Renee Tsang Travel

01/24/2025

As the Theme Park Capital of the World and the No. 1 visited destination in the U.S., Orlando ushers in a year of innovation and excitement with more than 25 new experiences in 2025, including the debut of its first new theme park in more than 25 years.

Orlando’s newest and highly anticipated new theme park. Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando is expected to open May 22 and will have over 50 attractions across 5 immersive worlds:
- Celestial Park
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic - blending together the 1920’s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe

To complement your Universal Orlando vacation, three new resorts are opening in advance of the new theme park!

Universal Stella Nova Resort just opened (Jan 21) and Universal Terra Luna Resort opens next month (Feb 25) both add 1500 rooms for guests to stay in.

Then, in May 2025, Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open and feature its own dedicated entrance to the new Universal Epic Universe!

It’s a very exciting time in Orlando and at Universal Orlando Resort with a lot happening this year!

Staying onsite at Universal properties provide guests with Early Park Admission to all parks (including Epic Universe!) and stays at premier hotels also provide you with Unlimited Express Pass “Skip to the Front of the Line” access for many attractions!

And right now, receive 2 park days free with purchase of a 2-park, 2-day ticket!

If you want to plan an epic Orlando vacation this year, the time to start planning is NOW! Reach out with your ideas and plans so we can get started on planning something iconic and memorable for years to come!

01/21/2025

They say it’s “Blue Monday” today…..so let’s drown our sorrows in all the blues we can find…..💙💙💙

Hapuna Beach on the Island of Hawaii is consistently ranked one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world. The white powdery sand and the calm crystal blue waters make it ideal for families and snorkeling right off the beach. Let’s turn our Monday blues into a getaway mood! Where would you rather be right now?

01/18/2025

“Celebrate Happy” at Disneyland!

The biggest party this year will last 18 months! Disneyland kicks off its 70th Anniversary Celebration on May 16, 2025 and the 18-month long celebration will include special limited-time entertainment, themed food and beverages and collectible merchandise. “Celebrate Happy” and take part in the epic celebration with your next trip to Disneyland!

Book early and you can save up to 30% on select stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel for a most magical and Disney-immersive stay! Or, stay at select Good Neighbour hotels and receive a 4th night free with your package!

It didn’t seem so long ago that Disneyland was celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary but crazy to realize that was 10 years ago! They kicked off the celebration with a 24 hour marathon, which was so much fun and such a memorably kick off to the Diamond Anniversary celebration! I don’t know if they will do it again or what plans they have attend specifically but stay tuned to find out!

If you’re planning on a trip before then, there’s still time to take advantage of the kids ticket deal for travel though to March 20, 2025.

Reach out to me anytime for assistance in helping you plan and book your next Disney vacation, or anywhere your heart desires. Make the time to make those memories! The time is now to start planning your next epic getaway!

01/15/2025

Say “Bula” to Fiji!

Starting the year with incredible air deals with Fiji Airways, the South Pacific is closer than you think!

With direct flights from Vancouver twice a week year round, Fiji is the perfect destination to unwind, explore and experience the magic of the South Pacific!

Vancouver to Fiji from $999 return, year round flights

Connect easily across Canada with interline partners, Porter, WestJet and Air Canada!

Fiji is also an ideal stopover destination when you travel to Australia, New Zealand, or other Pacific Islands destinations. Stay in Fiji when you book your flights for a Fiji stopover and enjoy seamless connections to 5 cities in Australia (Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns) and 3 cities in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington).

Vancouver to Australia (via Fiji) from $1399 return
Vancouver to New Zealand (via Fiji) from $1339 return

There’s no better time than now to start planning your bucket list South Pacific vacation! Reach out when you’re ready to start planning your next vacation and we can put together the most amazing trip!

01/14/2025

Take your Sweetie to Tahiti! It’s that time of year when Paul Gauguin Cruises offers its sweetest promotion for you to enjoy!

Discover the most romantic place on Earth aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin—an overwater “bungalow” that sails from island to island through the paradise of French Polynesia—and enjoy a $500 Shipboard Credit per stateroom or suite, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and an indulgent chocolate treat. This limited-time offer is available on a wide selection of 7- to 16-night voyages throughout 2025 for new bookings made by February 14, 2025.

The m/s Paul Gauguin is a small, luxury vessel with only 165 staterooms/suites for 330 passengers onboard, you will want to book soon to ensure your choice of stateroom or suite, on the itinerary you want! Visit Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand and even the remote islands of the Marquesas, Gambier and Astral islands.

Don’t know where to begin? Reach out and see how we can help you find the best way to experience your bucket list dream of visiting the South Pacific islands today!

Serafina Travel

01/12/2025

Escape to Tahiti in the off-season (that’s now!) and discover a side of paradise that’s so serene and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

If you’ve wondered about the cost, here is an idea of what it could cost you in the shoulder season (January to March) so you have an idea for pricing of an island-hopping land tour, and how it can vary depending on the islands you want to visit. Or, if you want to visit them all, a cruise is the perfect way to see so many of the islands all at once!

And it’s closer than you think! Only 9.5 hours from Seattle. 8 hours from San Francisco and Los Angeles, or 5 hours from Honolulu, there are a lot more ways to get there than you realize! As it’s on the same time zone as Hawaii, it certainly doesn’t feel as far away as you think but once you get there, you truly feel like you are remote, in a truly unspoiled paradise.

This is your chance to indulge in luxury without breaking the bank! Let us know how we can help you plan your next trip. Take some time to think about your bucket list for where you want to go next and we can see how we can help realize the dream to reality!

Serafina Travel

01/11/2025

Our hearts are with LA right now, as is with many of us who are watching intently and praying for everyone whose lives are turned upside down and have suffered loss. Our prayers are with the brave first responders who are risking everything to battle the fires.

This is devastating beyond words. And it eerily brings back sadness and heartbreak of the fires in Jasper last year and Maui several years ago. Not to mention the fires that ravage our communities in BC and Alberta each summer. The scars of wildfires are never forgotten.

But the people and the resilience and strength of the community from nearby and afar proves that humanity’s spirit endures. 💕

01/05/2025

We’re tired, aren’t we? Life itself gets pretty exhausting some days, especially after the holidays. We’ve had some time to rest and take a break, but did we really take a break?

Our mind shifts to vacation…..we all need a holiday! A trip to look forward to, to get away from our regular surroundings and experience new things.

We are looking for comfort, relaxation and being looked after! We have kids and need something to keep them busy! While I understand the value of looking at Airbnb’s for space in your accommodations, I don’t want to have to worry about groceries, cooking meals and running errands. I do enough of that at home, I don’t want to always do that on vacation!

I want time to relax, recharge and really embrace the change in scenery. But I also want to see and do stuff and experience it all when I’m in someplace new!

But I also want value. Everything costs so much nowadays and travel is no exception. So where do we find a balance?

That’s where a cruise vacation may come in handy. Think about it. Everything you want - a vacation where you can unpack once, and visit multiple stops in one trip. Explore places on your own or with guided shore excursions with fun activities. Eat at all-you-can eat buffets, poolside restaurants and exquisite sit down dinner each night with an attentive crew at your service. Daily entertainment and activities, including an evening show each night. Or hibernate in your cabin and exclusive adult-only areas with room service and pampered service.

I could go on…..there is a cruise out there for you. Whether it be adults-only, family friendly, exploring Caribbean islands or further abroad, there are so many options to consider. For families, Royal Caribbean and Disney offer the best in family fun! If you are considering a cruise, let’s get started and see what we can find for you!

01/03/2025

Finally had a chance to dive into my notes and photos from my recent adventure through the stunning Islands of Tahiti!, French Polynesia. I’m excited to start piecing together a trip summary to share the magic of this unforgettable journey and let me know how I can help put together something amazing for you!

And of course, Bora Bora is special enough that she deserves a post all to herself!

(If you make it through to the end, I know that Bora Bora is on your bucket list!)

So read through and reach out to me so we can start planning your next vacation!

Start here 👉 https://www.lifeistooshorttostayhome.com/blog/pinch-me-island-hopping-in-tahiti-magical-moorea-beautiful-bora-bora-and-renee-in-rangiroa

Read all about it here 👉 https://www.lifeistooshorttostayhome.com/blog/born-to-be-in-bora-bora



5Continents

01/03/2025

And of course, Bora Bora is special enough that she deserves a post all to herself!

(If you make it through to the end, I know that Bora Bora is on your bucket list!)

Read all about it here 👉 https://www.lifeistooshorttostayhome.com/blog/born-to-be-in-bora-bora

And reach out to me so we can start planning your next vacation!

Bora Bora is a truly a paradise like no other and deserves to be at the top of the bucket list!

01/03/2025

Finally had a chance to dive into my notes and photos from my recent adventure through the stunning Islands of Tahiti!, French Polynesia.

I'm excited to start piecing together a trip summary to share the magic of this unforgettable journey and let me know how I can help put together something amazing for you!

Start here 👉

It truly is a bucket list destination and has been on my list since I first entered the travel industry a decade ago. It may have taken me almost 10 years but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity...

01/02/2025

Free food!

That’s always one surefire way to get noticed! So if you’ve been dreaming of a magical summer, Disney World is serving up an extra sprinkle of magic with their latest promotions for your summer vacation!

Book your Walt Disney World vacation this summer and you may be eligible for the free dining promotion! From Mickey ice cream bars to gourmet character dining experiences, you can indulge in the happiest flavours on Earth!

Let us help you find something for your family so you can make this summer the most magical one yet! Fill it with smiles, adventures and of course, delicious Disney eats!

Message me today and let’s get started on planning. Your dream Disney vacation starts here. 😁

12/31/2024

This year, my clients (aka all of you!) explored destinations near and far, from the stunning cities of Canada—Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto—to vibrant U.S. hotspots like Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the tropical islands of Hawaii. And, of course, the magic of Disney was alive in both Disneyland Anaheim and Walt Disney World Orlando and Universal experiences completed the epic theme park adventures!

All-inclusive escapes to sun-soaked destinations remained a fan favourite, with Mexico topping the list for first-timers and repeat visits, but also Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic continuing the list. Several clients also enjoyed cruises through the enchanting Caribbean islands and scenic British Isles.

But 2024 we also saw bold new horizons: the breathtaking beauty of Portugal and the Azores, the idyllic islands of Fiji and New Zealand, the bustling energy of Seoul, Hong Kong, and China, and even the wild wonders of South Africa!

As for my own personal travels, I am always excited to share the exhilarating experiences of travel with my kids through a super cool Super Bowl experience in Las Vegas last February, a weekend getaway to Kingston, Ontario to support my son playing for Team Alberta in the National Flag football championships, and most recently, a bucket list dream destination trip to French Polynesia, including the famed Bora Bora!

Whether revisiting beloved favourites or checking off bucket-list dreams, this past year has been filled with memories to cherish. I’ve loved every minute helping you plan your next trip so that you can enjoy new experiences and make new memories with your families. And if I’ve taken anything from this reflection, it’s that your bucket list travel dreams are within reach and can be in your visible line of sight.

Now, let’s set our sights on the future with ex*****on in mind! Together, we can create extraordinary adventures in 2025 and beyond. I’m always honoured you continue to include me in your travel plans each time and I can’t wait to help you. The world is waiting—let’s explore it, one unforgettable journey at a time!

12/20/2024

Just because our trip has ended doesn’t mean the inspiration needs to stop! Waking up to a winter cold snap is quite the shock to the system. While I’m happy to be sleeping in my own bed again, I already miss the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Tahiti.

Tahiti is truly a sensory destination that goes far beyond its postcard-perfect visuals. It’s a place that awakens your senses, making you feel fully immersed in its beauty.

I miss waking up early each morning to watch the sunrise. And listening to the beat of the drums or sweet voices of traditional Tahitian music sung to the ukeleles played. Can’t forget the sounds of roosters crowing all day long so much so that it becomes normal background noises!

(Fun fact: Did you know there are more chickens on the islands than people? They are everywhere!)

Everywhere you go, the air is filled with the fresh scents of life—fragrant tiare flowers, coconut, vanilla, and lush greenery. And beneath your toes is the softest white sand you can sink your feet into.

And the flavours! I tasted the freshest fish every single day—often caught that very morning—alongside tropical fruits and homemade jams on the best coconut breads and cakes.

We explored a range of accommodations, from boutique 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star overwater bungalows. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance or a family looking for adventure, Tahiti has something for everyone. At the conference we attended, the key message was clear: Tahiti is more attainable than you think. While it’s a long journey and requires a healthy budget, it’s truly worth every penny.

If Tahiti is calling you, I’d love to help make your dream trip a reality! Whether it’s Bora Bora, Moorea, or any of the other islands, let’s create a tailored itinerary that matches your vision and your budget. Reach out today, trust a Certified Tahiti Specialist and let’s start planning your escape to paradise!

12/18/2024

We are now nearing the end of our epic French Polynesian island hopping adventure and there are no words that can describe the experience.

7 flights, 4 islands, 2 ferry rides, 13 hotel inspections, 3 full day excursions, water taxi shuttling and so many land transfers to count in a span of 12 days.

We are exhausted but also forever transformed by the Tahitian experience. It’s more than just a destination. It’s more than just cultural immersion. It’s truly living the Tahitian experience and hospitality everywhere you go.

Now, we know clients don’t travel quite as intense as us so don’t be alarmed when we put together your itineraries! It won’t be quite as busy as ours! 😆

For once, it was nice for us to not have to think about our plans for the day. Everything was pre-arranged through our suppliers and plans revised easily when the situation necessitated a change in plans. With so many moving parts, this is a trip I would not want to put together on my own without having firsthand experience.

And if you have never joined a group tour before and are worried about the experience or never considered it….do it! Our group was a mix of agents located across Canada coming together for a shared experience. We met so many wonderful Tahitians and made new connections, new friendships and the relationships from the shared experience enhance it in a way that will be remembered for a long time.

I have so much content to share but will have to go through the thousands of photos, videos and copious notes taken to organize all the knowledge and experience gleaned on this trip.

I feel so very lucky and blessed to have been given this opportunity!

12/17/2024

Monday blues look nothing like this! We enjoyed a full day lagoon tour of Rangiroa, home of the original “Blue Lagoon” and it was absolutely stunning!

They call it “shark city” for a reason! We enjoyed some amazing snorkelling and a private island experience in the blue and green crystal clear waters walking in waters with black tipped hammer head sharks. The colours changed as the depth of the lagoon changed and the waters shined with brilliant colours. Photos really don’t do this place justice!

For lunch, we enjoyed a private beach barbecue lunch featuring fresh caught lagoon fish (sturgeon and swordfish), Tahitian rum and Hinano beer, and watched them in a feeding frenzy enjoying our leftovers! The guides made stunning hats for each of us to wear in the hot sun and we marvelled at the speed and intricacy of designs in their handicraft and artistry of the weaving.

This island is such a gem. 💎

12/16/2024

Sadly, we left Bora Bora after the sun came out after 2 days of torrential rain. So it was absolutely stunning to arrive in Rangiroa with all the colours of the lagoon!

Rangiroa is a completely different type of island from what we have seen so far and is home to the original “Blue Lagoon”. It is an atoll (no mountains) with unreal white sandy beaches created from the coral and sea life prevalent on this island. Rangiroa is one of the top 5 destinations in the world for diving and has amazing snorkeling opportunities everywhere which we should be able to see tomorrow!

It’s the largest atoll in French Polynesia and a small slice of paradise here. There are only a few properties available on this island and we got to see how they compare to the other islands. Rangiroa, meaning “immense skies” where the unlimited skies and endless horizon brings a peaceful serenity like no other.

5Continents

12/15/2024

No filter. This is what Bora Bora is supposed to look like….just as we are leaving….😢

5Continents

12/15/2024

Waking up in Bora Bora is still such surreal feeling and I still had several “pinch me!” moments because sometimes it just doesn’t feel real. Our island lagoon tour took us around the island to appreciate the beauty of this island, with our guide Ray, identifying remnants of and impact of World War II on the island.

The island is created from a sinking volcano, and has a coral reef barrier providing a natural barrier surrounding the island, and hence all the differing shades of beautiful blues and greens.

We swam with stingrays and sharks and then enjoyed a hotel tour and lunch at Le Bora Bora and another visit to the Conrad Bora Bora. Both are stunning properties, each with their own unique features. Very impressive and truly amazing properties for your island stay.

This place truly is the Pearl of the Pacific and it’s easy to see why so many have fallen in love with the island, and why it’s at the top of almost everyone’s bucket list!

5Continents

12/14/2024

Seriously, I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud but I’m actually in Bora Bora baby!! 😍😍😍 Bucket list destination realized and I feel so lucky to be here, especially on Friday the 13th!

After taking the ferry from Moorea back to Papeete, we boarded our flight to Bora Bora. Even upon arrival you can see the turquoise blue waters and the different shades of blues surrounding us all around! After taking our water taxi to the main island, we toured a few properties, enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Intercontinental Thalassso Resort & Spa, where our meal consisted of tuna tartare and lagoon fish brought in this morning!! It doesn’t get any fresher than this!

It’s been a long travel day to get here and now it’s raining like crazy but I wanted to at least share some of the colours of the water (even under overcast skies) and torrential rain. It’s very “abundant” here so we are simply chilling in our rooms tonight enjoying the fabulous few from our room, and resting up for a new day tomorrow ripe for exploration and hopefully be able to catch some clearer skies for at least a few hours!

5Continents

12/13/2024

Stop. Check out these views that we cannot simply get enough of! These pictures don’t do this place justice as the sun hasn’t peaked her head out much; instead it’s been very rain and cloudy these last couple of days, hence the “season of abundance” where the rain helps the land produce fruits in abundance, tropical fish is all around and the flowers and land soak in all the water from above to turn into the lush green surroundings we see all around.

We toured the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort and enjoyed lunch with spectacular views and then went to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort for a tour and then dinner. We even enjoyed a quick dip in the ocean, despite the rain!

The overwater bungalows are the epitome of luxury and is one of the biggest reasons why people come to French Polynesia. It’s what you think of when you think Tahiti! They give you a direct front seat to the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, where you also have the majestic jagged mountains and lush landscapes giving you the most beautiful scenery ever seen. Over at the Hilton, you could even enjoy dinner at the only overwater bungalow restaurant on the island. How romantic is that?! 😍

Moorea, you have my heart. ❤️ The landscape, the people and their passion for sharing their culture and traditions make this place absolutely magical. It feels like a small village here and everyone is part of one big family.

I feel like I just got here and I’m not ready to leave yet. 😔

But alas….I also can’t wait for our next island! ⛴ ✈️ 🏝️

5Continents

Music: Empty Mind
Musician: Lofi_hour
Site: https://pixabay.com/music/empty-mind-118973/

12/12/2024

Made it to Moorea!

But first, we stopped and visited to Papeete Market in Tahiti! This is one place that is a must to see and do when you are in Papeete! The market, Marche de Papeete is a vibrant hub of colours and flavours surrounded by the culture of Tahiti. Handcrafted souvenirs, fresh produce and flowers, and local food stands are scattered throughout the market and it’s the best place to shop for all your souvenirs, fresh fruits or grab a quick bite of Polynesian cuisine!

We were quickly thrust into the season of abundance here (aka rainy season) which is a lot of rain!

We took the ferry from Papeete to Moorea (through torrential rain) so we couldn’t really see the majestic beauty of Moorea from the deck of our catamaran. But even from the inside, you feel the magic of Moorea already and the completely different vibe it has from Tahiti. While Papeete is a busy city and has the vibrant energy (and traffic!) of being the capital, Moorea is the complete opposite with a tranquility and natural beauty that feels absolutely magical. The lush mountains, the stunning greenery and the ocean views are breathtaking. There is a peace here that gives you an intimate connection with nature and the Tahitian people.

We checked into our hotel where are enjoying a garden bungalow, but also toured the other bungalow options available at the Manava Beach Suites. Lots of great choices of view of bungalows, including the original over water bungalows that were built here when they were first created for tourism.

Moorea is a must for any visit!


5Continents

12/12/2024

This is what we came here for! 😍😍
5Continents

12/10/2024

After landing at about 11pm, we were picked up bright and early yesterday at 7am to head to the Tahiti Travel Exchange, trade event for a jam packed day meeting over 30 suppliers and learning about the hotels on the islands, excursions and activities and various transportation options. We even had the President of French Polynesia speak about the importance of tourism on the islands but in a way that is authentic, real, sustainable and manageable.

What I loved the most was the consistency in the passion and love the Tahitians have for their islands and their culture. It is embedded so deep in their soul you can feel their mana when they speak. Tourism is truly about sharing their culture, their way of life and their respect for each other.

There is such an abundance of protected nature and a wealth of experiences for unique moments. I can’t wait to begin experiencing some of the beauty of the islands here this week.

5Continents

12/09/2024

Ia orana! Good morning from Tahiti!

I love it here already! 😍

12/08/2024

Wanderlust no more! Bucket list destination trip activated and travel mode unlocked! ✈️ 🌺 🏝️

Island life never looked so good and I’m SOOOO excited to be heading to Tahiti for the Tahiti Travel Exchange event and to explore with fellow travel advisors on a whirlwind island-hopping adventure through the French Polynesia!

Seriously though, it’s all for research purposes 100%…..😉

Stay tuned for more updates and I can’t wait to share the results of this purely educational experience…..

“Sea” you later! Off to Tahiti now! ✈️

10/26/2024

Recently attended the Aloha Canada Road Show in Calgary a few nights ago where the Hawaii Tourism Board and representatives from each island came to update us on what is happening on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii. Each island has her own personality and unique beauty, all with a rich cultural experience embedded in her fabric. The diversity in experiences between the islands means there is something for everyone depending on what you are looking for.

The biggest update we all want to know is Maui. How is she doing? She is open to welcoming visitors who want to visit and reminds us that there is so much more to Maui than Lahaina, where the area is still closed and is rebuilding. But there are some favourite shops and restaurants that have re-opened and/or relocated, ready for you to visit.

There have also been a lot of hotel changes, upgrades and options on the other islands so you can choose your own adventure and style with any Hawaii vacation.

The spirit of aloha is strong with the Hawaiian people and they are eager to share it with visitors. The love for the land, and the love for people is all around Hawaii and their spirit inspires us to look at life within a different lens. If you’re thinking about a trip to Hawaii, let me know how I can help to make a trip to Hawaii a mindful, meditative and transformative vacation!