Nashville Trip Report - May 14 - 21, 2026

My friend of 40 years and I were trying to plan to vacation somewhere together again after our last visit two years ago in Bermuda.  I wanted to go back there but she was already set in most of her plans for the year.  Then she thought about inviting me to join her while she was housesitting for her niece's dogs in Nashville.  She drove from Ohio with two other lady friends of hers.  

Northern Europe Cruise Trip Report - April 17 - 28, 2026

I booked this cruise on a whim, solo.  I just wanted to get away in April or May and saw this come up in email.  It was already final payment due, so 80 days out.  It's the first time I ever let a cruise company handle my airfare, so I was slightly worried and concerned but once it was done there was no sense fretting about it as there was nothing I could do...it was more the waiting to find out my flights that was bothersome, I struggle with things I have no control of.  I got my air tickets Feb. 5th and the flights were okay AND included luggage/carry-on, yay 😊.  Direct to Paris CDG and there is no direct from Copenhagen to home, so I had to stop in Toronto but that is usual anyway when no direct flight available...

Huatulco Trip Report - November 23 - 30, 2025...err...December 1st 🙄

My friend and I were last here in 2023 and not the best trip ever, for sure.  I found a really good deal (at least in these days of time) so we booked it for roughly $1600 each; one week including direct flights on WestJet (no carry-on included - we paid $100 each for luggage 🙄), TWO hotel rooms and full trip/medical insurance.  When I was talking to the owner (Hector) on WhatsApp about requesting mini-fridges, long story short; he ended up upgrading us to Suites with Kitchenettes so that was nice of him 🙏🏼! 

Japan & Cruise Trip Report - Aug. 24 - Sept. 11, 2025

This was my and my son's annual trip together (I'm 60 & he 35) to one of his dream destinations.  He is deeply intrigued with Japanese culture, anime, gaming and food.  We love our "Ramen" and are lucky as we have excellent authentic Japanese dining establishments here in Vancouver; I think we have tried most of the ramen available, not all, but most here...  I did tons of research of where we were going to eat at each stop on our trip.  Anyway, we were both eager though I found the research utterly exhausting - the trains and maps of each city were overwhelming and stressful to me.  I really spent most of my time looking at food as that's what I like and it was so much fun deciding what to try.  I had a full page listed of food items. When we booked, the Canadian dollar was strong against the yen—sadly, by the time we left, not so much. The Canadian dollar sucks big time ⬇️, even more now with the global economy uncertainties/tariffs... All my prices in this trip will be in Canadian dollars, sad, sad Canadian dollars...😞💰

Caribbean Cruise Trip Report - Feb. 21 - March 2, 2025

It's been 6 years since I was last in the Caribbean (It ended up being my last trip for a long while as covid broke out in 2020).  Anyway, the lady I hung out with on our Italy cruise (I'll call her Ms. Ohio hereon in) and I decided to escape the gloomy winter and get some sunshine.  We booked 51 days before departure date which to me is like last minute, haha.  I was very excited about a NEW ship.  The NCL Viva's maiden voyage was Aug. 2023.  

Mediterranean: Spain/France/Italy/Malta Cruise Trip Report - Oct. 28 - Nov. 8, 2024

Cruise #11 for myself and also my annual trip with my son.  It was cruise #4 for him.  We booked on NCL again (the Escape which is the biggest I've been on, I think?  Mega+ class). Anyway with everything included, air/drinks/wifi/$50 excursion credit/tips, etc. it was $2800 CAD each.  Insurance was another $200 each so $3000 total for a 12 day trip seemed worth it to me.   I booked the flights through Icelandair.  We got to pick our seats and it included luggage.  The air portion of the whole $2800 per person was $970 CAD each which I was happy with.  I was dismayed to find out they had no free booze/food on their international flights though!  That's B.S...

Boston/Bermuda/Maine Cruise Trip Report May 2 - 10, 2024

This trip marks my 10th cruise!  I ended up seeing a NCL seven dayer for a price I found reasonable (really, what's reasonable these days anyway?) and the air was an okay price too, so I booked it on the Norwegian "Gem".  Apparently it's a better ship than the "Star" I previously sailed on and didn't like much.  I booked a "solo" inside room with everything included (boozy drinks/wifi/specialty restaurant/$50 off each tour) including prepaid tips for $2000 CAD.  Air was another $600 but I upgraded for $200 more to include luggage, seat selection, free flight changes...This wasn't a true solo room (one single bed), it was just a small inside.

Honolulu Trip Report - Nov. 5 - 12, 2023

Our last trip to Waikiki was in 2011 so twelve, almost thirteen years, a long time ago!  We splurged this trip, double the price of what we originally thought of booking.  We got good non-stop flights and a nice hotel smack-dab center on Waikiki beach, truly a dream spot to stay.  The flights coincided with check in on arrival and check out on departure.  We booked the Moana Surfrider which opened in 1901 and is nicknamed the "First Lady of Waikiki.".  Below the pic is from their website.  We didn't splurge for ocean-view as the price was already $2600 CAD each which included air/hotel and our transfers to/from airport.  This didn't include full insurance which was another $180 CAD each and our luggage of course, $60 each - $30 per leg.  We chose two double beds, City View room.  The luxury of this trip was the LOCATION.  I believe there is only seven hotels (8 with the Hale Koa  'military only' one) that sit directly on Waikiki beach and this is one of them.

British Isles Cruise Trip Report - Oct. 11 - 23, 2023

I originally had booked 18 days in Buenos Aires.  Excitement soon turned to dread after too much reading about their volatile inflation, 40% of the population living in poverty and crime on tourists, I decided not to go.  I wrestled with the decision after drinking from the "well of fear" for a month before cancelling it all.  Anyway, I got a credit for my airfare which had to be used by July 2024 and a full refund for my VRBO condo... I hope to visit BsAs in the future, depending on their economy...  I started to look for new destinations and one of my bucket list trips I've wanted to do showed up; Great Britain, Scotland & Ireland!  

Puerto Vallarta Trip Report - June 11 - 18, 2023

It's been 10 years since I've wiggled my toes in the sand in Puerto Vallarta.  I was there on a cruise a few years ago but didn't get off the ship to visit.  PV is not one of my favorite places.  This would be my third time staying here; third time a charm?  🤞  Also, my first trip to PV was in June and I swore I'd NEVER go back in that month because of the heat/humidity but here I am (I've learned to never say never)...  Below, the picture is from the RIU website.  I read enough reviews to know that food would taste average but be plentiful, the alcohol is NOT top-shelf and the hotel needed a good refurb.  Almost like most all-inclusives I've stayed at...

Huatulco Trip Report - Apr. 3 - 10, 2023

This marks my first trip of 2023 and my fourth visit to Huatulco.  I traveled with my friend who accompanied me on my first two trips.  We scored direct return flights on WestJet for $494 CAD each and rented a 2 bedroom condo ($1100 total for the week) .  It was close to playa Santa Cruz (3 blocks away) located at 137 Acatlán.  Pic below is from booking.com which is where I reserved it.

Huatulco Trip Report - Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2022

First real vacay since 2019!  I hope I don't have to mention "covid" again throughout this report, other than my travel insurance covered it.  🤞 Normally we book Huatulco flights nine/ten months ahead but this year was different.  I couldn't even find direct flights until mid-August and then the prices were four times as much as usual.  I got lucky and saw a fare sale from AeroMexico which prompted WestJet to drop some fares too.  It took some time to play around get the cheap flights, but eventually through Expedia,  I was able to nab 1-stop getting there (AeroMexico) and direct flight home (WestJet) staying at Princess Mayev, ocean view - 2 beds for $2600 CAD for two total, ALL IN for 12 nights.  I did have to chop two days off our trip to get that price though.  My son kindly paid to get "exit row" seats for us on our return flight home.  

Kelowna Mini-Trip Report Sept. 18 - 21, 2022

I haven't flown or been away since November 2019.  As someone who traveled 2 - 3 times a year, it's been an interesting pause.  I don't like travel as in the actual travel.  I despise airports, luggage, customs, security, shuttles, etc. etc.  The impatience in me hasn't missed that part at all.  My good friend moved to Kelowna in 2020 and it was time to check it out and get away!  I have significant elevated anxiety issues since the pandemic started and this little jaunt was getting me out of my comfort zone, which I truly needed...

Huatulco Trip Report - November 10 - 17, 2019

I haven't really got Huatulco out of my mind since our first trip/visit there in 2017.  In late January I found a great deal and we booked it right away.  We even got our own rooms which was awesome.  The price couldn't be beat.  My friend mentioned that now we had to wait 9 months and literally a baby could be born in that time.  I told her to make sure she bought trip insurance then...  😉 This trip was going to make me see if I wanted to spend most of my vacation time here when I retire...  I am thinking this time of year, and for a month or so.  Anyway, I am 54 and my friend is 43.

Barbados Trip Report - September 6 - 18, 2019

I had a hard time picking this vacation.  This was my annual trip with my son (he's 29 - gawd I'm getting old - 54) which we've done together since he was 6.  We deliberated over Disney World, Maui, Jamaica and Barbados.  We had pretty much decided on Maui because it was a direct flight for us, but when I went to book, I hesitated and wasn't sure I wanted to do it (We've been to Oahu a few times before and while we adore Hawaii, I just wasn't sure...).  My friend told me to look at Barbados.  It felt right to me immediately once I started exploring but when it finally came down to booking, I struggled between All-Inclusive (AI) or Self-Catering (SC) option.

Las Vegas Trip Report - February 24 - 27, 2019

I'll admit this "low roller" was surprised when I got an offer for 3 nights comped in a FOUNTAIN VIEW king room at Bellagio.  Hell yes!  Normally all I get is the regular, non-view room offers there.  I had three choices this time: that one, strip view or this one.  I was in!

Las Vegas Trip Report - November 18 - 21, 2018

I was at the Bellagio in May, so I was fortunate to get to go back for an additional quick solo getaway this year.  Got 3 nights comped, but still had to pay $39 resort fee.  I got my air for $200 CAD return as I had some points on my credit card that I used against the $350 fare.  Flew Westjet out of YVR.  My offer also included a $50 resort credit.  I have always wanted to try Aria, and phoned to see if they could offer the same as Bellagio.  They did, and also threw in $40 free play with the resort credit, so I switched. I have always wanted to try their rooms and I've always loved the hotel.

Pacific Coastal Cruise Trip Report - September 2 - 9, 2018

This was my annual getaway with my son.  I always look forward to traveling with him and we've pretty much vacationed every year together since he was six.  I only had 8 days so this was good as the departure left from our hometown Vancouver and the flight home from San Diego is a short one.  I've been on the Celebrity Infinity as I took it for my Panama Canal cruise last year.  I had 15 days on it and know the ship well.  We liked all the ports too!  Lots to do and visit this time.

Las Vegas Trip Report - May 13 - 18, 2018

I was planning not to take any trips this year.  Decided to replace some furniture and work on the home instead.  However, I kept getting tempting emails and then I got one I couldn't refuse.  Bellagio sent me an offer that included 3 complimentary nights, a $50 resort credit and $50 free play.  That's pretty good for a low roller like myself!  5 nights is my sweet spot so the other 2 nights were $175 each and then of course the exorbitant daily resort fee of $40.  My air was complimentary with my credit card miles plan so it was relatively inexpensive.  "Almost Free", you might say...ha ha 😏

Huatulco Trip Report - November 7 - 14, 2017

We were very excited to visit a part of Mexico that seemed less commercialized.  The word "quaint" kept coming to my mind while researching it.  We had a few options but ended up choosing the All-Inclusive (I'll get back to that choice later) option at Castillo Huatulco Hotel and Beach Club.  This was located in the "old town" of Santa Cruz.  Reviews looked good and the beach club looked awesome.  I also wanted to go somewhere I have never been in Mexico before.