Travel articles

Most people travel to Europe during the summer, but if you ask me, spring and fall are the perfect times to go, especially fall. Spring can still be a little cooler as Europe comes out of the winter months. In the fall, however, the days often remain beautifully warm from the summer, without the intense heat of July and August.

Seven days is too short. Ten days is the minimum, but fourteen days is best.When travelling from Canada, your arrival and departure days take up more time than many people realize. Add jet lag, transportation between destinations, hotel check-ins, and the occasional unexpected delay, and a seven-day trip can feel rushed.

Smaller ships tend to feel more relaxed, more refined, and are generally more adult-oriented. You spend less time waiting in line, the service feels more personal, and it’s simply a different style of travel. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy recommending them to so many of my clients.

In mid April the Amsterdam Tulip Festival is in full swing. Running from March 19 through May 10, the festival transforms the Bollenstreek region and the city itself into a living, breathing kaleidoscope — tulips blooming in parks, squares, and the gardens of the Rijksmuseum.

If you’ve never heard of it, the Alpabzug (also called Desalpe in French-speaking regions of Switzerland) is the annual journey when farmers bring their cows down from the alpine pastures after spending the summer high in the mountains.

Oktober Fest is held each year in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. What many people don’t realize is that despite its name, most of the festival actually takes place in September, ending in early October.

Every year, the UN's World Tourism Organization tracks international arrivals by country, and the results are always fascinating. Here are the top 5 most visited countries in the world right now:

Hotel budgeting is something that a lot of people underestimate when traveling to Europe.  When I travel & recommend hotels, the hotel is part of the experience. Full stop. I don't always push five-star properties, but it must be at least four stars, minimum. And location? Location is non-negotiable.

We chose Galway strategically. The Cliffs of Moher were high on our list, and rather than doing the typical day trip from Dublin like most visitors do, we decided to base ourselves closer and stay three nights. Galway sits only about an hour and twenty minutes from the Cliffs, which made it the logical choice.

Belfast is part of the United Kingdom, which means the currency is British pounds and the passport lines are different from the Republic. The city itself is small, around 300,000 people, which gives it an intimacy that larger capitals just don't have.

Dublin is prosperous, and here’s why that matters to a traveller. You feel it the moment you arrive. Dublin’s economy has been transformed by its low corporate tax rate, which attracted some of the world’s biggest tech and pharma giants — Google, Apple, Meta, Pfizer — all with European headquarters here. The “Silicon Docks” area is a city within a city. This prosperity shows up in the quality of the restaurants, the hotels, the infrastructure. Dublin isn’t a hidden gem anymore. It’s a world-class city that still feels deeply, proudly Irish.

When I was younger I have sailed the Caribbean many times. I was new to visiting the Carribean and cruising allowed me to taste the different islands (kind of like a buffet) Then I got older and knew which islands I really wanted to go to and the ones I didn’t really have an interest in bc I had been there on a cruise.  I think cruising is still the best way to visit different countries in Europe. 

Something I often notice when clients tell me they want to experience a new country is this: Most people think visiting a country means going to the major cities. And while big cities certainly have their place, they rarely tell the whole story. The real soul of a country is often found in the smaller towns, the countryside, the regional traditions, the food, and the history that has been quietly preserved for generations.

February is one of those months that people overlook… but honestly? It’s one of the BEST times of the year to book travel if you want the best pricing, best availability, and the best options. Here are the top 3 things you should be booking right now:

f you’ve been dreaming about travelling to Europe but feel unsure about what kind of trip to plan, you’re not alone. Europe can feel overwhelming. There are so many different countries, cities and cultures to experience.

There’s something magical about Europe in spring. The vineyards awaken with fresh green vines, tulip fields burst into a kaleidoscope of color, and riverside villages celebrate the season with festivals that have endured for centuries. And there’s no better way to experience it than gliding along Europe’s legendary rivers.

Let’s be honest…every single year there are new all-inclusive resorts opening in the Caribbean, especially in Mexico. The all-inclusive industry is booming and it’s absolutely here to stay. And don’t get me wrong… I still sell a ton of them and I love them for the right type of trip.

Discover Europe’s Rivers: Your Guide to the Perfect River Cruise Have you ever imagined trading crowded airports and packed itineraries for the gentle rhythm of rivers winding through medieval towns, past ancient castles, and alongside sun-drenched vineyards?

Continuing on with my Sandals series, we’re staying in beautiful Jamaica a little longer — today, we’re heading to Sandals Negril, a place that holds such a special place in my heart.

Celebrating Air Canada Vacations’ milestone 50th anniversary breathtaking Hotel Xcaret Arte.

This week we’re back in beautiful Ocho Rios, continuing my Sandals resort series — and today, I’m sharing my honest, from-the-heart thoughts on Sandals Ochi.

I’m sharing some exciting new cruise options for Canadians who’d prefer to skip U.S. ports altogether!

I can’t believe this is already my 20th newsletter! What started as a way to share travel inspiration and insider tips has truly become one of my favourite parts of the week

🌴✈️ Back from Jamaica! I just returned home from a super busy and absolutely incredible week touring all 8 Sandals properties across Jamaica 🇯🇲.

When most people think of cruising, they picture massive ships with thousands of passengers, long buffet lines, and waiting in crowds just to get off the ship.

One of the questions I get asked often is: “What’s so special about Sandals Resorts?” My answer: Sandals isn’t just a vacation—it’s an experience.

I’ll be honest, when I first saw how many people were starting to use AI for planning trips, even I thought… “Uh oh, what does this mean for travel advisors like me?”

When most people think of cruising, they picture big ocean ships sailing from country to country. But river cruising is a whole different experience.

I take a lot of pride in showing up for my clients and handling everything with integrity.

In the travel industry, us advisors are always looking ahead—basing predictions on our own bookings and what we hear within the industry.

What’s that one place you’ve always dreamed of visiting? The one that gives you butterflies every time you see a photo of it online or on a travel show?

Why every couple couple deserves a kid-free getaway. Your relationship deserves it!

Did you know that not all provinces and states require travel advisors to be licensed?

Montreal is such a fantastic city to visit and here’s why!

You’ve probably heard me mention Virtuoso before … but what exactly is it? And why does it matter to you?

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Europe (or beyond!) at a slower, more meaningful pace — river cruising might just be your perfect match.

Summer is here and winter is the farthest thing from your mind, but winter will sneak up on us fast!