I love Hallowe’en. Save Christmas, it’s my favourite holiday of the year. On October 1st each year, the kids dig out the “RIP” signs, ghosts, plastic skeleton bones, etc., and we get our yard ready for the fun. We fill big pumpkin plastic bags with leaves, and really get into the “spirit” of things. And, […]
"Boo, Happy Hallowe'en" – Mickey's Not So Scary Hallowe'en Party Read More »
Simple truth: I love to help families build memories. It’s why I work in travel. I listened to a speech by Simon Sinek at the “Power of Vision 2000” conference in Montreal yesterday. Simon talked about how people do not buy “what” individuals/ companies do so much as buying “why” you do it. It made me think about how
The "Why" I am in Travel (inspired by Simon Sinek's "Start with Why") Read More »
On September 28th, I was fortunate enough to attend the “Alluring Anguilla” Dinner presentation, thrown by the Anguilla Tourist Board of Canada. The roof salon at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto was a great setting for a great event. I got to catch up with Dale Pusching and Catherine Butchart of the Tourist Board, as well as fellow
"Alluring Anguilla" Dinner Presentation Read More »
“Hi, my name is Sheila, and I’m a Disney-holic.” Ok, it’s true. But I’m not really interested in stopping, so forget the 12-step program! We’ve been to Disney (WDW) 18 times now. We love it. It’s a great way to spend time as a family, get lots of exercise walking, and be applauded for generally
Chef Mickey's at WDW – a Family Tradition Read More »
I love the fall! Cool, crisp weather. Bountiful harvests. And vibrant colours. One joy of living in Ottawa, our nation’s capital, is that we get to take in a lot of festivals each year. And there’s no festival like the “Fall Rhapsody” that our National Capital Commission (NCC) puts on each autumn. The fantastic Gatineau Park is just a
Fall Rhapsody in the NCC Read More »
Unless you’re a school teacher, and have few scheduling choices, most parents wrestle with the dilemma: do I take my kids out of school to travel during non-peak (and often more value-laden) times? Ask any two people, and you’ll likely get three, hotly debated, and firmly entrenched, views. Like having a baby for the first
The Dilemma: Taking the Kids out of School to Travel Read More »
I was recently reminded by a colleague that not everyone is aware of Disney’s “Guest Assistance Card” or GAC. So, I thought if other travel professionals don’t know about the GAC, then surely there are clients out there in the same boat – and worse still, clients who may not be visiting Disney because of their family’s special requirements, and
Disney's "Guest Assistance Card" (GAC) Read More »
I had a busy week this week. Part of the fun included attending a training session for Beaches and Sandals resorts. I’m now a “Certified Sandals Specialist” – or a CSS. There are 3 distinct brands within the “Sandals Umbrella” – there are Beaches, Sandals, and Grand Pineapple resorts. I book a lot of families
Beaches and Sandals – Caribbean "Luxury Included" for Everyone Read More »
During a recent online conversation on twitter, a group of travellers got together on #TNI (“travellers night in”) to discuss historical treasures. The question posed on which all could opine was: which historical treasures don’t live up to the hype, and which ones are must-see historical sites you would recommend to anyone? I knew what my choices would be immediately.
Historical Treasures in Travel – Hype vs Must-see? Read More »
Unfortunately, lost luggage is something that happens in air travel. Airlines have pretty sophisticated systems for tracking down the missing pieces, and usually the pieces can be located, and rerouted to you in short order. But anyone who has had the misfortune of having something go astray knows how frustrating it can be. (Obviously, I
Rhod Gilbert, bringing the funny with "Lost Luggage" Read More »
