Renee Tsang Travel

02/02/2025

Super excited to chat about Epic Universe at Universal Orlando on The Informed Traveler with Randy Sharman!

We talked about all the exciting new experiences you can expect with this new theme park, including 5 new lands and three new hotels, including the flagship hotel, Universal Grand Helios, which will have its own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for its hotel guests.

👉 Listen to it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2111088/episodes/16544596-onanta-in-australia-universal-orlando-s-epic-universe
(My part starts at 16:07 but it's also a great listen beforehand all about adventures in Sydney and Australia!)

Guests who stay at Universal's onsite hotels enjoy Early Park Admission to all theme parks and those who book a stay at premier hotels receive Unlimited Express Pass access, allowing them to “Skip to the Front of the Line” for many attractions.

If an unforgettable Orlando getaway is on your list this year, now is the perfect time to start planning! Share your ideas, and let’s create an incredible vacation you’ll remember for years to come!


Serafina Travel

01/28/2025

Have you made your vacation plans for 2025 yet? The last Tuesday in January has been officially designated “National Plan for Vacation Day” so you can intentionally carve out some time to plan your travels for 2025.

Make the time to make those memories!

There are a lot of tips out there to add an extra day or two to existing long weekends to stretch out those vacation days. And that can certainly be handy to minimize days off or taking the kids out of school unnecessarily. But also, these are considered peak travel times now so your flights are probably higher in cost and places may be busier than usual because the demand is higher. Everyone may be thinking of doing the same thing!

Instead, try shifting your days a bit by a day or two, or a week or two. If flexibility allows, it may be a bit more budget-friendly, allowing you to do more on your time off!

So, if you haven’t started planning your travels for 2025, this is your sign to do so now! Reach out to me now, let me know what you are thinking and let’s see what we can put together for your vacation plans this year before it passes you by!

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. 💎