From the Rockies to Capri: Taking in Every View with Katrina

A passion for travel runs through the Journeys team at CAA Niagara. From planning itineraries to guiding tours, Journeys agents bring each trip to life. Behind the scenes, there are plenty of details to coordinate, including pickups, hotels and flights, along with helping guests feel prepared for their adventure.

For Katrina, a group tour planner on the Journeys team, this is one of her favourite parts of the job. She has been part of the CAA Niagara family for four and a half years and has experienced 24 tours, helping guide guests while taking in the beauty of each destination. We sat down with Katrina to learn more about her love of travel, her favourite destinations and the tips she brings on every trip.

Katrina’s love of travel began with annual family road trips. Travelling from Ontario to British Columbia introduced her to the excitement of exploring new places at a young age. From experiencing different cultures to meeting new people, that curiosity has stayed with her ever since.

When the pandemic put travel on hold, Katrina found another way to explore, trip planning. “I had so much free time, so I planned trips for fun. It became a hobby and I loved it,” said Katrina.

That hobby helped lead her to her current role at CAA Niagara, where she uses her travel-planning skills and love for adventure everyday.

Sitting in the Stillness of the Canadian Rockies

A self-described solo traveller, Katrina appreciates quiet destinations where she can slow down and enjoy the view. Her favourite trip, a group tour through the Canadian Rockies, offered plenty of opportunities to do just that.

“I just stared at the beauty of the mountains,” said Katrina. “I found it so peaceful, the beauty and the stillness of the world.”

The experience gave her time to step away from a busy routine and appreciate the places close to home.

“I was just thinking about how fortunate it is to have such beautiful places in your own country,” she said.

Her roughly eight-day adventure included the Rocky Mountaineer, Banff, Jasper, Calgary and Vancouver. Along with memorable views, the trip gave Katrina the chance to push herself and try something new, including crossing The Golden Skybridge, Canada's highest suspension bridge despite her fear of bridges and heights.

It was one of many trips that left a lasting impression. When asked which destination she will always recommend to other travellers, her answer was Italy.

Italy: A Destination with Something for Everyone

For Katrina, Italy’s appeal comes from its variety. Each visit offers a chance to discover a different destination, atmosphere or favourite meal.

“I would always recommend going to Italy. If you like food, people and atmosphere, it’s one of those places that has so many beautiful destinations within one country,” said Katrina.

She has visited Italy four times and has rarely repeated the same destination. The culture and people keep drawing her back, and the food is always a highlight. “I could eat pasta every day,” she said.

Katrina also encourages travellers to look beyond the familiar sights and leave time for smaller communities.

“There are places people immediately think of, like the Vatican, but there are also so many quaint little towns where you can just slow down and enjoy yourself,” she said. That variety extends to how you explore. Katrina suggests choosing an approach that matches your interests and preferred pace.  “You can plan a packed itinerary, rent a car, take a coach tour or even sail through Italy. There are lots of different options." 

One place that captured Katrina’s heart was the Island of Capri, from From exploring Anacapri to spending time at the beach, there's experiences for any travel style.

“One of my favourite memories was getting a full lemon filled with lemon gelato. It was delicious, and everything there was beautiful,” said Katrina. 

“It has something for everyone, and the views are spectacular,” she said.

Newfoundland: The People Who Make the Trip

After visiting so many destinations, Katrina has learned that some of the most memorable experiences are the ones you don’t expect. In Newfoundland, she knew there would be beautiful scenery. What surprised her was how welcome she felt.

“Everybody knows each other in each town and they remember you too. They’re so incredibly nice and accomadating,” said Katrina.

The warmth and hospitality she encountered made the communities along the route especially memorable. Everyone was welcoming, helping her feel comfortable and at home.

Katrina experienced that hospitality on the Experience Newfoundland and Labrador tour with Journeys. Travelling from Deer Lake to St. John’s, she visited Gander, the Viking village, St. Anthony and several small communities along the way.

“You hear about Newfoundland hospitality, but it doesn’t truly sink in until you experience it for yourself,” she said.

Tips for New Travellers 

For Katrina, a little preparation can make a difference, starting with how you pack.

“Personally, I love packing cubes. They make it much easier to stay organized instead of rummaging through a suitcase,” said Katrina.

She also recommends researching your destination before you go. Reading Google or TripAdvisor reviews, looking into restaurants and choosing the experiences that matter most to you can help you prioritize your time and budget.

Once the planning is done, the excitment begins, “Most importantly, enjoy every moment. The planning can take time, and getting there can be stressful, but once you’re there you get to experience the beauty of a new destination and create memories that last,” she said.

Must have Travel Items 

At the top of Katrina’s packing list is something to read. “I always bring my Kobo so I can bring a book with me,” said Katrina.

She also packs a small medical bag with medications, Band-Aids and other essentials, so she isn’t scrambling to find a pharmacy if something comes up.

Her final must-pack item comes from a lesson learned on tour. "Always bring extra shoes. I learned that lesson after getting caught in the rain on a tour. My shoes were soaked, and I was trying to blow dry them for the next day,” Katrina said.

From carefully planned itineraries to quiet moments in the mountains, Katrina brings her love of discovery and firsthand experience to helping Journeys guests make memories of their own.

If you have any travel needs or would like to learn more about these destinations, contact a CAA Niagara travel agent to start planning your next adventure.