Elena Quaresima - The Travel Agent Next Door

09/09/2026

✈️OUT OF OFFICE | SEPTEMBER 9 – OCTOBER 2 🇮🇹

It’s time for another adventure!

From September 9 to October 2, I’ll be out of the office and spending some time in beautiful **Italy** — first celebrating a very special wedding, then enjoying a few days soaking up the beauty (and of course the wine 🍷) of the chianti region in Tuscany.

From there, I’ll be joining my wonderful friend and fellow travel advisor Kerry Berlinquette - The Travel Agent Next Door Thunder Bay as we host our Prosecco Journey! 🥂🇮🇹 I can’t wait to share this experience with our amazing group and create some incredible memories along the way.

One of my favourite parts of travelling is experiencing destinations firsthand. Every hotel, restaurant, winery, little town, tour and hidden gem I discover adds to the knowledge and experiences I can bring home and share with my clients. ❤️

So make sure to follow along over the next few weeks! I’ll be sharing our adventures, discoveries, beautiful places and, I’m sure, plenty of food and Prosecco! 🍝🍷🥂

Here’s to creating more memories, experiencing more of this beautiful world, and bringing home even more inspiration for your future travels!

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07/08/2026

✈️ Friendly Summer Travel Reminder! ☀️

With summer travel in full swing, Thunder Bay International Airport is busier than ever. Please be sure to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight to allow plenty of time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

The days of arriving 30 minutes before departure are long gone! Giving yourself extra time will help ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your journey.

Safe travels, everyone!!!

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06/16/2026

EES & ETIAS – the two biggest acronyms making travelers nervous about Europe this summer! ✈️

But don't panic—they're actually much simpler than they sound!

🛂 EES (Entry/Exit System)

The EES is Europe's new digital border system for travelers from non-EU countries, including Canadians. Instead of having your passport stamped, your entry and exit will be recorded electronically, along with a facial photo and fingerprints the first time you enter the Schengen Area. It helps track the 90-day stay limit and improve border security. There is NOTHING you have to do before travel!! This will all happen upon arrival!!

📱 ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
Think of ETIAS like the U.S. ESTA—a pre-travel authorization that will eventually be required for visa-exempt travelers visiting Europe for short stays.

The good news? ETIAS is NOT available yet! There is currently no application process, and travelers do not need to apply before their European vacation this summer. The European Union has confirmed that ETIAS is expected to begin later in 2026, and travelers will receive plenty of notice before it becomes mandatory.

So if you're heading to Europe this summer, don't let these acronyms stress you out. Pack your bags, bring your passport, and enjoy your adventure!...and of course, let me help plan it!!!

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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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