Travel by Heather Cowichan Valley

21/06/2024

Interested in learning more about G Adventures, my very favorite small group tour company? Please join my co-worker, Amanda, and our local G Adventures Rep, Jenna, for a closer look at all G Adventures has to offer. Tuesday, June 25 from 4 - 6😊 Please register using the link below:

https://gadventures.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvc-mrrjMoH9YBuKnzsHzFQV-K8K3uxFL9?_x_zm_rtaid=TIVnhzsESn-o_fRR--e2UQ.1718686384486.f763d1b088564e67aa687f90554baa85&_x_zm_rhtaid=530 #/registration

08/06/2024

Are you looking for a good value for your travel dollars?

Check out this long stay program in the Algarve, Portugal!

October 31st - November 25th
Departures from Vancouver $3449 CAD per person including taxes
Departures from Toronto $3349 CAD per person including taxes
or
October 30th- November 23rd
Departures from Calgary $3449 CAD per person including taxes

This includes:
*International Flights
*Airport taxes (approximately $800)
*2 to 3 nights in Lisbon at a 4 star hotel including breakfast (pre and post stay to the Algarve)
*Half Day city tour of Lisbon
*21 nights at the Villa Petra in the Algarve in a studio kitchenette
*A local representative to assist with booking tours and activities

Let's connect - [email protected]

BC REG 65932

02/03/2024

Enter today (it’s easy, we promise)

23/02/2024

I love G Adventures Animal Welfare Policy❤️

18/02/2024

Please don’t accept any friend requests from me, it is not me😞

07/02/2024

"Highlights of Morocco Tour" October 2024. I would love for you to join me on this ladies only 11 day small group tour. We will be travelling to many of the highlights of this fascinating country, including a 2 night stay in a Deluxe Desert Camp and a camel ride to watch the sunset. Here is the link for all the details:

https://www.amandarauh.thetravelagentnextdoor.com/heathers-moroccan-adventure

If you have any questions or would like to book you can email me at [email protected] or 250-710-5576.

06/02/2024

Morocco on your mind? I am just working on the final details of a fabulous ladies only small group tour "Highlights of Morocco", 11 nights beginning October 3, 2024. Included in the tour will be: hot air balloon ride, camel ride to watch the sunset on the Sahara Desert (also accommodation at a Deluxe Desert Camp), cooking class, traditional Hammam and much more. The cost will be approx. $4,800 CDN (land only). I would love to have you join me, travelling with a group of ladies is so much fun and Morocco is very intriguing. If you are interested in more info when I have it finalized (in the next couple of days), please let me know and I will send you the link with all the details.

29/01/2024

Beautiful Costa Rica❤️ If you love monkeys, sloths, colourful birds, amazing beaches, friendly people, awesome scenery, then think about a trip to Costa Rica. I just returned from another fabulous G Adventure with 16 ladies from Valleyview Health and Fitness (including our awesome Yoga/Pilates Instructor). Our guide Ingrid helped us to experience so many great adventures: kayaking in the mangroves, canyoning, night walk in the cloud forest, ziplining, easy river rafting, soaking in the hot springs, horseback riding, walks on the hanging bridges in the cloud forest, tour and lunch at a coffee plantation, guided hike in two national parks, sunset sailboat cruise with dinner. We fit all this in 9 days, with a few of us staying a few extra days for some beach time. Our tour was one of G Adventures top sellers (link below), but they offer many other tours in Costa Rica. If you would like to know more about G Adventures or travelling to Costa Rica I would love to chat with you.

[email protected]
250-710-5576

https://www.gadventures.com/trips/costa-rica-quest/CRQ/

06/12/2023

"Travelling alone doesn't always mean you're alone. Most often you meet marvellous people along the way and make connections that last a lifetime". Although I was with one of my besties last January on our G Adventure Tour to Southeast Asia, there were several solo travellers with us who we became fast friends with and shared some great memories. Not having a travel-mate shouldn't stop you from experiencing new adventures, here's some great reasons why:

See how small group travel is the way to go for (slightly) seasoned travellers

01/12/2023

My very favourite small group tour company has extended their Cyber Sale!! A perfect time to experience a G Adventure Tour at a big savings and a great Christmas present to yourself!!

Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia on your bucket list? I highly recommend "Classic Cambodia and Thai Islands - West Coast". I did this tour last January and my friend is on the same tour now as a solo traveller, I have no doubt she will love it as much as we did.

My next G Adventure is "Costa Rica Quest" in January 2024, a country I have always wanted to visit. I'll be travelling as a private group with 15 other ladies, looking forward to another adventure with G.

If you would like to know more about G Adventures I would love to tell you about them. Call me at 250-710-5576 or email [email protected]

12/09/2023

We arrived in Dublin to streets mobbed with orange and green jerseys, pubs overflowing and amazing live Irish music in pubs and on the streets, Ireland vs Holland football match in the evening.

Yesterday we drove the width of Ireland from the east coast to the west and then on a beautiful coastal road with stops at several quaint villages to the Cliffs of Moher.

11/09/2023

Just when we thought our trip to Scotland couldn’t get any better, we arrived in Dublin!! Wow, what a night😊

09/09/2023

And that’s a wrap!! Long day yesterday, 29.5 km, sore feet, legs and new blisters, but very scenic and beautiful. Thankful to be sitting on the train now for the 4 hour trip to Glasgow, enjoying every moment of not walking😊

08/09/2023

Good Morning from the beautiful highlands of Scotland, our last hike today, 24 km to Fort William, with the temperature expected to be 28 degrees. A long climb from Kinlochlevan where we stayed last night, then through valleys and moors until we descend into Fort William. Although hiking in the heat is tough, we are thankful for the blue sunny skies, and are trying hard not to complain. Tomorrow morning we take the train back to Glasgow then fly to Dublin for a few days. I will be sad to end this amazing hike, we have met so many people on the trail, shared lots of stories, had great laughs and seen such beautiful scenery. Sadly we have not seen Jamie yet, but maybe he is waiting for us in Ireland❤️

07/09/2023

Today is Day 7 of the West Highland Way with only 2 days of hiking left. We are now at the 116 km mark and today hike “The Devil’s Staircase” which will take us to the highest point on the trail. Yesterday some of our friends stopped for a rest and were attacked by midges and ticks, thankful we avoided that spot.

There are two Nurse Practioners hiking the trail with backpacks full of first aid supplies, giving care to anyone in need. They are raising money for an Epilepsy Charity. We have met several groups walking to raise money for charities.

Fun Fact: Scotland gives everyone the right of access over land and inland water, as long as you behave responsibly. The “Right to Roam Act” allows you to walk freely through any land in Scotland.

05/09/2023

We are now over halfway and have an easy day today to Bridge of Orchy, the start of the highlands. No blisters or feet issues yet, only a broken pole, broken glasses and cracked glass on my iPhone😊

04/09/2023

West Highland Way Day 3 was another beautiful day, sunny and hot but long and tiring, 25 km and 8 hours. I have been wearing my only t-shirt and shorts every day as most of my clothes are warm long sleeve tops, pants, gloves, toque and rain gear. Thankfully the owner of our guesthouse is doing laundry for us. There are many hikers on the trail from all over the world, quite a few are camping (thankfully we are not), and most we have chatted with ask about the fires in BC. Today is another long one but not as difficult.

02/09/2023

Day 2 West Highland Way, 25 km and another beautiful hot sunny day, we even swam twice in Loch Lomond. Today was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever been on. A few blisters, sore feet and toe issues but for the most part we are all feeling good tonight, tomorrow is another long day, we continue walking along the shores of Loch Lomond to the end of the loch, soon we will be in the highlands.

01/09/2023

Day 1 West Highland Way 22.6 km, sunny skies, warm weather and beautiful scenery. Started at 9 this morning and arrived at our accommodation 4 pm but had lots of fun stops along the way. Tomorrow will be a longer day with more elevation gain as we climb Conic Hill then down to the shores of Loch Lomond.

31/08/2023

Sadly this was our last day in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, capital of Scotland. We are on the train now heading to Glasgow and are very excited to meet up with our 12 friends from home to spend the next 8 days hiking The West Highland Way. Although Scotland is notorious for being the wettest country in Europe, the sun has been shining for us with only a couple of light rain showers. We have climbed Arthur’s Seat, visited Alnwick Castle (many scenes from Downton Abbey and Harry Potter were filmed there), did a 4 hour city bike tour, a Witches Tour, walked the Royal Mile, toured the Royal Yacht Britannia and spent some time at the Scottish National Museum. The highlight for me is the Edinburgh Tattoo when hundreds of bagpipers march into the castle, we were there on the last night with the amazing firework display. Sadly, although we have been looking, we have yet to spot Jamie Fraser, but am sure we will see him up in the highlands🙏🏻

Did you know the national animal of Scotland is the unicorn? Our tour guide assured us that after a night of drinking whiskey you see unicorns everywhere🤪

31/08/2023

Beautiful, remote Islay “The Whiskey Island”, famous for its smokey peat flavoured whiskey. There are 9 whiskey distilleries on this small island. We did some whiskey tasting hoping to acquire a taste for Scotland’s national drink, but sadly it didn’t happen!!

24/08/2023

Hello Scotland❤️
Flights on time, luggage arrived, jet lag is over and the sun is shining😎 Oh and lots of yummy chocolate!

My friend Joanne and I are staying with my cousin for a week on Scotland’s west coast, and are looking forward to meeting our 12 girlfriends from the Cowichan Valley next week to hike the West Highland Way for 8 days, then a quick 3 day visit to Dublin on the way home.

We are on a great adventure right now, and have just driven across the Mull of Kintyre and are on our 3rd ferry as we head to “Islay” the famous whiskey island for a couple of days.

I spent much of my childhood and teen years here in Scotland as both my mom and dad were raised here and my mom was always homesick for “home”, I have so many wonderful memories. Yesterday my cousin and I spent a couple of hours at the cemetery visiting all our dead relatives. It would be a great thing to visit with them now and ask all the questions about their lives that I wasn’t interested in knowing when they were alive, but would sure like to know.😞

04/08/2023

Travelling to Europe in 2024? There are new requirements for travelling to several European countries beginning next year, check out the link below.

250.710.5576
[email protected]

CPBC 65932

Official EU website on ETIAS, the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. Applications should be filled in this website from 2024.

30/07/2023

Interested in a N**e Cruise? Norwegian Cruiseline has an 11-Day "2025 Big N**e Boat" Caribbean cruise departing Miami February 3, 2025, a cruise for people who prefer not to wear clothes.

There are some rules though:

- when the ship in docked all passengers must be dressed, including those with balconies

- the self-serve buffet is "clothes-free" but you must be dressed to eat in the dining room (no bathrobes allowed)

- if you are bare-bottomed you must sit on a towel at all times (towel provided daily to your stateroom)

- no photos or videos without permission

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Bring lots and lots of sunscreen!!

I hope it was okay to borrow this from the Times-Colonist (I did re-word it). I love how some cruise lines offer "themed" cruises, i.e. Western, Quilting, Rock 'n Roll, Scrapbooking, Religious, etc., something for everyone (well, almost everyone).

If you are interested in booking a stateroom or two on the "2025 Big N**e Boat", I would love to get you booked!! Maybe if there is enough interest we could book a group!!

Contact Info: 250.710.5576
[email protected]

CPBC 65932

09/05/2023

Love this!! YYJ has a special washroom just for doggies!!

03/05/2023

Is Morocco on your mind? My colleagues are hosting a women's only tour to Morocco in May of 2024. This is the perfect trip for women to explore the mysteries of Morocco, you will indulge your senses with delicious food, amazing sights, and unforgettable experiences.

This custom itinerary is packed with exotic adventures, including shopping at local souks, sunset camel rides, and even a Moroccan cooking class!

Click on the link below to see the itinerary and pricing. This is the perfect trip for women to explore the mysteries of Morocco.

If you are interested in more info or have questions, please reach out to me:

[email protected]
250.710.5576
CPBC 65932

Ladies only hosted tour with Amanda Rauh

20/02/2023

If you have a future trip in the works and thinking you would like to try just carry-on, I purchased this Patagonia Backpack for my recent trip to Southeast Asia and loved it! Opening like a suitcase, it has lots of compartments to organize your stuff, held everything I needed for over 2 weeks, and was comfortable to have on my back. It meets most carry-on requirements and fits easily in the overhead compartments, I really liked not having to wait at the luggage carousel and to not drag a suitcase around. I purchased mine at the Robinsons Outdoor Store in Victoria. Oh, one more thing, I wouldn't recommend it as a hiking backpack, but was a great alternative to luggage.

Our Patagonia® Black Hole® MLC® soft-sided suitcase meets carry-on requirements. Use it as backpack, shoulder bag, or duffel. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

10/02/2023

Sadly we have just changed from shorts to winter clothes and are impatiently waiting at the Hong Kong Airport for our 1:00 am flight to Vancouver. This massive airport has 530 gates with flights to anywhere in the world you’d like to go!!

This trip has for sure has been the best adventure ever, both Cathy and I agree we wouldn’t have changed a single thing and are already planning our next G Adventure, next time it will be northern Thailand, Laos and North Vietnam.

So many things I loved about this great adventure:

- my travel companion, Cathy, of course
- the new friends we now have from both Europe and Canada
- our CEO’s (Chief Experience Officers), Son and Ronnie-Boy, who went over and above to make any request the group had become a reality
- the itinerary was amazing with just enough free time and busy time
- a worry-free adventure where every detail was looked after, even the tipping for our group activities
- meeting the people of these amazing countries and learning about the tragic history of Cambodia and so much more about the Vietnam War I didn’t know

I asked Ronnie-Boy what he liked best about working for G Adventures and he told me that he liked how much they take care of their staff and they care about the people and communities they visit by supporting local initiatives and using local accommodations and guides, they want travel to be good for the community.

If you are interested in knowing more about G Adventures and the many tours they have to offer I would love to chat with you and share my recent experiences😊

09/02/2023

Yesterday we took our last ferry ride to Ao Nang, this is the last stop on our Southeast Asia Adventure, tomorrow we fly to Bangkok for the start of our trip home. Always something out of the ordinary in this part of the world, on our ferry ride yesterday we pulled up beside another ferry sitting out in the bay and passengers heading to Phuket jumped onboard with their luggage. Today we did a four island speedboat trip and visited the Phi Phi Islands (pronounced Pe**ee) with some great snorkelling, so very beautiful but so many tourists, this area is definitely a hotspot for tourists.

Tonight we had our farewell dinner at a Thai Restaurant, some of our group are heading home and some are starting another G Adventure Tour. Although our farewell is somewhat bittersweet, both Cathy and I agree we are ready for home after 16 days. The nail polish on my toenails is chipping off and a couple of new chin whiskers have popped up, so am in need of my magnifying mirror and tweezers which are at home😜