This past weekend, I spent all day with some of my favorite suppliers learning all about fabulous destinations and offers for 2012/2013 travel seasons…whether you want to explore a new destination with the kids, experience a country by being immersed in the culture, or just want a luxury spa or golf destination with some incredible vistas…I’m delighted to share the world of opportunities with you!

{ a quick glimpse of what I was learning about this weekend }

I am so lucky to work with so many great suppliers and tour operators – all waiting to assist you design an incredible travel itinerary. Whether you are based in Edmonton, or across Canada, I’m able to help you design your trip of a lifetime.

Need some inspiration? Well, take a gander at some of these great adventure travel options:

• Trek to the Lost City : Columbia : 5 days from $495 CAD*
• Antarctica Dream Cruise : Antarctica : 11 days from $7282 CAD*
• Dubai & Seychelles Escape : 11 days from $2784 CAD*
• Great Aussie Surf Adventure : Sydney, Australia : 5 days from $650 CAD*
• Coconuts & Cocktails : Fiji : 5 days from $925 CAD*
• Gorillas, Chimps & Game Parks : Nairobi, Africa : 16 days from $1240 CAD*

*independent and small group adventure tours priced per person excluding airfare, inquire for pricing and customization of your itinerary!

So do tell me…where in the world do you want to travel too?

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip or a honeymoon – the world is full of fabulous adventures waiting for you to experience it all…let me share the world with you…contact me today to begin planning your next great adventure!

The first plane I had seen of theirs was the ‘This Way Up’ plane

{ Kulula Airline 'This Side Up' Plane | credit: Kulula Airline }

So as I checked out the rest of their fleet – I found the ‘Flying 101′ plane – my new ultimate favorite plane!!

{ Kulula Airline 'Flying 101' Plane | credit : Kulula Airline }

{ Kulula Airline 'Flying 101' Plane | credit : Kulula Airline }

{ Kulula Airline 'Flying 101' Plane | credit : Kulula Airline }

{ Kulula Airline 'Flying 101' Plane | credit : Kulula Airline }

Now I want to fly this airline, just to say I’ve been on one of these creative planes! I hope more airlines will take note and not take themselves quite so seriously all the time! Thank you Kulula for your creativity!

Tell me – do you like fun creative planes like this??

Kids can fly free* to select Mexico destinations from May 1-June 25, 2012 and from August 28 to October 31, 2012. Kids can fly for $99* to select Mexico destinations from June 26-August 27, 2012.

Contact me to price out your spring, summer or fall Mexico family vacation package at one of these select hotels:

If you are considering a Mexico family vacation – then this kids fly free* promotion is all the reason you need to book now!

I was most excited to learn about the newest ships to be refreshed in the Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise itineraries – the Rhapsody of the Seas and the Radiance of the Seas – both ships scheduled for Alaska routes for this summer season!

{ whale watching on an Alaska Cruise | Royal Caribbean International }

Both of these ships have all of the staterooms refreshed and modernized – and now include a complimentary iPad in the room for guests to use for the duration of their stay. The iPads are optimized to easily pull of daily dining menus in all the restaurants, daily activities, monitor your onboard account and even to schedule or change your excursion choices!

{ Radiance of the Seas in Alaska at Hubbard Glacier | Royal Caribbean International }

There are many exciting itineraries for a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise – choose between 7, 10, 12 and 14 day cruises. There are so many options for exploring Alaska by sea and by land!

{ 12 night Alaska Cruise Tour Itinerary | Royal Caribbean International }

I’d love to help you plan your Alaska cruise for this summer or even planning ahead until spring 2013. Alaska is a great itinerary for families, honeymooners and seniors! The majesty of the sea and mountains will make it a well loved trip!

Share in the comments below why you use a travel agent…

{ K family : Jan 2012 : most of the group on the last day : client photo }

A little worried that they might get under each others’ skin after spending a week together…they did really well once they realized that each couple could do their own thing and yet easily meet up on this intimate resort for meals or beach or touring time.

What is your favorite memory of this family trip?
{FK : Jan 2012} “Spending time with my family at the beach was amazing. The water was clear turquoise and the sand was just beautiful”

{ K family : Jan 2012 : the beautiful beach : client photo }

What was your favorite meal at this Cuba family resort?
{FK : Jan 2012} “The pizza was awesome. There were a variety of foods to choose from. You must have a cappaccino and crepes when your there.”

Did you receive any upgrades or special amenities on your family vacation?
{FK : Jan 2012} “We eat got a bottle of Cuban rum in our room the next day as a thank you for choosing that resort. Also the maids were very friendly and helpful.”

{ K family : Jan 2012 : bowling with the kids at the resort alley : client photo }

{ K Family : Jan 2012 : some of the family with the entertainment preformers : client photo }

Did anyone in the family group do any tours or excursions?
{FK : Jan 2012} “The boys rented a car and went out to see the towns they had a blast and recommend it to everyone.”

What comments do you have about Jolyn’s services in helping put this Cuba family vacation together?
{FK : Jan 2012} “Jolyn was amazing. We gave her such short notice and it was during the holidays and she managed to get it all done and answer my million questions lol. She was a pleasure to deal with and I will definitely contact her on my next vacation! Thanks again.”

K family, I’m so glad all 15 of you had a great time on your first family trip in years!! I can’t wait to see where we send you for the next big trip!

{ C & K honeymoon : Dec 2011 : client photo }

How was working with Jolyn?
{C&K Dec 2011} “Never used a travel agent before, but always will now! Everything was great in the planning process. You really listened to what we were looking for, stayed within our budget and delivered exactly what we asked for. We have felt very special through the entire booking process.”

What next destination is on your travel wishlist?
{C&K Dec 2011} “Mexico or Dominican Republic in the spring”

Congratulations on your beautiful honeymoon C & K and thank you for sharing your photos with me!!

One of my favorite new fruits discovered was the Pomerac in Jamaica – shaped like a pear, skin and inside is the texture of a plum, but tastes like an apple. Sooooo yummy!

{ tasting Pomerac fruit in Jamaica : March 2011 trip }

Sometimes it’s just about finding food that a destination is known for – and getting to truly enjoy the destination experience. I love sharing with clients some of the specialties they just have to try in the destination they are visiting.

{ clients M&J trying some local fresh coconut at a Maui road stand | honeymoon June 2011 }

{ clients L&M enjoying Beignets at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans | Anniversary trip April 2011 }

Share in the comments section below, your favorite food experiences from destinations you’ve traveled to!

I usually share with my couples some things to be aware of when traveling to their destination so that they don’t run into any embarrassing tipping situations abroad.

Tell me your favorite travel tipping issue?

Destinations to include: Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the United States, Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, Africa and South America. Honeymoon and Wedding Packages will also be available.

Also featured will be cruise companies, tourism bureaus, and even exciting Polar Bear Tours.

Plus four theaters will offer incredible insights and live presentations to these destinations and an opportunity to listen and ask questions about your next vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding.

When: September 18 show
Hours: 10:30am – 5 pm
Where: Mayfield Hotel-free parking
Cost: Complimentary when reserved in advance
Prizes: To be drawn hourly

Special travel deals will be offered only at the show !!!

The Complimentary Show ticket includes:
* Entrance to the Travel Show
* $25 certificate from VONS Steak House & Oyster Bar
* Entrance to the live presentation theaters (subject to availability)
* Expert advice from the on-site Newwest Travel Staff
Value $50

To order your ticket contact call me at 780.628.6457 or email: jolyn@wanderlovetravels.com with your full names for each ticket you request.

Tickets are limited to the first 500 requests !!

This is your chance to learn about resorts, destinations and cruises directly from suppliers!