Explore the World with Sam - Flight Centre

14/11/2021

⚓ | Odyssey of the Seas | ⚓

I had the pleasure of sailing on Royal Caribbean International Odyssey of the Seas this weekend.

We stayed in an Oceanview Balcony cabin - check out for more details!

Although we didn't get to experience everything the ship has to offer, I can say with certainty that there is something for everyone on board.

We had a great stop at RCL's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. We of course needed to try out all the waterslides and we finished the day at one of their many beach sections, swimming out to their floating bar and looking on with lust at the private overwater cabanas that are available to reserve for the day.

We finished the weekend at the Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown. Great location, great service, and a great pool for a chill recovery day.

Interested in knowing more? Message me!

06/11/2021

After nearly two years a Qantas flight arrives at LHR and this is giving me all the feels ❤️❤️❤️

15/09/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Mt. Stanserhorn

Fact: Switzerland is a ridiculously beautiful country. When I was in Switzerland, I immediately thought to myself, "Yes, one day I will retire here in the mountains". Of course this was before I realized the cost of things!

If you also enjoy the mountains, take the quick 15 minute drive or 20 minute train ride from Lucerne to Mt. Stanserhorn. Take the scenic open air cable car up the mountain and enjoy the view!

If you really love the mountains, you'll have the best time exploring Switzerland and all of the mountain options...and the fondue...and the chocolate...just do yourself a favour and check out Switzerland okay?

08/09/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Lake Bled, Slovenia

I certainly wouldn't say no to this view. Check out the castle, rent a row boat to explore the area, or take a ride on a pletna - a traditional gondola with a wooden flat bottom. Hike Mala Osijnica and watch the sunrise, don't forget to check out the picturesque surrounding areas. Would you add this to your destination wishlist?

📸 Trafalgar Travel

07/09/2021

07/09/2021

| Update |

Hey travellers! You may have noticed that I've been pretty quiet lately, but that's because a lot of changes were happening behind the scenes.

Some of you may know my Flight Centre journey. I started with the company in July 2017 and worked out of the Conestoga Mall location. During the pandemic I was furloughed and given the opportunity to transition to Flight Centre Independent. I loved my job and always enjoyed assisting others with their travel plans, so transitioning to FCI was a great way to keep travel in my life, even if it was part-time.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to return to the Flight Centre retail space. YAY. What does this mean? First and foremost, I am still available to assist with your travel needs. Now that I've returned to Flight Centre, I'm actually MORE available because this is now my full time job, rather than working a separate full time job with FCI on the side. If you have booked with me recently, no worries I still have full control over your bookings and will be reaching out to you directly.

My contact email has changed back to what it was pre-pandemic: [email protected]. I am available here on social media and also by email, phone, video consultations, and even in store by appointment only. You can still reach me on my personal cell, but now I can also be reached at the Flight Centre in the Burlington Centre mall.

Over the next week and a bit, I'll be participating in retraining sessions to learn all about the new systems in place. During this time, I'm unable to book any trips. Don't worry, I'll be back in action on Tuesday, September 14th! I'm still available here if you have any questions or concerns :)

I'm so grateful for my time with Flight Centre Independent. It gave me the push to start this page and share travel inspiration with all of you lovely travellers. It also gave me the opportunity to continue doing what I love. I'm really excited to rejoin a larger Flight Centre team and continue to assist with all of your travel needs! Stay tuned for updates! From Flightie to Indie to Flightie again. Let's get exploring ❤️

03/09/2021

Happy Friday travellers!

I know I've been quiet lately, but stay tuned for big news being announced on Tuesday! I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend!

25/08/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Spain

What I wouldn't give to be travelling around Spain. Strolling Las Ramblas, eating tapas, hitting the beaches, seeing the famous architecture and exploring it's history. From north to south this country has so many beautiful places to offer: Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Cordoba, Granada, Seville, the list goes on. I couldn't choose just one place to focus on today, but rest assured you will hear more about Spain in the future ❤️

📸 G Adventures

20/08/2021

Happy Friday travellers!

So which packer are you?

Personally, I avoid checked luggage whenever possible. If you have ever tried to locate lost luggage from an airline you probably agree with me.

17/08/2021

🌏 | Tour Tuesday | 🌏

Despite what the name indicates, Royal Irish Tours offers itineraries in Ireland, as well as Scotland, England, and Wales.

Whether you want a guided experience, a choose your own adventure trip, a quaint cottage stay, or a luxurious castle or manor experience - this company has what you need!

▪️Sightseeing Tours: max 16 passengers, lots of time off of the coach bus, guaranteed departures

▪️Self Drive: flexibility to choose your own adventure on your own timeline

▪️Chauffeur: the flexibility to choose your own adventure without the stress of driving

Message me to learn more!

📸 Royal Irish Tours

13/08/2021

Guilty of this. Give me all the food and drinks because calories don't count when I'm in vacation mode. Who's with me?

11/08/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Paris is always a good idea.

I feel like I could visit Paris a thousand times and still find something new to marvel at.

The Louvre, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter, Arc de Triomphe, Musee d'Orsay, Napoleon's Tomb, catacombs, Jardin du Luxembourg, Palais Garnier, Montmartre, I could keep going and I haven't even mentioned the food!

I'll say it again...Paris is always a good idea ❤️

Contact me about planning your perfect Paris getaway.

10/08/2021

🌏 | Tour Tuesday | 🌏

Insight Vacations: the art of travelling in style.

Operating since 1978, Insight Vacations ensures you travel in comfort with customized coaches and the ability to choose tours with smaller groups. Their customized coaches have fewer seats and twice the legroom of a standard coach, plus complimentary WIFI and personal air conditioning.

You have the choice of classic groups (average 33 travellers), small groups (max 24 travellers), or private tours (min 12 travellers).

On an Insight Vacations tour you will stay in highly rated hotels with great style, location, and service. Think Bovey Castle in Devon, England or Chateau de Rochecotte in Loire Valley, France or Hotel d'Angleterre in Geneva, Switzerland. Your comfort is of the utmost importance, so there will always be a few relaxed starts on your itinerary where departures are after 9am. You can sleep in or wake up early for some personal sightseeing.

Tour styles offered:
▪️Discovery Journeys - multiple countries on one tour
▪️Regional Journeys - one region or country in depth
▪️Country Roads - off the beaten track
▪️Easy Pace - minimum of 3 nights in each location
▪️Special Interest Tours - women only tours as one example

Message me if you're interested in travelling with Insight Vacations and would like to learn more about luxury travel with comfort and style.

📸 Insight Vacations

08/08/2021

⛱️ | SUNday | ⛱️

Craving a beach holiday with a twist.

Cartagena is a city in Colombia located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

The walled city has several islands - Tierra Bomba, Mucura, and Baru to name a few - that will satisfy your beachy desires. You will also indulge in the colonial architecture, Colombian cuisine, lush landscapes, and night life.

Definitely a destination deserving a spot on my list of future travels!

📸 1️⃣2️⃣ G Adventures
3️⃣4️⃣ Colombia.travel

06/08/2021

Happy Friday travellers!

I was definitely reminded of the airport's lawlessness from my recent Vancouver trip!

04/08/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Florence, Italy

Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region and home to Renaissance history, art, and architecture. Also my favourite Italian city ❤️

Enjoy a beautiful sunset and see the replica of Michelangelo's David at Piazzale Michelangelo. If you want to see the real thing, check out the Accademia Gallery or visit another great museum the Uffizi Gallery.

Stroll the leather markets...and if you're like me you'll find a great purse or jacket to purchase! Take a vespa ride through the countryside to visit a winery and enjoy a Tuscan feast. Take a walking tour to learn about the Medici family and see the staples of Florence like Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce, and Brunelleschi's Dome.

Don't forget to try ALL of the gelato flavours (personal favourites include nocciola and pistachio).

I love sending clients to my favourite places. If you're looking for a 2022 Tuscan getaway message me to chat about all of your options!

03/08/2021

🌏 | Tour Tuesday | 🌏

Contiki offers trips for 18-35 year olds in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, USA, Africa & The Middle East.

You can join a trip as a solo traveller looking to meet new people in your age group, with your partner, or even with a larger group of friends. With so many tour options, it's important to look at the different ways you can travel with Contiki:

▪️Iconic Essentials
▪️Discoverer
▪️Regional In-Depth
▪️Hiking & Trekking
▪️Sail, Cruise & Dive
▪️Island Hopping
▪️Safari
▪️Short Trips & Festivals
▪️Ski & Snowboarding Trips
▪️Winter Holidays
▪️Christmas Tours
▪️New Year's Eve Tours

Depending on the trip and travel style, accommodations range from hotels, hostels, boats, camping sites, jungle lodges, eco camps, beach resorts, to even a 16th century French Chateau! Not only does Contiki focus on creating an amazing your experience, their sustainability strategy aims to reduce food waste, source electricity from renewable sources, eliminate single use plastics, and eventually achieve carbon neutrality.

I can speak from my personal experience travelling with Contiki, they know their audience and they do a fantastic job creating itineraries that create lasting memories! I travelled with my partner, but met others on our tour who were travelling with a larger friend group and solo travellers who were able to make long-lasting friendships. We had an amazing trip manager who was equally knowledgeable about the must see sites, as he was about the hidden gems.

Choosing which travel style works best for you is key and that's where I am here to help! Some people want a taste of Europe and do as much as possible in a short timeframe - they offer itineraries for that. Others want a longer and more immersive stay in a few locations - they offer itineraries for that too! Message me to find your ideal Contiki trip!

📸 1 Contiki

02/08/2021

Home.

It was so wonderful to go on a trip, even if I was working remotely. It was a great reminder of all my favourite things about travel:

1️⃣ Strolling without purpose. Enjoying a new scenery and exploring new neighbourhoods.

2️⃣ Trying new things. This time it was at a fun Japanese tapas restaurant, where I tried (and failed) to use chopsticks.

3️⃣ All of the food and drinks.

Bonus: catching up with old friends and making many new ones.

Thanks for the reminder Vancouver. Cheers to more trips as the world opens up.

30/07/2021

🇨🇦 | Vancouver | 🇨🇦

Hanging out in the treetops at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

29/07/2021

🇨🇦 | Vancouver | 🇨🇦

Fun fact: Stanley Park is larger than NYC's Central Park being just over 1,000 acres to Central Park's 840 acres. It is also larger than downtown Vancouver!

27/07/2021

🇨🇦 | Vancouver | 🇨🇦

Today after work we hopped on the False Creek Ferry for a quick ride over to Granville Island. We strolled the shops and the market and stopped for drinks and mussels at The Vancouver Fish Company happy hour overlooking the water. I was enjoying myself so much that I forgot to take photos 🤦 I'll do better with my Vancouver exploring tomorrow!

25/07/2021

🇨🇦 | Vancouver | 🇨🇦

Taking a break from regular scheduled programming! Adventures in Vancouver begin today. I will be working remotely, but also hoping to do lots of fun exploring. Have any Vancouver recommendations send them my way!

23/07/2021

Happy Friday travellers!

Who else is looking forward to this great feeling again?

21/07/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Chefchaouen, the blue pearl of Morocco.

Located in the Rif Mountains, this blue washed city is one of many Moroccan spots on my list! You can choose to spend your time here or visit on a day trip from Tangier or Fes. Remember to visit the Souk (market), shop at one of the bazaars, learn about Chefchaouen's history at the Kasbah museum, get a good scrub at a local hammam, and take a scenic hike in the Rif Mountains.

📸 On The Go Tours

19/07/2021

✈️ | Travel Update | ✈️

BIG NEWS TRAVELLERS!

New travel measures announced today: Canada's borders are starting to open!

▪️Borders will open for fully vaccinated American travellers starting August 9th

▪️Borders will open for fully vaccinated travellers starting September 7th

Full vaccination is based on Government of Canada accepted vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.

All travellers must use the ArriveCAN app or web portal to submit their vaccination certification and travel information. Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria will not need to quarantine upon arrival in Canada and those travelling by air will no longer need to have a mandatory three night hotel stay. However, it is important to remember that all travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine if they do not meet the necessary requirements. Pre-entry testing is still needed! There is also random testing being exercised upon arrival.

Attention families! 14-day quarantines will be eliminated for unvaccinated kids under the age of 12, however there will be limits on these younger travellers looking to join group settings upon return to Canada (summer camps, daycare, school).

The list of Canadian airports accepting international flights has also increased to include Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton.

Although the US has not made an announcement (yet!) about allowing non-essential travel from Canada into their country, we can only hope that we see this in the future.

17/07/2021

⚓ | Set Sail Saturday | ⚓

Royal Caribbean's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay has something to offer for every cruiser!

▪️Coco Beach Club: with floating cabanas

▪️Oasis Lagoon: the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean

▪️Chill Island: reserve a seaside day bed or cabana for a great day at the beach with privacy

▪️Thrill Waterpark: an adventure pool, the tallest slide in North America, and a wave pool

▪️South Beach: offers activities and relaxation

▪️Up, Up, and Away: take a helium balloon ride and view the island from 450ft up

The island is located in the Bahamas and has no admission fee. You can navigate the island using the Royal Caribbean app's 3D map and can plan your adventure in advance. If you have purchased a beverage or WIFI package onboard, you can use them on the island too! It's important to note that there are plenty of complimentary inclusions, but also other experiences offered for an additional charge.

Message me to learn more about Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries that include Perfect Day at CocoCay!

📸 Royal Caribbean International

16/07/2021

Anyone else? 🙋🙋

14/07/2021

| Wanderlust Wednesday |

Page, Arizona

Planning an Arizona roadtrip MUST include a stop in Page. You'll get to see Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and you aren't too far from Grand Canyon National Park. If you want to extend your trip I would also recommend Zion National Park in Utah!

Prior to COVID, I surprised my sister with a roadtrip: Vegas to Arizona. Sadly we didn't get to experience paddleboarding on Lake Powell, but it's still on my list for another day!

13/07/2021

| Tour Tuesday |

Blue-Roads Touring focuses on the road less traveled. The "Blue-Roads Difference" avoids major highways and specializes in regional travel and local experiences, going deeper than the typical tourist sites.

With a maximum of 18 passengers per tour, guests will travel in a luxury air-conditioned mini coach designed to travel narrow side streets and scenic back roads that many larger tour groups can't reach. Guests will enjoy a leisurely paced travel experience and stay in local boutique accommodations rather than big hotel brands.

Ready to explore the Blue-Roads way? Tour dates have been released for 2022 and 2023 and here are some of the options they offer:

▪️UK and Ireland
▪️Europe
▪️Asia
▪️Battlefield Tours
▪️Canals and Sailings
▪️Culinary Tours

Message me for more details about the Blue-Roads Touring experience!

📸 Blue-Roads Touring