Micheline at Adventure Away Travel Co.

23/02/2025

What a week!

Flight cancellations, the incident at YYZ, non stop weather, AND the release for DCL 226 summer itineraries PLUS the release of Royal Caribbeans newest ship for booking!

Wowzer.

I don't think I've had a day off in almost 2 weeks!

So today (Sunday) I am taking it easy with my family. Monday I will be back at my desk getting caught up on all the non urgent requests and emails.

So... where are you thinking of going for your next trip? A warm beach is calling my name!

21/02/2025

This is the week of cruises!!

This week I have booked a multigenerational family group on Disneys Magic headed to Alaska!

Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas doing an 8 night Southern Caribbean cruise

Royal Carribbeans Star of the Seas for a Western Caribbean itinerary

Disneys Dream doing a 7 night Mediterranean with Greek Isles

Find out why so many families are falling in love with cruising. Your no obligation quote: [email protected]

17/02/2025

Today Disney Cruise Lines 2026 summer itineraries released to the general public, and no matter how long I've been doing this, I am still surprised at how crazy the demand is!

I spent 58minutes in the online queue just to get into pricing (to prevent the system from crashing the website even has a queue on days like today), then was FRANTICALLY searching for 4 cabins near eachother. I only had 2 options left on the whole ship. Secured those cabins (phew) but it was a great reminder to me how very hard it is to get connecting cabins if you are slow to book.

I've been booked on a January 2026 cruise since early 2024!

Cruising is currently THE most popular form of travel, ships go out full all day every day, and if you need multiple rooms beside each other, you better book early.

(Or have an amazing agent who understands every category and how to use that to check and compare.)

Yesterday I spent 6 hours to find just 2 rooms across from each other on a Royal Caribbean booking! And this is after their phone agent told me there were no 2 rooms even close to each other available. Not true, but a room that holds 4 won't show available for 3, some cabins only sleep 2, and each category has its own floors it is on. Oh, and they are getting OBC (onboard credit)

You may not even realize a travel agents value, but I promise, the right one is there to help you make the most magical vacation!

And we are a no fee service!

16/02/2025

Still love Disney, but maybe reconsidering where you go this year?

Lets chat European Cruises in 2025! The absolute best memories made are out exploring new cities, historical sites, amazing beaches, jaw dropping food, and so much more!

[email protected]

12/02/2025

Gravy hot tub you say?

Tell me more....

10/02/2025

Looking for something different this year for your next vacation? What about a European cruise!

Ask me about my own Mediterranean cruise taken on Disney Cruise Line a few years ago, and why it is one of my favourite vacations of all time!

1. Disney Cruise Line7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Livorno (Florence, Pisa), Italy. Genoa (Milan), Italy. Toulon (Provence), France

2. Disney Cruise Line 7-Night British Isles Cruise from Southampton

Liverpool, England. Greenock (Glasgow & Edinburgh), Scotland. Cobh (Cork), Ireland. Portland (Stonehenge), England

3. Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Norwegian Fjords Cruise from Southampton

Olden, Norway. Alesund, Norway. Stavanger, Norway

4. Royal Caribbean: Allure Of The Seas

Barcelona, Spain. Palma De Mallorca, Spain. Florence /pisa (La Spezia), Italy. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Naples, Italy.

5. Royal Caribbean: Independence Of The Seas

Southampton, England. Vigo, Spain. Lisbon, Portugal. Seville (Cadiz), Spain. La Coruna, Spain. Bilbao, Spain.

08/02/2025

I'm sure we all have our own essentials we must have in the parks.
But as someone who does the parks a LOT, and who is past the stroller stage with the kids (so no place to store things), I am all about packing light. I do not want to lug around a backpack all day in the heat, and I don't want to be carrying items.

So I thought I would share what I personally bring with me when doing park days. And it isn't much, and everything (but the water bottle) fits in my f***y pack.

I have learned over the years as a passholder that almost everything else I need, will be available if I need it. My kid has had a few scrapes in his day, but first aid always comes through with bandaids if needed.

I'm usually staying onsite, so I charge to my magicband, or I have payment methods, gift cards, etc, on my phone. It has happened a few times that machines have gone down in the parks, so I do carry some cash (usually $20 - $50). And yes, as an international guest, I have still been asked for ID, and sometimes (not often, but occasionally) they have advised they can not accept my drivers license alone, so I have a pic of my passport on my phone, and with the ID I have, they will accept that.

Oh and I can not recommend enough getting one of the crossbody water bottle holders. I hate carrying a heavy water bottle all day, and this keeps it handy for constant hydration. Free iced water is available at all quick service spots, and there are water refill stations in the parks as well.

07/02/2025

Worried about the exchange rate for your next vacation? Lets talk about the reasons you should consider a Royal Caribbean International cruise for your next vacation!

🌟You can book in CAD!
This means that once you put down your deposit and secure your booking, your price is locked in. Even if our dollar drops, you won't be paying more for your trip. (unlike if you book a vacation at one of the theme parks, where it is in USD, and if the dollar goes down, that $3000usd trip could cost you more by the time payment comes due).
🌟We monitor for offers, and if one comes out your cruse is eligible for, we can apply the promo to your sailing* and potentially save you even more money, or possibly take advantage of onboard credit offers.
🌟It is basically an all inclusive vacation, with endless food and dining options, so many onboard entertainment options, a chance for kids to attend Kids Clubs (that means parents can enjoy some adult time while the kids are having a blast and not missing you at all!)
🌟Ports take you to many different countries, often taking advantage of Royals private islands, and gives you a chance to see new places, pick your excursions, or just enjoy a beach day. We have seen and done some amazing things on our port days!
🌟Depending on the ship, you could be spending your sea days on a zip line, waterslides, the spa, mini golf, the cafes, the bars, watching comedy shows, and so much more. You will never be bored - unless you want to be! This makes it perfect for multi generational trips, groups, or just for your family.

I remember I always thought I would never be a cruise fan until I took my first one. Now I am hooked!

Lets chat about how we can make your next vacation one that makes everyone happy!

[email protected]

*Booking a GTY category does change the ability to modify, but we can discuss pros and cons of that when you reach out!

02/02/2025

I still have people surprised to find out Adventure Away Travel books ALL kinds of travel!

I know you all think of me as the theme parks and cruise gal, but I have built an amazing team of agents, each with their own speciality, and we handle it all. From European River cruises, to Canadian rail trips, and everything in between, we have you covered.

Just recently, one of our agents had put together a stay for a rather large conference group at Secrets The Vine in Cancun, and she was onsite for it all to assist. We have had more than a few cruise groups go out lately as well, and these multingenerational vacations are always a hit!

So whatever you need, we are here to assist and make it as easy as possible for you. Check out our website to learn even more.

Your concierge full service agency. Specializing in family destinations, theme parks, Disney destinations, Universal, cruises, and All Inclusives. Our team is here to provide you the expert advice and hands on experience, so you can sit back and enjoy every magical moment.

02/02/2025

I was putting together some packages and options for a Canadian Summer trip, and I was asked if I have ever been to the Bay of Fundy. 🇨🇦

Ahhhh yes. The Bay of Fundy. Now forever part of our family lore...

I will never forget when my oldest son saw a crab in the mud. He stopped to look at it, (see pics), but what no one tells you is that mud is THICK! And if you stay still, it sucks you right in. He learned this as he tried to walk away, but his shoe remained in the mud, suctioned right off his foot. As he bent down to try and pull it out, (which he did successfully pull free), his other foot got stuck. This shoe was in deep, we couldn't even see it as the ocean claimed its treasure. As we pulled and heaved and dug with our hands to find it, now both of his feet had become held in the muddy grasp of the bays floor, like soppy concrete.

With no ability to balance himself when he tried to pull his shoe and step back, instead, he just flailed his arms wildly as he fell, arse and back straight down, right into the mud. Feet still stuck. Knees bent. Covered head to toe.

We had to yank and pull as a family to get him out 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

As we walked back up top, Kieran looking like some sort of swamp monster from a 1950s horror flick, we came across a teacher laying down the rules to his bus full of teenage students. All turned to stared, the silence only broken when the teacher yelled "and if ANYONE comes back looking like THAT, you aren't getting on this bus!!!"

🤣🤣

TLDR: Let's get you all sorted on a Canadian trip this summer. Ask me about some of my favorite Canadian road trips!

01/02/2025

🇨🇦CANADIANS - DRIVING TO DISNEY🇨🇦

I make this drive a half dozen times a year from the Toronto area (an hour and a half NE), and am doing it as we speak, so I thought I would share how my typical days are broken up and some tips you may find useful!

We cross at the Windsor border because we find the 75 so much easier and faster than crossing at Niagara, with so many stop options and hotels along the way. Also, I am a sp*ed demon (I hit cruise control at 80mph to avoid my lead foot and that feels slow to me lol) so I like the wider highways.

We typically leave early enough that we cross all of the GTA before rush hour, and that means we are hitting the border around 9am, our little dude has just woken up and slept a good portion of the drive already, and has his timbits to get him through.

Now you have crossed the border - some good things to know!

✨️Want to pay at the pump? They may ask for a ZIP code. Some older machines will. What to do? The trick is use the 3 numbers in your Postal Code and then 00. Example: PC L1M 1A2 use 11200 as ZIP. Now it will allow you to pay at pump!

✨️ Stop at Bucees and try that Kentucky gingerale - we have never found one half as good, and look crazy walking out of there with 20 bottles 😂 Truthfully, a good portion of our route decision making is based ENTIRELY around stopping for Ale-8-One. 😶

✨️ Bucees always is the best place to stop for gas, bathrooms, and snacks. Bright, clean, so many pumps. And once you hit that Kentucky one, I swear you can time it about right that as soon as you need gas, another is on the horizon! (At least we can - 2023 Toyota Tacoma)

✨️ Hotel brand we tend to always stay in on the trip is IHG. We find them very clean, free breakfast, and a good rewards program towards free nights. They are affordable, simple, and all you need for a rest night. You can find cheaper but very clean is important to me. I am that person who inspects rooms 🤦‍♀️. Average cost about $130ish a night.

✨️ We drive about 12 hours day one which gets us just past Knoxville TN. Day two takes us about 10 hours to the door of our Disney or Universal resort. In this trips case, we are swinging over to St Pete's first, and that is about 10 hours as well.
That is with stops for gas, food, and p*e breaks for the dog! (Yep we travel with our pup)

Any Other questions? Feel free to ask!! Canadians who need help planning, [email protected]

30/01/2025

What day are we on now of this never ending January? Because it feels like January 92nd. lol.

If you need an ESCAPE and HEAT, BEACHES and RELAXATION - check out this deal I just quoted someone!

Royal Caribbean - Harmony of the Seas, February 23rd, 7 Night Western Caribbean cruise. Oceanview Balcony GTY. 2 Adults. 2 Kids (8,10). Promos applied: Rate : BOGO guest at 60% off, Onboard credit of $125, Free Kids (cruise fare, taxes and port fees still applicable). Out of Galveston Texas.

Ports include: Roatan, Honduras
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico

$4841.00 CAD!! CANADIAN! Yep you saw that right.

Offers like this have me googling flight costs to TX right now. ;) You know, google maps says it is only 2 hours longer than driving to Orlando. Hmmmm.... tempting...

As always, prices subject to change and availability. For full details, reach out.

It’s time to reset adventure to a whole new level. Because Oasis Class flavors, thrills, and bears go full-throttle on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail...

30/01/2025

Get me out of Winter!!

Air Canada Vacations has some offers on now you have to check out, with vacation packages starting at $999*. Email [email protected] and let's get the planning started!
🇨🇦🇨🇦

*The Starting at Prices are based on flights from Toronto and Montreal. Vacation packages are based on 7-night stays, ptice is per person based on double occupancy, and Flight & Hotel packages are based on 3-night stays.

30/01/2025

New Donkey Kong Country details plus the top things you can look forward to in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Epic Universe: http://spr.ly/6181xX6hL

29/01/2025

Oooooh someone is in trouble!!
🤣🤣

They don't post for a medical infection unless the person refused to quarantine. So don't be scared if you get sick, that this will happen. Buuuut... if you want to break the rules and play the fool....

Whoever cabin this is is 100% being escorted off by police at the next port. Tsk tsk. Naughty traveller. Lol.

Have you ever been on a cruise where you’ve seen a security guard posted outside a stateroom and wondered what that’s all about? It happened on a recent cruise and everyone was talking about it!

A cruise ship might guard someone's room 24/7 if they are considered a security risk due to potential disruptive behavior, intoxication, a medical situation requiring isolation (like a contagious illness), or if they are involved in an ongoing investigation related to a crime on board, where preserving evidence is crucial!

Interesting eh? Cruise lines do their best to keep everyone healthy and safe!!

29/01/2025

Since I have a lot of Americans on my feed, may I take a moment to tell you how beautiful Canada is to visit? And YES I can help with that!

Oh and your dollar goes really far here! $100usd is currently $144.36CAD.

So check out this list of places to visit in Canada in 2025.

And Canadians, maybe with our dollar, we need to start considering more vacations exploring our own backyards too! So let's chat if you want to learn more.

We rank the 15 Best Places to Visit in Canada. See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites.

29/01/2025

Have you checked out the new Cabins at Disneys Fort Wilderness?

This is at Disneys campground, and the grounds are huge, with internal buses needed to get around ... unless you rent a golf cart. Which i highly recommend!

This is such a unique property and has some real pros and cons, and will not be the right fit for every guest. But if you are interested in learning more, reach out!

28/01/2025

Want to save HUNDREDS on your Disney vacation?

Tag someone in this post who is thinking about a Disney trip, and remember, we are a NO FEE NO COST agency that is always here to provide expert advice and tips like this and more!
..
Canadians - this post is for you!!
Pros and Cons of using Disney Gift Cards when booking a trip!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

So this is something we see pop up from time to time. Especially when it comes to Canadians, and the exchange rate, and the benefits the gift cards can provide. But it has some risks too. So lets break it down.
Why use a gift card to pay for your trip?
Pros: Unlike most banks and credit cards, when you use a Disney gift card, there are no foreign transaction fees, no loss on exchange rate, or other hidden charges. Your $50CAD gift card will be worth exactly what the exchange rate says it was worth as of the last closing bell.
Ex: Right now, the CAD to USD is $1CAD gets you 0.696 USD dollars.
RBC however is giving (as this is how banks make profits), only 0.67USD on each $1CAD.

When you add that up, right now if you used RBC to get cash, your $5000CAD would get you $3400USD, as per their own online calculator.
If you use a credit card, they also charge a foreign transaction fee on top of a less than exact exchange rate, which can be 1-3%. Suddenly that $5000CAD may only be giving you $3200USD depending on your CC.

But if you use a gift card, right now, that $5000CAD in gift cards would work out to $3770USD.

Woah, right? Yeah. This is why people do it.
But wait, what is the risk? Well this is the BIG ONE!!!
CONS:
Gift cards are always non refundable and non transferrable. If you have to cancel, your funds will be put back on that gift card. You better be planning another Disney trip, or your kids, and their kids, will be getting ShopDisney Christmas gifts the rest of their life. lol.

Another CON: Amounts on gift cards are not covered by travel insurance. They say you didn't lose anything, it is on a gift card. Also, many credit cards come with a certain level of travel insurance, which if you use a gift card, you won't have access to.

So for some people, this still makes a lot of sense. For others, the risk has to be considered.

Or you split the difference, pay the trip on your CC, and use gift cards for all your dining and spending during your stay. Trust me, that adds up too! Canadian purchased gift cards are used in the park the exact same way they are for everyone else. You can scan it using your applepay or google wallet, or swipe the physical card, their computer tells them what it is worth in USD, and boom, done.

And YES, your travel agent can use gift cards to make payments on your trip. So that is no issue either.

I hope this helped explain a bit about the gift card/no gift card questions we see. Happy planning, and as always, Adventure Away Travel Co. is happy to assist clients across N.America with their planning, at no cost and no additional fee.