experience. Victoria is an acclaimed solo traveller who has perfected her pre-trip packing checklist and uncovered
some of France’s must-see destinations. Come along as we explore Victoria’s top travel experiences with some
expert tips to make your next trip your best one yet.
When asking Victoria what made her fall in love with travel, she remembered the exact moment in time. “I think it would have to be the first trip I ever went on,” said Victoria. “I was six and my parents took me to Disney World— I’ll never forget the feeling of getting on the plane and waking up somewhere completely different.”
“Arriving and meeting new people, seeing the culture shift, just being treated differently, really gives you the magic feeling of travel and it just kind of stuck with me”
Victoria perfectly describes the feeling of your first trip, being amazed by a totally new place and immersing yourself in a culture you’ve never experienced before.
After Europe being on Victoria's bucket list for years, she finally went on her dream trip last November and it exceeded all of her expectations.
just a day. But I think its really important not to forget the smaller towns, especially on the countryside of France.”
Victoria appreciates the smaller things, and she can’t stress enough the importance of visiting the small, local spots in any destination you find yourself travelling to.
“I was thankful to be able to connect with locals and experience their culture. I can speak some French and I loved going to cafes and being able to have conversations that I would have never had otherwise”
“I visited a small town in France called Colmar, and it felt like stepping into a storybook, with old Tudor-style houses, vibrant colours, and charming cobblestone sidewalks.”
If you find yourself in France, take a note out of Victoria’s storybook. Visit the local small towns, take in the culture, food and scenic views.
France offers a delicious array of food, but it was the baked goods that made the greatest impression on Victoria. “I remember the first pastry I had in France.”
"It was the first or second day there, we were in one of the smaller towns, and I needed lunch. I stepped into one of
the local patisserie shops, and ended up getting a croissant breakfast sandwich. It was just so fresh and the quality of it is so different than what it is here”
Victoria's biggest tip is to look for the smaller places. "Try to avoid the chains. The local spots will offer items you've never tried before, that are truly authentic. That, combined with the people you'll meet in these spots, will be the highlight of your trip."
Paris is a must-visit destination in France. Visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the city has a way of making everyone feel as though they’re in a movie.
"It was late— around 6 o'clock, but already getting dark outside. I didn't know how much free time I would have the next day. I wanted to make sure I got some things in. I skipped dinner, got on the public bus system, and headed to the Eiffel Tower on my very first day. Honestly, best day ever— I got to see it sparkle on the hour."
"Earlier in the day, it was snowing, and I was on the bus just amazed, thinking, I'm in Paris, and it's snowing. That doesn't really happen that often."
Victoria knows how to nail her pre-trip planning. From the packing list to finding the perfect bag and arranging insurance, she’s prepared from the moment she books the trip.
“I laugh because everyone says I’m always so prepared, but I have to be that way so when I arrive, I can enjoy it worry free. I check the weather , have my packing list ready and make sure I’m ready to go for departure day”
“For flying, my neck pillow is always with me, along with a reusable water bottle— you never know when you’ll need water. Bring a snack too, if you hit turbulence service may be delayed and then you have a backup.
“It's just a backpack, but it zips and unzips, like a carry-on suitcase. You can pack everything in there and it fits under the seat in front of you. So, if you can be smart with your luggage like that, it can also save you from having to pay for a check bag.”
Number one rule: “Never travel without travel insurance. I stress to my family how essential it is. I've had family members get stuck, and it cost them thousands to get back. I will personally never travel without it."
“Don't panic. I think that’s the biggest thing. A lot of people look at the scale of the trip that they're planning and they start to panic, because there's a lot they have to do to be able to go. But if you break it into smaller chunks and make your lists, see what has to be booked now and what can be booked later, that's gonna help you de-escalate the panic in this situation.”
“The other thing I would say is don't wait. If you're waiting for other people to go on a trip, don't wait, because it'll never happen. You have to be able to go and do these things when you’re able to do them."
For solo travellers: "I travelled solo and it was fantastic. I went on an Exotica tour alone. I had my own room and everything. You can eat where you want to eat, go where you want to go, rest when you want to. Once you do it for the first time, it's not as terrifying."
"I think the travel industry in general is changing. A lot more people are getting comfortable going alone, which I think is great, because people are realizing: 'I can't just sit here and wait.'
"Travel abroad is changing too — we're all aware that, expense-wise, it's shifting. But I think it's important to remember your own backyard as well. Where we live in Canada has so many options, and it's so beautiful. People sometimes forget that the options close to home are just as worth it as the ones overseas."
Ready to plan your next adventure? Connect with a CAA Travel Agent for expert guidance at every step and the peace of mind to travel with confidence.