Heike Milo - Senior Travel Advisor, CTC

09/16/2024

Mayan Riviera and a perfect all-inclusive resort near Playa del Carmen. The Mahekal Beach is a quiet, 5* property right in Playa del Carmen on a beautiful beach, just steps away from the busy activities and nightlife of 5th Avenue. This property features 800ft of beach and bungalow style accommodation with gardenview, oceanview or oceanfront options , This resort is for those wanting to rest and relax. There are no TV's in the rooms so a great choice for those wanting to disconnect. With 4 pools, 4 bars and 3 restaurants this resort is a perfect, intimate resort to consider near Playa del Carmen.

Take a 40 second tour of the Mahekal Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

09/15/2024

Huge relief for many (me included!)!!!

09/14/2024

G-Adventures sale on now! Itching for adventure before the end of the year? 🌎💃G Adventures has just the sale to help make it happen! Until September 30, 2024, SAVE 15% on hundreds of trips, all with travel by December 20, 2024. From France, Guatemala and Kenya, to Argentina, Iceland, and Albania, these savings can take you all across the world. Message me today and let’s get your next adventure booked for less!

09/13/2024

Brisbane and the new Queen’s Wharf project, a massive hotel, office building, apartment and shopping complex has opened early Sep 2024, with more openings later in the year, including the Dorsett hotel and Rosewood, Australia’s first 6-star property.

From its 100-meter-high Sky Deck offering breathtaking views of the city to the luxurious The Star Grand hotel, features 340 luxurious rooms, including 60 suites and four ultra-luxury Skyline Penthouse Suites. Plus a stunning Leisure Deck that features swimming pools with exceptional views of the Brisbane River and South Bank.

Guests also will be able to enjoy a diverse culinary journey, beginning with celebrity chef Luke Nguyen’s vibrant South-East Asian restaurant, Fat Noodle, and continuing with Sokyo, a cutting-edge Japanese restaurant led by the acclaimed Alex Yu.
The Star Brisbane’s also features a Sports Bar, boasting mega LED screens and The Sky Deck which will unveil Cicada Blu, a sky-high venue offering exotic elixirs and bold botanical infusions.

The new Queen's Wharf is a world-class district that places Brisbane on the map as a tourism, leisure and entertainment destination.

09/12/2024

Get your kicks on Route 66 by cruising to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, a quirky roadside attraction. 🛣️ Located west of Barstow, it features more than 200 “trees” made out of colored glass bottles. 🍾 Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
Learn more about Route 66 road trips: https://bit.ly/4c9irKM

Elmer Long passed away peacefully on June 22nd, 2019 surrounded by friends and family. He created an amazing place that became a thing of wonder and a destination for people all over the world. His family will do everything in it’s power to preserve and protect his legacy after his sudden passing. He is greatly missed and will be forever remembered for the love fostered with family, friends and stranger alike brought together by his amazing creations.

09/11/2024

Do you know the carry-on and checked baggage rules? Visit our “What Can I Bring” before you start packing. Share this post and help us increase awareness across Canada!
https://ow.ly/EXoh50Q9t6v
👕🧴

09/11/2024

Visiting Japan will require more than just a passport for Canadian travellers, in coming years. The country is preparing to introduce a new travel authorization system in 2030 that will require visitors to declare personal information online in order to obtain permission to enter the country,
The new program being introduced for those seeking to visit Japan, dubbed JESTA, is also meant to screen individuals before they embark on a journey to Japan. Similar to an electronic Visa Waiver Program, travellers will be required to complete before boarding a flight to Japan.
The Japanese government has said their goal is to reduce the entry of illegal immigrants who come from visa-exempt countries and stay longer than is allowed. The government will continue researching the proposed JESTA program over the coming year.

09/08/2024

The island of Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world. Their culture wielded strong influence in the city: it was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.

Corfu has been filmed in movies such as "Fedora" in 1978, James Bond: For your Eyes Only (1981), The Burglar's in 1971 and more recently the series "The Durrell's" in 2026-2019.

Corfu offers historic monuments, rich multi-cultural heritage and stunning natural landscape. For information check out

Chic and delicate by nature, Corfu has an unsurpassed natural beauty. The sea, the sun and the wind have carved an impressive shoreline on the island. Golden sandy and snow-white pebbled beaches, fine carved rocks resembling sculptures from a modern gallery, trees which stretch out their shadow up t...

09/07/2024

Oceania Cruises is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026, departing from Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The line’s 670-guest Insignia will make history in March 2026, becoming the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.

Insignia, which accommodates just 670 guests, is served by a dedicated team of 400 attentive crew members. The boutique ship boasts gourmet specialty restaurants Polo Grill, which is a classic American steakhouse, and Italian venue Toscana; spa and fitness classes at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center; sports deck with putting greens and shuffleboard; an expansive top-of-ship library, plus vibrant lounges and bars, and a casino.

Here are the sailings offered for 2026....
Tropical Harmony: February 22 - March 3, 2026, 9 Days from Bridgetown to Tampa
Leeward Isles Serenade*: March 3 - 18, 2026, 15 Days from Tampa to Tampa
Western Caribbean Escape: March 18 - 25, 2026, 7 Days from Tampa to Tampa
Palms & Panama Canal: March 25 - April 4, 2026, 10 Days from Tampa to Panama City
Panama Canal Connoisseur: March 25 - April 14, 2026, 20 Days from Tampa to Miami

With Oceania Cruises enjoy relaxed yet refined luxury, elegant home-away-from-home ambiance, and the line’s signature "always included gourmet specialty dining experiences."

09/06/2024

Visitng Paris? The Musée Jacquemart André is re-opening. After more than a year of major restoration work, the Jacquemart-André Museum reopens on September 6, 2024 with an exceptional exhibition of masterpieces from the famous Borghese Gallery in Rome (on until January 2025).
The 19th-century mansion’s dining room, smoking room and Tiepolo staircase have been restored, and the courtyard has been planted again.
The Musee is open daily 10am-6pm (until 10pm on Fridays), tickets €18. Audioguides are €3 at the museum, or free if you download the museum's app in advance.

The Musée Jacquemart-André has the finest private collection of art works in Paris, combined with the atmosphere of a large nineteenth-century residence.

09/05/2024

Madrid, Spain - planning a stay in Madrid enjoy your stay at the Indigo Madrid Gran Via and their fabulous roof-top pool and bar with amazing views.

Hotel Indigo® Madrid Gran Via, on the quiet, pretty Calle de Silva, is just steps from the Gran Via, in the heart of the city. This boutique hotel offers stylish guest rooms with a spa-inspired bathroom experience and a rainfall shower, quality toiletries plus complimentary Wi-Fi.
This hotel has one of the best Sky-gardens of Madrid. Where you can enjoy the hotel's infinity swimming pool and amazing views of the city and the most stunning sunset.

09/04/2024

Riad Elegancia is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to be in thick of it, in Marrakech's Medina. Riad Elegancia is set over three levels and built around two patios. The building remains loyal to its Arab-Andalusian architectural roots. The riad’s interiors pay homage to true Moroccan craftsmanship, with traditional features running throughout the property including a magnificent chandelier hanging in the atrium.
This 11 room property offers one of the most authentic riad experiences in town, effortlessly combined with all the modern touches of a 4-star boutique hotel.

09/03/2024

Dalat, Vietnam is situated in the picturesque central Highlands. This former French hill station boasts cool mountain air and some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in the region. The mild climate attracts nature and adventure enthusiasts where outdoor sports such as trekking, mountain biking and canyoning are popular. Dalat is also well-known for its organic vegetable and flower farms, and tea and coffee plantations.
Here are a few travel tips from my preferred supplier Trails of Indochina...

Take a short scenic train ride through the countryside past vegetable and flower farms
Enjoy a brew of locally-grown Arabica beans at one of the many trendy cafes in town
Try the famous ‘Dalat pizza’ made of rice paper with various toppings including quail eggs, spring onions, and dried shrimp
Take a day trip to Cau Dat, a 100-year-old tea plantation from the French colonial era

Picturesque highlands of pine trees, lakes, tea and coffee plantations, Dalat is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate,

09/02/2024

Travel Time Inc Kelowna office will be closed on Monday September 2, 2024 for Labour Day.
We will re-open Tuesday September 3 from 9am-430pm.

09/01/2024

Parma, Italy famed for its parmigiano and prosciutto has helped make Italian cuisine famous around the world. Parma offers museums, churches and charming historic streets.

Visit one of Parma's lively farmers markets to pick up some fresh produce and browse for souvenirs.

Explore the Palazzo della Pilotta, home to a theatre, archeology museum, art gallery, and one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.

Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata, one of Parma's finest Renaissance churches. Marvel at the imposing tombs and Italian frescoes.

Parma is a university city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region and considered by many to be a "little Paris" because of its refined appearance, Parma is not only a city of culture, theatre and music, but also a UNESCO Creative City for gastronomy in Italy and the capital of the Food Valley from which products of Italian industry leaders originate around the world: Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano, to name but a few.

08/31/2024

Windstar Cruises has revealed their next new ship, Star Seeker, a 224-guests vessel that will debut in January 2026.

The ship will have 112 suites, all but 10 featuring a full private veranda or floor-to-ceiling infinity window. It will also have 5 dining options (all included in the cruise price), a full-service spa, a fitness facility, and a “fresh take” on the line’s Watersports Platform.

All suites include a fully stocked mini-bar and refrigerator, interactive TV, safe, fresh fruit, and waffle weave robe and slippers. Upgrade to the 4 highest suite categories – Horizon, Star, Classic, Deluxe – add other amenities such as an Illy espresso machine, Canapes service, and fresh flowers.

The maiden voyage will be a transatlantic sailing in early January 2026 from Malaga to Miami. The ship will then sail a season of Caribbean voyages before heading up the West Coast of the U.S. to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises. From there the ship will sail to Japan to bring back the line’s popular Japan itineraries before heading to Southeast Asia.

08/30/2024

Beethoven's House in Bonn serves as a memorial, museum, and cultural institution. Ludwig van Beethoven was born here in 1770, and it is the most frequented museum worldwide that honors a musician. 🎵

Since December 17, 2019, the museum has been hosting a new and enlarged permanent exhibition. It provides a new approach to experiencing Beethoven as an artist and fellow human being in a modern, inspiring and exciting way. New rooms? The vault with manuscripts, a music room for regular concerts on historic keyboards and a special area for temporary exhibitions.

The museum is a historic listed building with low ceiling beams and railings, unusual distances between steps and different floor levels.
Museum hours: Wednesday to Monday 10 am - 6 pm (last admission at 5:30 pm),
on Tuesdays, the museum opens exclusively for pre-booked groups.

The Beethoven-Haus (Bonngasse 20 und 24-26) is located in the centre of Bonn on the edge of the pedestrian zone, not far from the river Rhine. Bonngasse is within easy walking distance of the main train station.

08/29/2024

Pelion, Greece is a dramatic mountainous region, north of Athens and an absolute natural paradise! It is a huge mountain dotted with picturesque traditional villages and fringed by mesmerizing beaches!

At Sakali Mansion you can expect a beautifully restored historic building where traditional and modern styles are combined to create a gorgeous, romantic hideaway, with panoramic views and a small spa. This stunning guest house in the heart of Pinakates. Seven en suite rooms, with classic stone walls, wooden ceilings, plush modern furnishings, and marble bathrooms. The city of Volos is nearby and is filled with museums plus wonderful traditional architecture. Enjoy various walks in the area, for example:, from the centre of Pinakates to Kala Nera.
This peaceful guesthouse is surrounded by nature, with picturesque gardens and a spa, this is an ideal spot for those seeking to unwind.

08/28/2024

Viking Ocean cruise sale ends August 31, 2024. Viking Ocean select 2025 Mediterranean cruises special offer on their all-inclusive ocean voyages. Reduced cruise fares plus Free international Economy class airfare (from Vancouver and other select Canadian cities - restrictions apply). Viking Ocean feature elegant Scandinavian design & a private veranda in every stateroom.

Included on your Viking Ocean voyage:
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.
Self-service launderettes
Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge
24-hour room service

Limited time offer on select Mediterranean sailings from 8 days to 22 days in 2025. Valid for new bookings only, restrictions apply.

08/27/2024

Some exceptions....

? No liquids are exempted from the 100ml limit.

False!

There are a few exceptions to the 100 ml or 100 g (3.4 oz) limit.

These items include prescription medication, baby food and drink for infants younger than two years of age, distilled water for CPAP devices and more.
You will need to declare these items to the screening officer for inspection.

Visit our website for the full list of exempted items: https://ow.ly/3UKi50T57wH

08/27/2024

Rugby League Las Vegas 2025 coming to Allegiant Stadium. Rugby League in Las Vegas 2025 will be bigger, bolder, and better, with more games, more teams, more nations, and more opportunities for fans from around the world to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime festival of global Rugby League.
The historic four-game schedule will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1, 2025. Tickets available and prices start from US$99 per person.

08/26/2024

The European Union's Entry-Exit System (EES) has been delayed again until spring 2025.

The EES is a biometric system that will use digital photographs and fingerprints to register travellers from non-EU countries when they enter the European Union.

The system will apply to both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travellers. The new rule requires visitors from 60 visa-free countries, including Canada, to get electronic travel authorization before entering 30 European countries.

Visitors from outside the EU will need to apply for and pay €7 (CAD $11) per person for a visa waiver before entering a country in the Schengen zone, which includes France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, among others. The visa permits non-EU citizens to stay in the EU and Schengen zone for 90 days. Once a traveller has an approved visa, they do not need to apply again for 3 years.

Stay tuned as this new system continues to be delayed.

08/25/2024

Club Med Punta Cana is under renovations. The family resort, Club Med Punta Cana will be opening a splash park in December 2024.

The splash park will feature exhilarating water slides, splash zones and interactive water features. This addition follows recent renovations at the property, which introduced all-new family rooms, a wedding venue, beauty salon and refreshed dining experience at the resort's main Caribbean restaurant, Hispaniola, which offers special vegan dishes developed by Food Network's Chef Chloe Coscarelli.
Along with the splash park, guests can enjoy more than 20 included activities such as pickleball, trapeze, paddleboarding and kayaking. The resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport.
Club Med Punta Cana offers an adults only (18+) section "Zen Oasis" along with a luxury Collection space for families. Club Med offers 5 children clubs at this resort, based on age. Starting from infants up to 17 years of age. Great all-inclusive family resort option.

08/24/2024

Avalon Europe River Cruise sale on now! Book by September 9, 2024 and receive a free upgrade to a Panorama Suite on select 2025 Avalon Europe cruises. Sailings available from February 28, 2025, through to December 30, 2025.

Why Avalon? Their Comfort Collection BedsSM actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Think of it as a view with a room! Sale offer is on select sailings and restrictions apply. Offer does not apply to Category E or D or Royal Suites.

08/23/2024

Friday funny....

08/22/2024

Say goodbye to jet lag – with the Timeshifter® app

Arriving at a destination feeling tired and weary? With the Timeshifter® app, jet lag is a thing of the past. The innovative Timeshifter® app can help to optimize well-being and health.
Special rates for the app if you are a Lufthansa's Miles & More members. For more information go to

Unlock exclusive Miles & More offers and try the Timeshifter app for free to eliminate jet lag.

08/21/2024

Visiting London? A special Van Gogh exhibition ‘Poets and Lovers’ will open at London’s National Gallery on September 14 and continue until January 2025. Bringing together your most loved of Van Gogh’s paintings from across the globe, some of which are rarely seen in public. They will be paired together with his extraordinary drawings. See up-close his ‘Starry Night over the Rhône’ (1888, Musée d’Orsay) and ‘The Yellow House’ (1888, Van Gogh Museum), as well as our own ‘Sunflowers’ (1888) and ‘Van Gogh's Chair’ (1889), among many others.

The National Gallery in London is open daily: 10am - 6pm and on Friday closes later at 9pm. Located in Trafalgar Square. It is recommended to book your visit in advance. Dates currently available to reserve: until mid October. There are limited walk-up/same day tickets available. Allow 50–60 minutes for your visit to the exhibition.

Be blown away by Van Gogh’s most spectacular paintings in our once-in-a-century exhibition.Walk with a pair of lovers beneath a starry night. Look up at swir...

08/20/2024

The Jane Austen Festival in Bath is the largest and longest running Jane Austen Festival in the world. The first of these events started in 2001 and has since grown into a 10 day program, drawing over 3500 people from around the world. The festival begins with a Regency Costumed Promenade, which fills the streets of Bath with over five hundred people in Regency dress. Full of bonnets, soldiers, and drummers, the parade, and its backdrop of Georgian Bath, transports visitors back to the time of Jane Austen.

The festival itself includes guided walks, costumed balls, theatrical performances and talks. Festival dates are September 13 - 22, 2024.
For details go to

Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd September 2024The full Jane Austen Festival 2024 programme can be viewed by clicking the button below which will take you to the homepage for 2024. 

08/19/2024

Easter Island or Rapa Nui, is one of the world's most remote inhabited islands, located 3,500km from mainland Chile in the South Pacific. The island is 2 hours behind the Chilean mainland and observes daylight saving time, resulting in late sunrises and sunsets.
Easter Island is best combined with a tour of Chile, with at least one overnight stay near Santiago airport. A minimum stay of 4 days/3 nights is recommended to explore the archaeological sites within the Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the must-see attractions such as Orongo, Anakena Beach, Tongariki and Ranu Raraku Volcano.

Due to its isolation, Easter Island is expensive for both visitors and locals, as almost all goods are flown in from Santiago. Accommodation ranges from simple cabins to 5-star resorts.

08/18/2024

A group of crows is called a murder, and a group of geese is called a gaggle. So, what is a group of flamingos called? A flamboyance! Other collective nouns for flamingos include stand, colony and pat.