Barcelona to Paris & the lavender fields in-between.
Late June is a wonderful time to arrive in Europe… warm days, lavender fields in bloom, and that intoxicating hum of summer travel. After a whirlwind 48 hours in Spain, we hopped on the high-speed train to the south of France. In just 4 hours, we arrived in Arles and made our way to the AmaKristina, our homebase for the next 7 days while we sailed the Rhône with AmaWaterways.
Maritime magic: from Peggy’s Cove to PEI.
It’s funny how you can live your whole life in Canada, travel to countless places around the world, and yet never visit one of the most spectacular regions right here at home – the Maritimes! Finally, this spring my husband and I set out to explore Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Everywhere we went, people were warm, welcoming, and happy to share local tips and hidden gems. Combined with the breathtaking scenery and rich history, it truly made for an unforgettable trip!
Insider tips to the Happiest Place on Earth: DisneyWorld
Disney truly is The Happiest Place on Earth. My love of Disney began at a very young age, and I have been drawn to the magic of it ever since. During my recent trip to Disney World, I gained a whole new perspective on the parks, as well as some tips and tricks to share to help you navigate your experience. Disney can seem overwhelming at first, but our job is to make that experience as seamless as possible. I hope that my insider knowledge will help you feel more at ease during your Disney vacation!
Victoria in 48 hours: the perfect spring reset.
Victoria has a charming, old-world feel, with historic buildings and beautiful Victorian-era architecture. It felt like time moved slower here. The weather couldn’t have been better, and we enjoyed two days of sunny skies, light breezes, and cherry blossoms in bloom. We spent most of our time doing two things: walking and eating. It was honestly the perfect way to take in this coastal gem.
Ireland’s forty shades of green.
I have just returned from Ireland, and like the Johnny Cash song, I am still dreaming of the wonderful Emerald Isle. After connecting through Toronto, my sister and I arrived in Dublin excited to experience the Irish culture and soak in the beauty. After our explorations in Dublin, we joined a Collette Tour, the Shades of Ireland. This is an excellent way to get a feel for the country when you only have a short amount of time to explore.
This hotel has the best view in the Caribbean.
I was expecting to be amazed at Jade Mountain, but words and photos don’t do it justice. No telephones, no televisions, no clocks. The silence is a luxury in itself, you are removed from the outside world in the best possible way. From it’s position on the hillside, you can almost touch the clouds. There’s just breeze, birds, and the sound of waves below.
Dreaming of sakura season: a 38-year journey to Japan.
When I was in third grade, a spark was ignited when I learned about Japan from a cultural exchange teacher who lived in my small town for a year. I was fascinated by her Japanese culture including her kimono, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and origami. I also learned about the cherry blossom season, affectionately known as Sakura season. I decided in third grade that one day I would go to Japan and see her again.