Sarah-Dawn Thiessen Travel

04/23/2025

A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

Espresso isn’t just coffee—it’s a tradition. Born in Italy over a century ago, it remains an essential part of daily life, best enjoyed in a lively Roman piazza or a cozy café in Florence.

Inspire future travels with the rich flavors and time-honored rituals of Italian coffee culture. From morning espresso at a sidewalk café to the perfect afternoon macchiato, Italy offers an experience worth savoring.

Contact me for more details! [email protected]

04/23/2025

Trip of the Day

Riu Santa Fe
Los Cabos, Mexico

Booking for 2025/2026, fun affordable option

Enjoy adults only fun at the weekly themed RIU pool parties
• Grab a bite from the new ‘Tiki Tacos’ and Pepe’s Food Grill
• Sip on tropical cocktails at the new pool with a swim-up bar

With plenty of on-site programming for guests of all ages, Riu Santa Fe offers effortless getaways in Mexico’s southern Baja California Peninsula with breathtaking views of Cabo’s famous El Arco. Unwind on complimentary sun loungers by the sparkling Pacific Coast or admire incredible panoramic ocean views from the resort’s infinity pool and the brand new pool with a swim-up bar serving your favourite tropical beverages. The RiuLand kids’ club features daily entertainment programming for children while parents can keep active with complimentary access to RiuFit workout programs and a beach volleyball court. The whole family will have a blast trying out the exciting water slides at the Splash Water World water park! The resort restaurants offer cuisines for every palate, including poolside dining options serving authentic Mexican, classic steakhouse favourites and the brand new ‘Tiki Tacos’ Taco Station and Pepe’s Food Grill for quick bites on the go. Hop on a short shuttle ride to experience the lively city of Cabo San Lucas and its picturesque marina.

Highlights
1416 Rooms
10 Pools
12 Restaurants
13 Bars
Waterslides
Gym
Spa
Golf Nearby
Kids Programs
Adult fun
Families of 5 or more

Best for
Families
adults
Couples
Groups of families and friends
Singles

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/22/2025

Athens blends ancient wonder with modern creativity. Stroll through revitalized neighborhoods like Psyri and Metaxourgeio, where art studios and stylish cafés line the streets. Visit the Alekos Fassianos Museum, honoring Greece’s “Picasso,” and explore the archaeological site beneath the Acropolis Museum—now open for an up-close look at ancient villas and bathhouses. Let’s plan your inspired escape to this ever-evolving city. 🏛️✨



📷: Graydon Herriott

The cradle of democracy marches on.

04/22/2025

Experience the majestic wonders of Alaska aboard Serenade of the Seas! From breathtaking glaciers to thrilling wildlife encounters, it's an adventure for everyone. Set sail from Vancouver and explore the best this stunning frontier has to offer! 🌲

04/22/2025

Trip of the Day

🍁 Experience Canada’s Autumn Splendor in Ultra-Luxury 🍁

Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant hues of fall aboard the Seabourn Sojourn.

✨ 12-Day Canadian Autumn Cruise
📍 Roundtrip from Montreal, Quebec
🗓 Departs September 26, 2025

🛳 Aboard the ultra-luxury Seabourn Sojourn
Discover the charm of Canada’s eastern coastlines, rich in culture, history, and breathtaking scenery—all in the comfort of Seabourn’s signature all-inclusive luxury.
This 12-night escape is the perfect way to welcome the season, whether you stroll through quaint harbors, enjoy gourmet cuisine onboard, or soak in the autumn colors.
📌 Space is limited—let's connect to secure your suite early for this iconic fall voyage

Are you ready for a Canadian cruise this fall?

If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/21/2025

Splash into the thrills of Royal Caribbean at Thrill Waterpark, exclusively at Perfect Day at CocoCay! From the tallest waterslide and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean to ziplining, adventure awaits at every turn. 🌊

04/21/2025

Trip of the Day

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort and Spa
Mexico

Booking for 2025/2026 ! This is a divers paradise

Set along a sprawling white-sand beach, the longest in Cozumel
• All Preferred Club accommodations, perfect for families with exclusive amenities
• Located minutes away from coral reefs, ideal for snorkelling and exciting excursions

Adventure, romance and relaxation are yours to discover at Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa, a luxurious destination perfect for family and couples getaways in paradise. Guests can expect Unlimited-Luxury® vacations with gourmet dining and top-shelf drinks, stylish amenities and personalized service. Lounge on the sprawling beach, the longest of any resort on the island, and unwind with a cold drink from the attentive beach service or try out a range of non-motorized water sports. There’s never a dull moment for mini-vacationers at the Explorer’s Club with supervised entertainment like treasure hunts, sandcastle contests and a movie zone or the Core Zone where teens can hang out and play video and arcade games. Enjoy day-to-night entertainment from beach games to pool parties, cooking classes and live shows or take a break at the largest on-site spa complex on the island, with therapeutic treatments to help you feel rejuvenated. Sip on craft cocktails at stylish bars and indulge in delicious dishes at the à la carte and buffet restaurants serving everything from kid-friendly favourites to Asian-Maya fusion cuisine, plus 24-hour room service for late-night cravings and breakfasts in bed. Feel right at home during your stay in luxuriously appointed Preferred Club accommodations, complete with modern design and elevated amenities and services for an unforgettable getaway in Cozumel.

Resort Highlights
154 Rooms
1 Pool
5 restaurants
3 bars
kids and teen club
spa
gym

Best for
Families
Couples
Divers
Friends
Multi generational famalies

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/21/2025

Mexico or the Caribbean this summer?

Either way, I know exactly where you should stay 👇

➡️ If you want next-level vibes and seclusion:
Sugar Beach, in St. Lucia is the spot. Tucked between the Piton Mountains, with private villas and plunge pools, it’s perfect for honeymooners or anyone who just wants to unplug in total paradise.

➡️ For an all-inclusive that doesn’t feel like an all-inclusive:
Hotel Xcaret México is the move. Stunning beachfront, infinity pools, and unlimited access to adventure parks. Because why just relax when you can also zip-line through the jungle?

➡️ Traveling with the whole family?
Grand Velas Riviera Maya nails family luxury with massive suites, top-tier dining, and kids’ clubs that actually impress. Parents relax, kids stay busy. Everyone wins.

➡️ And if you want one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets:
Curtain Bluff in Antigua is one of those places so good you almost don’t want to share it. Family-owned, sitting between two private beaches, and effortlessly elegant.
Which one sounds most like you?

Send me a DM and I’ll match you to the perfect resort and save you tons of hours researching.
Let’s get you booked!

04/20/2025

🌟 As the year wraps up, there’s so much to look forward to with Celebrity Cruises! 🌟 From unforgettable adventures to exciting new experiences coming in 2025. Don’t miss out—let’s plan your getaway today! 🛳

Sarah-Dawn Thiessen Travel
(403) 901-9618
[email protected]
http://www.freeyourtravelbug.ca

04/20/2025

Happy Sunday Friends

Happy Easter from Sarah-Dawn Thiessen Travel!

As we celebrate this season of renewal and new beginnings, we’re sending warm wishes to you and your loved ones for a joyful and peaceful Easter.

Feeling inspired to start planning your next adventure? Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, a European dream tour, or a once-in-a-lifetime safari, we’re here to help you make it happen.

Hop into your next journey—let’s start planning today!

Message us or visit the link in bio to begin.

04/19/2025

Peaks, Paris & Pinot: A River Cruise to Remember!

19 days. 5 countries. 2 legendary rivers. This journey is the perfect blend of Alpine beauty, vineyard-covered valleys, and world-famous avenues—from Lake Como’s tranquil shores to the heart of Paris.

📍 Highlights of this unforgettable adventure:
✨ Lakes & Peaks – Wander the charming streets of Como, cruise its sparkling lake, and take in breathtaking Swiss Alpine views from Mt. Pilatus.
✨ Sailing the Rhine & Seine – Drift past medieval castles in the Rhine Gorge, then explore the wine country and villages of France.
✨ Timeless Cities – Stroll through Strasbourg’s half-timbered squares, marvel at Cologne’s soaring cathedral, and explore the iconic streets of Paris.
✨ French Flavors & History – Indulge in world-class wine and cheese, walk the beaches of Normandy, and soak in the magic of the City of Light.

This is the journey of a lifetime—a grand tour filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments.

Let’s make it happen! Reach out for details [email protected]

04/19/2025

Trip of the Day

Unico 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya 18+
Riviera Maya, Mexico

Booking fro 2025 and 2026

Indulge in unique dining experiences offering menus inspired by local cuisine
• Enjoy lively entertainment and creative mixology at the bars and lounges
• Relax on a shaded Bali bed on the stunning white-sand beach

Set along the breathtaking shores of Riviera Maya, Unico 20 87 Hotel Riviera Maya is an adults only oasis promising sophisticated getaways in paradise. Spend your days relaxing on an elegant Bali bed by the resort’s beautiful white-sand beach and sipping on a cold cocktail from the beach bar with attentive wait service. Unwind by one of the sparkling pools in a VIP cabana ($), each of which features a unique ambiance, or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the on-site spa offering a host of therapeutic treatments. Indulge your tastebuds with a range of gourmet dining options, from quick grilled bites by the beach to regional specialties at Cueva Siete with a menu inspired by traditional Mayan culture. Afterwards, sip on a nightcap and take in live entertainment at Palmera Lounge which is home to a charming cigar bar before retiring to lavish accommodations with well-appointed amenities including spacious villas and suites.

Highlights
448 rooms
3 pools
5 restaurants
5 bars
Golf nearby
Spa
Gym

Best for
Couples
Friends
Families with adult children
Groups

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/18/2025

Trip of the Day

Bali and Komodo: Dragons, Rice Terraces & Cultural Ceremonies
12 days, Ubud to Denpasar

This is offered by my favourite small group tour company and I have traveled a lot with them

Bali shines as one of Indonesia’s most beloved destinations, and for good reason. With emerald-green landscapes, thrilling adventures, serene temples, and warm locals, it offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. This 12-day Geluxe adventure showcases the best of Bali at a comfortable, unhurried pace. Explore the iconic Jatiluwih and Ulun Danu Temples, trek and canoe through the lush jungle near Munduk, and soak up the tranquil beach vibes in Candidasa. But the adventure doesn’t stop there—no trip to Indonesia is complete without wildlife encounters. Embark on a three-night excursion to Komodo, with two full days dedicated to spotting the legendary Komodo dragon. It’s relaxation, adventure, and bucket-list-worthy experiences rolled into one unforgettable trip.

Kendaran village excusion
Sangeh temple
Jatiluwih and Ulundanu visits
Munduk Jungle trekking
2 full day private speed boat tours of Komodo National Park
Goa Lawah Temple visit

Duration: 12 days
Start/Finish City: Ubud to Denpasar
Service Level: Upgraded
Small Group
Meals - 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Private Guide for the whole trip

The Geluxe Collection
With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest.

Your OMG stay - Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort

Your OMG Day - The choice is yours White Water Rafting or Balinese Cooking Class, Ubud

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/17/2025

Don’t underestimate Victoria—mainland Australia’s smallest state is packed with world-class experiences. Sip pinot noirs in Mornington Peninsula, spot wildlife on Phillip Island, and admire masterpieces at the National Gallery of Victoria. Whether you’re here for the culture or natural wonders, Victoria delivers. 🍷🇦🇺



📷: Tourism Australia

Visit with wildlife and world-class vintners on this Victorian getaway.

04/17/2025

Set out on Texas-sized adventures on Mariner of the Seas. ✨ Sailing from Galveston to the vibrant shores of Cozumel and Costa Maya, elevate your short getaway to extraordinary! 🏄‍♂️ Back onboard, conquer the waves on the FlowRider, slide into excitement with The Perfect Storm, or battle it out in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag showdown.

04/17/2025

Trip of the Day

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Booking for 2025 and 2026

• Enjoy unique Brazilian Rodizio cuisine at Ipanema restaurant
• Unwind at the Rock Spa with 13 serene treatment rooms
• Sip your favourite cocktail on the oceanview Eclipse Terrace

Hidden within the lush landscapes of Riviera Nayarit just 20 minutes from the excitement of downtown Puerto Vallarta is the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, the ultimate rock-star-worthy retreat. This luxurious resort sets the stage for elevated vacations with gourmet culinary experiences, A-lister amenities and endless entertainment options that will keep you rocking all night long. Everything is included in your stay at this glamorous property, from 24-hour room service to top-shelf drinks and stylish suites with one-of-a-kind amenities. Pick the theme music to your vacation with the Sound of Your Stay®, jam out with Fender® guitar rentals and get your groove on with a carefully curated selection of records for your room’s turntable with the new Wax® concept. There’s non-stop fun to be had for the younger legends as well, with the exciting Roxity Kids Club featuring different activities every day of the week and the Cavern Club for teens. Eat like rock royalty at elegant restaurant serving up the best cuisines from around the world, whether you’re in the mood for sushi, Italian or Brazilian. The party never stops in the resort’s amphitheatre with live concerts, theme parties and fun-filled shows every night of the week, and you can raise a glass to making new memories at the Eclipse Terrace offering show-stopping ocean views.

Highlights
362 rooms
2 Pools
6 Restaurants
5 bars
Kids club and teen club
Golf nearby
Spa
Gym
Pickle Ball
Families of 5 more more

Best for
Families
Multi Generational families and groups
Adults/ Couples
Friends

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation

04/16/2025

🌿🍷 Indulge in sensory delights at Eden Restaurant on Celebrity Cruises. With its lush ambiance, innovative cuisine, and immersive entertainment, Eden is a feast for the senses. Let’s plan your escape to Eden!

Sarah-Dawn Thiessen Travel
(403) 901-9618
[email protected]
http://www.freeyourtravelbug.ca

04/16/2025

Trip of the Day

JOURNEYS: DISCOVER JORDAN & EGYPT
17 DAYS, AMMAN TO CAIRO

Do you want to do this trip with me in November 2027? I have private group taking registrations now

Find yourself stepping back in time and following the footsteps of those who came thousands of years before you, on this remarkable journey through the enchanting ancient cities and sacred cultural sites of Jordan and Egypt. Experience jaw-dropping natural wonders like the rock-cut magnificence of Petra and incredible archaeological sites like Abu Simple, Philae Temple, Edu fu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Enjoy traditional meals, one at a G Adventures–supported café, and one at the home of a Nubian Family, and gain insights into the Bedouin way of life in the heart of the Jordanian desert. From the banks of the Nile to the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, Egypt and Jordan will capture your heart and immerse you in the timelessness of their ancient spaces.

Visit the ancient ruins of Jerash and iconic Petra
Float effortlessly and enjoy a mud-facial in the Dead Sea Thunder through the red-hued desertscapes of Wadi Rum on a 4x4 Discover the Pyramids of Giza — the oldest and last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the World
Sample traditional Egyptian fare with a special dinner served in the home of a local Nubian family
Learn from an archaeologist about the ongoing excavations of some of Egypt’s most famed sites on the West Bank at Luxor

Duration: 17 days

Start/Finish City: Amman to Cairo

Service Level: Upgraded

Small Group

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Women's Cooking Class & lunch, Jerash Governorate
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Petra Archaeologist Talk, Wādī Mūsá
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Wadi Rum Night Walk, Wadi Rum
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with an Archaeologist, Luxor
Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf women-run cafe, Jerash Governorate
Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān
Your Local Living Moment: Local Family Home Hosted Lunch, Luxor
Your Foodie Moment: Cairo Food Tour, Cairo. Arrival transfer. Visit to the Amman Citadel and the National Archaeological Museum. Tour of Jerash and the Madaba mosaics. Visit Mount Nebo. Petra guided tour. Enjoy a traditional meal at Al Safi Kitchen, a G Adventures–supported café. Wadi Rum desert 4x4 excursion. Visit to Bethany. Guided visit to the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Sakkara and the Step Pyramid of Zoser, and Philae Temple in Aswan. Visit to the Abu Simbel temple. Guided visit of the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Guided visit to the tomb complex of El Kab and the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. Visit the Hanging church , St Sergius church & Ben Ezra Synagogue. Explore the Khan El Khalili market and Muiz Islamic street. Departure transfer. Internal flights on tour and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities

If you would like more info on my private group please reach out now and lets make memories together

- If you would like to set up a vacation planning consultation, please email me at [email protected]. This is where we will discuss everything you are looking for in your vacation and all the details of working with me to ensure the vacation planning process is stress-free and relaxing for you. Contact me today and let’s plan your next trip.
Or click the link below
https://calendly.com/sdthiessen/30-minute-phone-consultation