Travel by Mun Inc

23/01/2024

Swipe left to read about some travel trends to watch in 2024

05/01/2024

How far in advance should you book a vacation?

Honestly, it depends on the season and the destination in question. But if you ask me, sooner is always better than later.

A recent survey suggested that if you book a domestic vacation up to two months in advance, you could save up to 20% on airfare.

For an international trip, booking four months earlier can help you save about 13%.

If more luxe accommodations, a private tour guide, a unique experience, a pass for the swanky airport lounge, or just a few extra margs on the beach sounds like a better way to spend that 20%, then it’s about time to get planning.

So, why wait? Start planning now and turn those travel dreams into reality. What’s the next destination on your list, and how will you use your savings to enhance your experience?

07/11/2023

Can we talk about hidden gems for a minute?

🏖️ That little tucked-away beach bar that’s only talked about by the locals.

🍴That lesser-known restaurant with a great sunset view and the best cocktails.

💁‍♂️That really great tour guide that’s a go-to by travel industry pros.

Hidden gems can take a good trip, and make it truly memorable!

I also love hidden gems because:

1️⃣ They give me the opportunity to have unique and authentic experiences in the destinations I visit.

2️⃣ They often support local businesses and the local economy

3️⃣ They give me the opportunity to engage with locals and learn from them.

4️⃣ They are the gateway to memorable experiences that you can’t always plan for.

Discovering hidden gems can be the highlight of any journey. Have you stumbled upon any hidden gems during your travels?

10/09/2023

In the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, the brilliant mind behind the tale, famously said, "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." It's a reminder that imagination knows no bounds, and the limits of what we can achieve are often set by our own beliefs.

Imagine for a moment, what if you dared to believe in the impossible? What if, before your morning coffee, you envisioned a world where dreams weren't just dreams but possibilities waiting to be realized?
✨ Today, I encourage you to embrace a spirit of wonder. Take a leap into the unknown, for it is there that you might just discover your own Wonderland. 🚀

🌈 Believe in the power of your imagination.

🌟 Challenge the status quo.

🚪 Open doors to new possibilities.

Take this inspiration with you today and let it fuel your journey. What "impossible" things will you believe in today?

10/01/2023

What’s your travel style? The reason I ask is that this is such an important piece of information for a travel advisor.

Do you like adventure and having lots of things to do all day? Or do you like a slow pace where you can focus on and immerse yourself in one thing? Do you like luxury accommodations, or are you willing to prioritize and spend on other aspects of the trip?

I, for example, am the type of traveler who likes lots of adventure and time to really explore a destination but also incorporate time to decompress and relax. I also like to ensure that my itinerary includes experiences which allow me to meaningfully engage with a destination's culture, history, people and/or environment in order to create unique and memorable experiences.

03/01/2023

Who says you can’t enjoy the journey AND the destination?

It’s not just about being on the actual trip, the experience starts far before that — all the way back to when you start planning.

So what are you envisioning for your travels in 2023?

❌ Endless research online trying to figure out what to book?

❌ Not getting the hotel or resort you want because you weren’t sure when to book and waited too late?

❌ Long wait times on the phone when flights get changed and cancelled?

Or would you rather have a travel expert in your corner to get you to your destination with ease, time saved, and way less stress?

That’s exactly what I’ll be spending 2023 helping my clients do. If you’d like to be on the roster, and have me in your corner on your travels, let’s chat. I am changing my model for this year and will only be taking on a certain number of clients each month. I have 4 slots left for the month of January. If you are interested in discussing your 2023 travels, you can book a complimentary call by sending me a DM.

14/12/2022

Stop your scroll and make sure you are aware of these travel tips if you are travelling over the Holiday!

1️⃣ Pack gifts 🎁 wisely- Don’t wrap your gifts ahead of time because airport security has the right to unwrap and inspect all packages. And pack any gifts in your carry-on bag so you do not risk them being lost.

2️⃣ Double check admission hours for attractions- If you are planning to visit popular tourist attactions during the holidays check that the attraction is open and doesn’t have special hours. Recommend that you call ahead to make sure the places you are planning to visit are really open and do not rely on details online.

3️⃣ YYZ ✈️ Express – If you are flying out of Pearson use the new online reservation program, YYZ Express, to book a spot in security line ahead of your flight, up to 72 hours in advance. Note: currently not available for flight into the US.

Happy travels!

18/11/2022

What is your travel style?

As wonderful as travel is, everybody does it differently.

When trying to decide what type of travel is best for you, you need to consider a lot of different things:

• What is the purpose of your trip? Is it relaxation, adventure, to learn about history and cultures?

• What is your personality? Are you outgoing and enjoy meeting new people or are you more introverted and prefer exploring on your own?

• What are your interests? Do you enjoy water sports, art, music, history, culture, hiking, festivals, shopping, nature, wildlife photography?

• How do you like to spend your time? Relaxing or being active?

• What is your budget? Do you need to stretch your dollar or are you able to travel without worrying about expenses?

• How much time to you have? One week, two weeks, unlimited?

Anwers to the above questions will be one step in the right direction in understanding the type of travel that is best suited to you

02/11/2022

Meet me where the sky touches the sea

Where is your favourite place to watch a sunset?

26/10/2022

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you like Fall?

Ok to be honest summer is actually my favourite season but I have to admit there is just something special about this time of year!

Watching the leaves turn🍂

The crisp air

Cozy sweaters (sweater weather!)

Delicious desserts- pumpkin pie🥧, pecan pie, apple crisp, cinnamon everything etc, etc

Cuddling up in front of the fire with a good book 📖

And the list goes on...

Are you a fan of Fall, or would you rather skip it for another season?

25/10/2022

Is it time to renew your passport? Here are a few do’s and don’ts

DON’T wait until it’s expired.

DO try to start the process at least nine months before

DO check your expiry date before booking a trip. Some destinations require passports that are valid for at least six months after your departure date. Some airlines won’t allow you to board if you don’t meet this requirement.

DO keep an eye on processing times. Right now, renewals can take 5+ weeks.

DON’T go to a Service Canada Centre if you require urgent or express services (passport within 1-9 business days). Go to a passport office. You can find which offices have urgent pick-up service along with wait times on the canada.ca site.

DO work with a travel pro like me, so your travels are stress-free. I keep an eye on expiry dates for my clients’ passports BEFORE we book.

06/02/2022

THE MOST EXPENSIVE TRAVEL MISTAKES I SEE PEOPLE MAKE WHILE TRAVELLlNG 👇

Paying excessive fees on their credit cards when travelling! How often do you use your credit card while travelling? Have you ever noticed the fees associated with doing so?

💳 Most Canadian credit cards can charge a foreign transaction fee of up to 3% on top of the exchange rate when you make a purchase in foreign currency. How to fix it? Use a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees.

💳 Using a credit card at an ATM is considered a cash advance. Cash advances usually result in accruing interest immediately and a cash advance fee. If you need to withdraw money at an ATM use your debit card instead of your credit card. Most banks have a conversion fee when you use an international ATM however that fee is still better than being charged for a cash advance.

💳 Avoid dynamic currency conversion. When you make a purchase or withdrawal abroad you may be given the option of being charged in the local currency or your home currency. Always choose local. The merchant will probably use a much higher conversion rate than your local credit card company/bank.

I have more travel tips coming your way next week. Hit the like button and stay tuned for more.

09/12/2021

07/12/2021

Did you know Club Med just opened their first property in Canada just outside Quebec City in Charlevoix?

Last Friday, the new Club Med Quebec Charlevoix, Canada's very first all-inclusive mountain resort , opened it's doors. Located 90 minutes away from Quebec City and spread across more than 300 acres, the family-friendly resort will feature locally inspired culinary experiences and sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River.

With breathtaking views of the St Lawrence River, this new resort offers a wide array of activities for families, couples, and friends all year-round. Booking into the resort includes ski classes of all levels, tailored après ski activities, snowshoe and Nordic walking, ice-skating, indoor pool access, yoga, meditation, dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and ice-canoeing

For those looking to indulge in some R&R the resort has an expansive wellness area, featuring a 25-yard heated pool with river views and a Nordic-inspired spa.

Culinary offerings include three restaurants offering seasonal menus curated with local products and inspired by classic Canadian and French cuisines. With an emphasis on farm-to-table dining, almost 80 percent of the ingredients will be from Canada.

Want to know more? Leave a comment below and I’ll send you details.

06/07/2021

Effective today, fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific conditions may qualify for certain exemptions

05/07/2021

As I was responding to emails and direct messages last week it hit me that so many parents planning family trips really struggle trying to find the right all-inclusive resort in a sea of choices for their family when they first come to me. If you’re in the same boat, start by making a list of your top travel priorities and non-negotiables. Here are a few things to consider when you are thinking about all-inclusive resorts with kids:

🔹️Activities for kids – While relaxing on the beach is fun, chances are that if you are travelling with kids, you will also want a variety of daily activities to choose from. All inclusive offer plenty of activities, like water parks, dance classes, and much more. Check to see what on-site classes and activities the resort offers.
🔹️Kid-friendly food – All kids have different taste when it comes to food. Be sure there are lots of kid-friendly options available at the resort you choose.
🔹️Determine the resort size best for you and your family- Large resort properties may offer more amenities and/or more restaurants while smaller resorts may be much easier and quicker to get around.  Consider which may be the best option given your child(ren)s age(s)
🔹️Child Care Services- Want a little me-time or couple-time during your family vacation? Check to see if the resort offer on-site kids club or baby sitting services.  Just remember not all kids clubs are the same here are a few things you may want to research when a resort indicates they have a "kids club": how old kids have to be to join? What the ratio of counselors/supervisors-to-kids is? Hours of operation? How safe and age appropriate the activities are? Security measures in place?

Someone else’s perfect family vacation may not be perfect for you and your family. Every family is so different when it comes to travel preferences. Some just want to relax on a beach or by the pool, while others would go crazy with too much downtime. Some want adventure while others prefer to explore the culture of a location. Understanding your family's travel style will help match you with the perfect all-inclusive option.

What's important to you when booking an all-inclusive for your family?

17/06/2021

Tell me you love your job without telling me you love your job.

I’ll go first! Yesterday I sat on hold for over 90 minutes with American Airlines to sort out some last minute items for a client that flew out to Mexico this morning. Being a travel advisor isn’t always glam, but these less than glamorous days make it all worth it because I get to see the world and help my clients do it too. 

Okay, your turn. Drop a less than fun work task in the comments and I’ll guess what you do!

15/06/2021

*COME FLY WITH ME*
✈✈✈✈✈
What would you ask a flight attendant if you had the chance?
A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to virtually sit down with Yvonne Westover () who has been a flight attendant with Air Canada for the last 26 years. At that time, I posted in my stories asking you what you would like to ask a flight attendant and here are some of her responses to your questions:
 
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕨𝕙𝕪?
“Narita, Japan. The culture is unlike anything in Europe. The people are kind, respectful and extremely helpful. The fire ceremony at the Naritasan Shinshoji temple is awe inspiring and the surrounding gardens and ponds are perfectly serene.”

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕝𝕪?
“1. Vienna because the passengers are like my relatives ( my family is from Czech)
2. Barbados because flying over the turquoise ocean and little islands is a beautiful sight.”

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕥𝕚𝕡𝕤?
“Pack less then you think you’ll need ... you’ll be fine!

Leave room in your itinerary for the spontaneous to happen or to double back to a new found favourite place.

When out and about don’t be shy about asking the locals for their favourite spots... restaurants, shops, sights to see. They will reveal the gems of your destination.

Strike up a conversation with your flight attendants. We’re always happy to tell you about a destination or talk you through your fear of flying.

𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕝𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕕𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘-𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕝 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤?

“Yes we do. Every airline has contractual rules about this depending on the length of flights they operate. Where we sleep is specific to the type of aircraft. The Boeing 777 & 787 have upper deck drew bunks. Other aircraft will have reserved crew suites for us to take our breaks, eat and rest in.”
 
Thanks so much to Yvonne for taking the time to answer the above questions. Besides being a Flight Attendant she is also a Certified Zentangle Teacher you can checkout her work on her Instagram page . 

Do you have any questions for her that were not answered above?

09/06/2021

*To the infinity pool and beyond *

To help you get inspired for your future tropical getaway, here are some infinity pools that will have you dreaming of paradise.:

1️⃣ Relax by a three-tier pool overlooking the rocky coast...
If you’re planning an ultra-luxurious vacation, look no further than Grand Velas Los Cabos. Spend endless days soaking up the sun by the resort’s three-tier infinity pool overlooking the rocky coastline of Los Cabos. The tier closest to the ocean is adults only and all three tiers offer lavish poolside concierge service. After a day spent soaking up the sun, indulge in a gourmet dining experience at restaurants helmed by Michelin Star chefs.

2️⃣ Watch the sunset over Banderas Bay...
Sunset swim, anyone? The rooftop infinity pool for Preferred Club guests at Secrets Bahia Mita Surf and Spa Resort has the best vantage point for watching the sun sink beneath the majestic coast of Riviera Nayarit. The rooftop is just one of the adults only resort’s two infinity pools, with a second infinity pool overlooking the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay that’s perfect for soaking up the sun.

3️⃣ Just steps from a famous beach...
If you can’t decide between the beach or the pool, Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana offers the best of both worlds. The luxury resort’s sprawling infinity pool is surrounded by lush palms and overlooks the famous shores of Macao Beach, one of Punta Cana’s most popular surfing spots. You can stay cool in the pool while listening to the waves crash against the shore and watching surfers hang ten along the coast.

4️⃣ Enjoy ultimate romance in a secluded cove...
The breathtaking infinity pool at Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia sets the scene for romance. The pool overlooks the resort’s secluded and picturesque cove, where you can grab your favourite cocktail from the Hideaway swim-up bar and spend some quality time with your special someone. In the evenings, head to the exclusive Dorado restaurant for an elevated dining experience overlooking the infinity pool.

02/06/2021

What does a stress-free vacation look like? Swipe 👈 to find out.
@ Brampton, Ontario

28/05/2021

🚗
When it comes to planning a road trip only 3 things REALLY matter: Where you’re going, who you’re with and what you’re listening to while you cruise the open road - am I right or am I right? On my perfect road trip I’m cruising down the Amalfi Coast with my bestie listening to some Ja Rule and Ashanti. How about you? What’s your perfect road trip?

26/05/2021

The nice thing about considering the Greek Islands for your next trip is that you have several islands to choose from. If you can only make it to one island, Santorini is a great choice. It’s loaded with things to do like boat tours ⛵, hikes and wine tours🍷, and the hotels are amazing. Who can beat those views? If you want lots to explore, as the largest island Crete is a great choice, and if you’re looking for nightlife Mykonos is a must. Of course, this is only the beginning, there are thousands of islands and all of them are unique. It all comes down to the type of getaway you want. Which Greek Islands🇬🇷 are on your radar?

25/05/2021

It’s National Wine Day and tonight after I’m finished working on research for a 2022 honeymoon trip you’ll find my kicking my feet up sipping a glass of Tom Gore Cab Sauv.

Are you celebrating 🍷? What will you be sipping on?

21/05/2021

Is it just me or is Victoria Day Weekend kind of the unofficial start to summer? ☀️

Over here I will be spending the weekend pulling out the patio furniture, trying to figure out how to use the BBQ (lol if you have any tips for a first timer on a BBQ please share!), and possibly partaking in some slip and slide fun with my niece.

How are you spending your weekend?

26/04/2021

Yes, you can absolutely book your dream European trip yourself, but should you? Here are 5 questions I recommend asking yourself BEFORE you start planning or booking anything:

1️⃣-Do I have vetted information from a trusted source that the hotel or resort I’m booking is what it says it is?

2️⃣-Do I have confirmation of what amenities and resources are available at my resort or hotel post COVID?

3️⃣-Have I looked at the fine print to make sure the tour or travel package I’m booking has no blackout dates and that I understand the cancellation/change fee policies?

4️⃣-Do I have a backup plan or someone I can call for advice should anything go wrong while I travel?

5️⃣-Do I know I’m truly getting the best prices and the best amenities and perks for my investment?

If the answer is yes to all of the above, then go ahead and book! If you're unsure, let’s chat.

30/03/2021

It’s National Virtual Vacation Day, and it’s never been more relevant than right now as we all try to cope with our wanderlust through this pandemic.
🌞
You can relax and rejuvenate no matter where you are today, but if you could be kicking back somewhere for real (and not virtually) where would you be?
🌞
I would be sitting poolside at UNICO 20º87º sipping on one of their signature cocktails. Share with me where you be in the comments.

11/03/2021

Are you the one on the right or left?

I am definitely the one on the left. I overpack, I just cant help it! The thought of not having options or everything I could possibly need stresses me out. What if I change my mind and I don’t want to wear that outfit I packed for Thursday?  What if I am not in the mood to read the one book I brought? What if I get stranded another day?  What if I only bring one pair of heels and they end up hurting my feet and we decide to go dancing two nights in a row? I literally have hundreds of questions, like these, running through my head every time I pack. I will come up with all these “what if” scenarios and that will result in packing all these extra things….you know, “just in case”.

Not to mention I am also a last minute packer so that probably doesn’t help either.😊

What about you?
Team or team ?

Drawing by

08/03/2021

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, it is a day to recognize and remember how powerful us women truly are. It’s an opportunity to pause, recognize, and applaud the inspiring work that our female colleagues, friends, and family members do every single day.  It’s a time to connect and reflect on who we are as individuals and to celebrate with our community of women all around the globe and a reminder to continue to actively uplift, motivate and support one another.

🤍Happy International Women’s Day🤍

04/03/2021

Did someone say breakfast with a view? Which of these views would you choose: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6?
Photo credit:




explore

02/03/2021

Praiano is a must-see if you’re ever on the Amalfi Coast. This cozy town is perched in between Amalfi and Positano and a short drive from Ravello, so you can see all of the sights along this  beautiful stretch of coastline, but do it a little more removed from the hustle and bustle. Saunter down the secluded coves, enjoy a glass of prosecco at a beachside bar in Viaro and Fioriere and take in the serene views of the Med