experience an Air Canada Vacations curated China itinerary firsthand, I didn’t hesitate. This China travel itinerary would take me from Beijing to Xi'an, Suzhou and Shanghai, offering a firsthand look at a country of extraordinary contrasts. China had always been one of those destinations that felt distant, almost myt

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to “see it all” in one trip—moving quickly from place to place and often coming home more exhausted than refreshed. Personally, I feel that a big part of that comes from the pressure to capture the “perfect” Instagram moment or recreate what we’ve seen online. In doing so, we sometimes miss the most meaningful part of travel: truly immersing ourselves in a destination, connecting with local people, and lea

Hyatt Inclusive Collection Inspections — Cancún, Playa Mujeres, Costa Mujeres & Isla Mujeres There is no substitute for walking a property yourself. Over four full days, I personally inspected nine resorts within the Hyatt Inclusive Collection across Cancun, Costa Mujeres, Playa Mujeres, and Isla Mujeres. I toured multiple room categories, evaluated beach conditions, observed service culture, assessed food quality, and paid attention to the details clients rarely see online —

I MADE IT!!!!! My Journey From Ushuaia to the White Continent When I received the invitation—one of only two Canadian agents selected to experience Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer voyage firsthand—I felt a mix of disbelief and pure excitement. Antarctica wasn’t just another destination for me; it was my seventh and final continent . For obvious reasons, it’s the hardest one to reach, and finally stepping onto the White Continent felt like closing a very meaningful chap

If you’ve traveled recently, you may have noticed more airports introducing retinal scans, fingerprinting, or those sleek e-gates that let people breeze through while you’re still searching for your passport. This shift toward biometrics is becoming the new normal—and it’s not just a tech upgrade. It’s making travel safer, faster, and a whole lot smoother. As your travel advisor, I want you to feel informed and confident, especially with new systems and programs rolling out s

Why Trip Interruption Insurance Is More Important Than Ever As a travel advisor, my passion is creating extraordinary journeys — the kind of experiences that stay with you for life. But after years in this industry, one truth has become crystal clear: even the best-laid travel plans can go off course. We’re living in a time when global travel is more exciting — and more unpredictable — than ever before. Flight schedules, border policies, weather events, and even cyberattacks

Good Morning from my balcony! From August 25 to September 1, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a river cruise with AmaWaterways aboard the AmaVerde, a beautiful ship that took me on an unforgettable journey through some of Western Europe’s most charming cities. The itinerary, which spanned from Vilshofen in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, provided the perfect mix of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and luxury. Here’s a recap of my experience, along with so

Read about my recent trip to Peru!

A Premium All-Inclusive Experience Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie offers a distinctive blend of Moroccan charm and luxury resort...

I’ve recently embraced traveling with carry-on only, which makes my upcoming nearly month-long journey across six countries and two...

Such a beautiful welcome If you're craving a unique local escape, this charming and delicious day trip just south of Calgary is the...

May 25 – June 1, 2025 I have to admit, I had always wanted to check out this little island but did not know a lot about it. I make it a...

May 2025 There are journeys that entertain, and then there are those that change you. My recent trip to Vietnam as part of the North...

I’ve always prided myself on being open to new destinations. I have a genuine curiosity for the world and, when the opportunity to visit...

G'Day Mate! From May 5-15, 2024 I was one of 2 Travel Advisors from Canada asked to join 38 US agents for an intense tour of the country...

From April 17-24, 2024, I set off to explore this wonderful region of Mexico! Having stayed in Puerto Vallarta many times, I felt it...

I stopped in Portugal July 20-22, 2023 on my home from Europe, and I can say I will definitely be back! The country is clean, beautiful,...