Elena Quaresima - The Travel Agent Next Door

06/02/2026

Air Canada, Lufthansa and other European airlines have made announcements that there are no fuel shortages for travel this summer!!🥳🥳

If you were putting off a summer vacation because of fuel concerns, be concerned no more!!

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Air Canada is setting the record straight with customers, sharing in an email Tuesday (June 2) that it is not running low on fuel and will operate its summer schedule as planned. “While global fuel markets remain dynamic, Air Canada has a diversified and sophisticated fuel supply in place,” the ...

05/26/2026

🌴☀️ SUNWING SUNDAY! ☀️🌴

Wellllll… looks like Sunwing quietly snuck another winter flight into Cancun from Thunder Bay 👀

Because apparently one weekly escape to tacos, tequila, and turquoise water just wasn’t enough.

Thunder Bay said: “Winter is long.” Sunwing replied: “Say less.”

If Cancun has been calling your name, this is your sign to answer it!

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05/21/2026

A few weeks ago, I found myself sitting here in beautiful Banff, completely taking in the moment. Surrounded by the mountains, and some of the most beautiful scenery I couldn’t help but reflect on how incredible Canada truly is. 🇨🇦

Moments like this remind me why I love travel so much — not just for the destinations, but for the feelings and memories they create.

I loved it so much that I have already decided to make Banff our family winter vacation destination this year! We’ll be staying at the beautiful Hotel Canoe and Suites again, and I already cannot wait to experience the magic of Banff in the winter season.

If Canada is on your travel list, I would absolutely love to help you plan your next adventure. Whether it’s exploring the mountains of Alberta, relaxing by the ocean, discovering vibrant cities, or finding those off-the-beaten-path experiences, there is something so special waiting for you here.

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05/07/2026

Day 3 in Banff was another unforgettable day in the Canadian Rockies. 🇨🇦

We started the day at beautiful Two Jack Lake, surrounded by calm turquoise water and incredible mountain views that looked almost too perfect to be real. From there we visited Bow Falls, where the rushing water and dramatic scenery made for another amazing Banff moment.

We then took the Banff Gondola up the mountain and the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. Seeing Banff and the surrounding Rockies from above was something we’ll never forget. To top it all off, we enjoyed lunch while soaking in one of the most spectacular views in Canada.

Every moment today felt like a postcard come to life. 💙

05/06/2026

Day 2 aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops to Banff, and somehow the scenery just kept getting better. The morning light over the rivers and rolling hills felt like stepping into a painting… and by the time we reached the dramatic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, it was absolutely breathtaking.

The service once again was exceptional — warm, attentive, and full of those little touches that make the journey feel so special. And of course, another incredible dining experience in GoldLeaf — beautifully presented, gourmet dishes that rival some of the best restaurants, all while watching the Rockies unfold!!

Arriving in Banff felt like the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey. This wasn’t just transportation — it was truly an experience from start to finish.

05/05/2026

🚂🛤Day 1 aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Kamloops and I already understand why this journey is so iconic.

From the moment we departed, the scenery has been nothing short of breathtaking—towering mountains, rushing rivers, and endless stretches of untouched wilderness. Every turn feels like a postcard come to life, and the glass-dome views make it impossible to look away.

Dining in the GoldLeaf Service dining car was an experience in itself—Michelin-quality cuisine, beautifully plated and thoughtfully prepared, all while taking in the incredible views. It elevated the journey in a way I didn’t expect.🍾🥂

And the service… absolutely exceptional. The hosts go above and beyond, sharing stories, pointing out hidden gems along the route, and making every guest feel taken care of.

This isn’t just about getting from Vancouver to Kamloops—it’s about slowing down, soaking it all in, and enjoying every moment along the way. And if Day 1 is any indication, this is going to be unforgettable. 🚂🛤

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04/26/2026

Is a hotel room just a place to sleep… or is it part of the experience? 🤔

It’s a question I hear all the time when planning trips.

For some, a room is simply a place to recharge after a full day of exploring—clean, comfortable, and convenient. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. If your priority is being out and about, soaking in every moment of your destination, a simple space can be all you need.

But for others… the hotel is part of the destination.

It’s morning coffee on a private balcony with a view you’ll never forget.
It’s slipping into a plush robe after a long day and feeling completely taken care of.
It’s the atmosphere, the details, the little moments that turn a trip into something unforgettable.

The truth? There’s no “right” answer—only what matters most to you.

When I help plan travel, this is one of the first things we talk about. Because your hotel choice can shape your entire experience more than you might think.

So tell me… are you team “just a place to sleep” or team “part of the experience”?

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04/18/2026

Something truly unforgettable is on the horizon...

I’m beyond excited to share that I’ll soon be experiencing the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train journey through the Canadian Rockies—and I can already tell this is going to be one for the books.

Think panoramic glass-dome views, winding through towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and untouched wilderness… all from the comfort of a world-class rail experience. This isn’t just transportation—it’s a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking scenery Canada has to offer.

What I love most about this kind of travel is the chance to slow down, take it all in, and truly connect with the journey—not just the destination. Every turn of the track brings a new view, a new story, and a new appreciation for how incredible our world really is.

Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing highlights along the way! And if this kind of experience has been on your bucket list, let’s chat… because it absolutely should be 😉

04/17/2026

What is slow travel? Slow travel is a style of travel that focuses on quality over quantity

Another popular topic in the travel industry right now and a conversation that I have been having with clients while creating their custom travel itineraries!!

Do they want the traditional travel; 5 cities in 10 days or immerse themselves in the culture and see maybe 2 cities!!

Slow travel is about lingering over a morning espresso, wandering without a plan, discovering hidden corners, and truly feeling a destination instead of just checking it off a list or taking the photo for instagram!!

Imagine fewer places, deeper experiences…
Long lunches, local markets, scenic train rides, and time to simply be present.

Because the best trips aren’t the ones where you see everything—
they’re the ones where you experience everything.

Where would you slow down next?

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04/15/2026

Cast your vote for the top destinations in 2026 for a chance to win $5000 in Air Canada eGift Cards!!

Where would your next trip be if you won?

I'm thinking Asia...Japan or Vietnam!! ✈️🌎

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Calling all globetrotters! Cast your vote for the top destinations of the year for a chance to win $5,000 in Air Canada eGift Cards for your next dream vacation