Guest post written by Valerie Delzer, Travalerie, LLC
Images provided by Valerie Delzer

What are the benefits of being a Travel Blogger versus a Travel Agent? Valerie Delzer shares the inside scoop...

Hola! I’m back from Ecuador! Although I’ve barely been back 24 hours, I would like to share a few of the highlights I experienced in Quito. There will be more to come from my 9-day getaway in Ecuador, but for now, these few images will have to suffice. Enjoy! 😊

Product Name/Model: Samsonite Inflatable Neck Pillow (Model 53598-17730)
Purchase cost: Paid $12.97 CAD, retails for about $15.00 on Amazon.ca
Features:

• Ergonomic design
• Removable plush pillow cover
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Built-in storage pocket

I recently encountered my first situation where I had to visit a third party for vaccinations. My doctor’s office unfortunately said they do not offer travel consultation or vaccines, so I was advised to reach out to a travel clinic. I did a bit of research and found Passport Health, a global travel clinic with more than 270 locations – and there was a location near me. Little did I know that travel clinics are a whole other animal compared to the public healthcare system…

Anyone that knows me can tell you that I tend to avoid being the center of attention. If there’s a camera involved, I make an effort to either be the photographer (and hence, not be in the picture) or be in an obscure location off the shot - off to the side or far in the back, attempting to play a subtle role. I’m not necessarily camera shy, it’s just that I feel there are much more interesting things to capture. I have never felt motivated to be the primary subject of photos or videos and I choose to highlight the wonderful things around me rather than focus on myself.

​I came across this resort about 2 years ago after researching U.S. Relais and Chateaux properties, and MY GOSH – this place is stunning! Not only is it in Hawaii, one of the most beautiful islands in the world, but the amenities and service levels here appear to be of the highest caliber. I don’t know about you, but the ambiance at this property is definitely calling me...

Guest post written by Destination NSW​
Images provided by Destination NSW​

Located in south-western NSW, the Riverina is an agricultural region which stretches across a vast range of land and differing environments. From the Snowy Mountains to the Murrumbidgee River to the dryer plains of Hay and Carrathool the diversity of this burgeoning agricultural region offers plenty of fun, eco-friendly activities for the whole family to enjoy.

​This year on the blog, I’ve decided to add a category called ‘Uncovered Discoveries’ – this category will feature resorts, experiences, tours that I have uncovered through research and find personally appealing and interesting. They won’t be places or experiences I have personally tried [yet], but will be more about highlights of the resort/activity/tour and what has drawn me to it (and hopefully you too!), inspiring thought and ideas. Here’s the first one of 2019 - gorilla trekking art Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda.

​In addition to my Disney Experience post (Part 1) last week, the second half of our Orlando trip was spent at Universal Studios. Universal was, for the most part, more enjoyable than Disney was for a few different reasons, but I think the weather definitely had a big part to play. The lines were significantly longer, but the rides were more adult-themed and more fun for the whole family rather than just the kids. Here is an overview of our adult trip to Universal (without kids and with lots of flexibility), as well as observations and tips for future Universal Studios visitors. 

​Last week, I spent five days in Orlando with one of my best friends, three of which were spent reliving our childhood dreams exploring Walt Disney World. This was my first visit to Florida and although we were hoping for more cooperative weather, the rain meant shorter lines and more ride time - our trip overall was a very successful one. Here is an overview of our adult trip to Disney (without kids and with lots of flexibility), as well as observations and tips for future Disney World visitors.