Plan A Vacation

05/21/2026

The number one question I am asked about Jade Mountain in St. Lucia usually involves a mix of curiosity and hesitation.

People want to know how the open-air concept actually works in real life.

They ask if it gets uncomfortably hot without air conditioning, and whether insects are an issue given that the suites are completely open to the elements on one side.

Having been there and stood exactly where this video was filmed, I can tell you that the design is highly effective.

The resort is built high on the mountainside to perfectly capture the Caribbean trade winds. Between the constant breeze, the architectural design, and having a private infinity pool at your feet, the temperature remains very comfortable.

Regarding insects, the elevation and the mountain breezes naturally keep them to a minimum. The resort also utilizes natural control measures, and beds are outfitted with canopy netting for the evening.

Instead of feeling exposed, the experience is completely liberating. You fall asleep to the sounds of nature and wake up to this exact, unobstructed view of the Pitons.

It is a spectacular property, but because of its unique layout, it is an experience best discussed with a professional who has firsthand knowledge of the resort.

If you are considering St. Lucia for a milestone celebration or a luxury getaway, let's schedule a time to chat.

I can help you select the right sanctuary category for your specific preferences and manage the entire booking process for you. Send me a direct message or reply to this post to get started.

05/20/2026

What kind of traveller are you — really?

Because most travel friction doesn't start with a bad destination. It starts with two people who've never actually compared their styles sitting down to plan a trip together.

I've been in this industry for 26 years, and I can tell you: a Slow Traveller paired with a Bucket-List Whirlwind, or a Stationary Recharger on a whirlwind itinerary planned by someone who genuinely finds that relaxing — that's where the trouble starts.

Today I launched a six-day Travel Style Series on the blog. Day 1 introduces all five traveller styles. Starting tomorrow, we go deep on each one.

Read it, find your match, and come back tomorrow. I'd love to know which of the five speaks to you — and whether your usual travel partner is your perfect match or your biggest planning obstacle.

What's Your Travel Personality? Because how you spend your vacation time says everything about who you are.

05/07/2026

“What is included in a river cruise?”
It’s one of the most common questions I get — and honestly, the answer might surprise you.

Here’s the thing. River cruises are very different from ocean cruises. There’s no being charged for every little extra. Most lines bundle almost everything into one upfront price — and once you know what’s included, it honestly changes how you see the value.

We’re talking:
✅ All your meals — and not just okay meals, genuinely lovely meals
✅ Wine & beer with dinner (some lines include drinks all day long)
✅ Shore excursions every single day — just step off and explore
✅ Wi-Fi so you can share every gorgeous view in real time
✅ Port fees, taxes, onboard entertainment — all taken care of
You board, you relax, and you stop thinking about your wallet. That’s the gift of it.

Just one thing I always tell people — check whether gratuities and airport transfers are included before you book. That’s where lines differ, and it’s good to know going in.
Have questions about river cruising? Ask me anything in the comments — I genuinely love helping people figure out if it’s right for them.

05/07/2026

Yesterday was a very special day — one that has left me feeling both humbled and incredibly proud.

PAX News has named me one of the 10 Most Fascinating Travel Advisors of 2026, and I am deeply honoured to be part of this year's class.

I left a career I truly loved at Bell Canada and took a leap of faith. That jump has taken me on the most incredible journey - through pivots, a pandemic, and eventually to working my true passion of travel and finding a niche that I love in promoting the Canadian wine and craft beer industry in river cruising.
What fills my heart the most is that this isn't just my story - it's ours.

My husband Steve and I have merged our two worlds together. His pioneering work in Niagara's wine, brewing and distillery world, and my deep love of river cruising, have blended into something we are incredibly proud of.

We are on a mission to show the world what Canadian wine and beer is all about — one river cruise at a time. And the best part? More fun is coming - with new components that we absolutely love in the works!

To be recognized for following your heart, for betting on yourself, and for building something meaningful alongside the person you love - there are no words.
Thank you PAX News for this incredible honour. And thank you to every client and partner in the wine and brewery world who has been part of this journey.
We are just getting started. Cheers!





Home

Today is a very special day — one that has left me feeling both humbled and incredibly proud.
PAX News has named me one of the 10 Most Fascinating Travel Advisors of 2026, and I am deeply honoured to be part of this year's class.
I left a career I truly loved at Bell Canada and took a leap of faith. That jump has taken me on the most incredible journey - through pivots, a pandemic, and eventually to working my true passion of travel and finding a niche that I love in promoting the Canadian wine and craft beer industry in river cruising.
What fills my heart the most is that this isn't just my story - it's ours.
My husband Steve and I have merged our two worlds together. His pioneering work in Niagara's wine, brewing and distillery world, and my deep love of river cruising, have blended into something we are incredibly proud of.
We are on a mission to show the world what Canadian wine and beer is all about — one river cruise at a time. And the best part? More fun is coming - with new components that we absolutely love in the works!
To be recognized for following your heart, for betting on yourself, and for building something meaningful alongside the person you love - there are no words.
Thank you PAX News for this incredible honour. And thank you to every client and partner in the wine and brewery world who has been part of this journey.
We are just getting started. Cheers!

Sales win trophies, but fascination makes people lean in. That’s the spark behind PAX’s “10 Most Fascinating Travel Advisors” list, our annual wink and nod to the industry’s most magnetic movers and shakers. At PAX, we spend the entire year scouting our "fascinating” picks. And while the...

05/01/2026

A very proud and humbling moment for us at Plan A Vacation.

We are incredibly honoured to receive the Millionaires Club Award from our host agency, The Travel Agent Next Door.

This recognition represents so much more than numbers—it reflects the trust of our clients, the dedication of our team, and the support system that has helped us grow.

I want to sincerely thank our amazing team, our family, and especially my husband and co-owner, Steve Gill, for his unwavering support since I made the decision to leave my career at Bell and step into entrepreneurship in the travel industry.

We’ve been fortunate to receive many awards over the years, but this one holds a very special place.
I truly wish our entire team could have been with us at conference to celebrate this moment together. I am so grateful to have had Kimberley and Marie there to share in this special recognition.

A heartfelt thank you to TTAND for your continued leadership, support, and industry-leading tools that allow us—and our team—to do what we love.

And to our incredible clients—thank you for trusting us with your travel dreams. It is a privilege we never take for granted.

Finally, thank you to our valued supplier partners for your ongoing collaboration and support.

04/29/2026

A little taste of France… right here in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sitting inside Lumière Café today and honestly? My heart is so full. There’s something about the soft lighting, the unmistakable French charm, and the smell of something delicious in the air that has me completely transported.

And all I can think about is… November can’t come soon enough.

We have the most magical trip on the horizon — wine country in the south of France with Westcott Vineyards, and if this little café is any preview of what’s waiting for us over there, I think we’re in for something truly unforgettable.

Sometimes the universe gives you a little wink — and today, Lumière was mine. Consider this my official countdown to the south of France.

Who else needs a café like this in their life right now?!

04/28/2026

Welcome to the Team, Corinna Day!

We are SO excited to welcome Corinna Day to the Plan A Vacation family!

Corinna is ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime — whatever your travel dreams look like, she’s got you covered! Whether you’re dreaming of:

🚢 All-Inclusive Ocean & River Cruises
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Travel
🎢 Theme Park Vacations
🌍 Multigenerational Travel

…Corinna has the expertise to make every detail magical and stress-free!

Please join us in giving Corinna the warmest welcome! We can’t wait to see all the amazing adventures she helps create. 🌟

📩 Ready to start planning your dream vacation? Reach out to Corinna today!

04/28/2026

🍷 Our promotion has been extended — but only until April 30!
Join us for Colors of Provence with Westcott Vineyards, an unforgettable 8-day wine-hosted river cruise through the south of France aboard the AmaKristina!

Hosted by Carolyn Hurst and Grant Westcott, co-founders of Westcott Vineyards in Jordan, Ontario, this festive journey runs November 26 – December 3, 2026.

Sail along the Rhône River, explore Christmas markets, taste legendary Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wines, hunt for Black Diamond truffles, and soak in the beauty of Arles, Avignon, Vienne, and Lyon. 🎄✨
📅 Promotion extended to April 30 — don’t miss out!

👉 Full details & itinerary: https://www.planavacation.ca/colors-of-provence-with-westcott-vineyards

📞 Contact Steve & Karen Gill: 1-877-894-7526 Ext 101 | [email protected]

04/20/2026

Westcott Vineyards, nestled in Ontario’s wine country, has partnered with Plan A Vacation to bring you an experience unlike any other. Carolyn & Grant join us aboard the AmaKristina as the featured wine hosts, guiding you through an immersive exploration of the region’s wines.

This is not your typical wine trip. Yes, you will explore the wines of the region in the most immersive way possible — but you will also step off the ship and into experiences like truffle hunting, led by dogs who have been doing this their whole lives and love every minute of it.
It is the kind of moment that makes you realize this is why you travel.

If you have ever wanted to go deeper into wine country — beyond the tasting room and into the landscape, the culture, and the craft — this journey was designed for you.

Reach out to us at Plan A Vacation to learn more about joining this very special group sailing.

10/25/2025

We’ve had the opportunity to experience every cabin category on AmaWaterways — and truly, we love each one for different reasons. From the luxurious suites with sweeping views to the cozy lower-deck staterooms, each offers its own unique perspective on river cruising.

When you choose a fixed-window stateroom, you may find yourself just above the waterline, watching elegant swans glide by as you sail through Europe’s most scenic waterways.

That’s why we’ve affectionately nicknamed this category the “Swanview.”

It’s proof that no matter where you stay on an AmaWaterways ship, you’ll always have a front-row seat to something beautiful.

P.S this is a true video taken from our phone!