Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October). Summer is gorgeous, but the crowds follow the sunshine.
Summer (June–September) when the wildflowers bloom and the festivals kick off. Winters here are a polar bear’s dream—less so for us humans.
Summer: June–September for hiking, kayaking, and that fresh mountain air.Winter: December–March for skiing and snowboarding.
Spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) for mild temps and those famous autumn colors. Winter? Only if you pack your best parka.
Summer (June–September) when the coast comes alive with festivals, seafood shacks, and (maybe) a sunny day or two.
Summer (June–August) for the midnight sun; winter (December–March) if you’re chasing the Northern Lights.
Embrace the road trip, eh? Rent a car, hit the Trans-Canada Highway, and discover the best adventures hiding between the big cities.
The easiest way to reach Canada is by air. Major international gateways include Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver International (YVR), and Montreal Trudeau (YUL)—each with direct flights from around the world. Domestic flights connect these cities with regional airports from St. John’s to Victoria, making it easy to hop across provinces.
For those who like to slow things down, VIA Rail is your ticket to classic Canadian travel. Routes like The Canadian (Toronto to Vancouver) and Ocean (Montreal to Halifax) serve up breathtaking views—Rocky Mountains, autumn foliage, endless prairies—perfect for a leaf-peeping tour or just soaking up the scenery.
Renting a car opens up the real magic of Canada’s vast landscapes. From the Icefields Parkway in Alberta to the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada is built for road trips. Just be sure to check road conditions (and wildlife warnings!) before setting out.
Canada’s coastal cities are popular cruise ports, especially during the summer and fall. Vancouver welcomes Alaska-bound ships, while Halifax and Quebec City see frequent calls from New England and transatlantic cruises. It’s a unique way to explore Canada’s maritime heritage, charming waterfronts, and even the stunning Bay of Fundy tides.
Thinking about the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata for your Virgin Voyages excursion?🌊 Important context: I am not a thrill girl. Roller coasters make me queasy. And I still loved this.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are like a 5/10 intensity. Adventurous but very doable. Guided. Safe. Not extreme.
You can choose your comfort level and that’s what makes it so good.😍
#damajagua #puertoplatacity #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #waterfalls #adventure
If you’re docking in Puerto Plata and don’t want to book an excursion, this is such an easy way to spend a few hours. You can walk straight from Taino Bay. It’s flat, manageable, and felt safe with a really good mix of colorful photo ops and actual city energy.
If you only have 1–2 hours, prioritize:
📍 Umbrella Street
📍 Pink Street
📍 Centro Histórico
Have more time? Add the Malecón de Puerto Plata. Into history? Stop by Fortaleza San Felipe. We were there during La Vega Carnival, which made everything feel extra lively, but even without a festival, I’d still recommend this route.
It’s simple. It’s realistic. And it gives you a look at Puerto Plata beyond just the cruise port. 🌴✨ Save this for your next stop.
#travelling #puertoplata #dominicanrepublic #downtownpuertoplata #travelitinerary
If you’re cruising into Taino Bay, here’s what you actually need to know. I was genuinely surprised. It’s clean, modern, and way more built out than I expected. Shops, photo spots, a lazy river, restaurants you could easily spend a few hours here without feeling bored.
I left for an excursion, but coming back and spending the afternoon inside the port was actually… nice. Easy. Low stress.
If you want adventure or deeper culture, leave the port. If you want a relaxed day? You truly don’t have to. Save this for your Puerto Plata stop & read the full blog now! 🌴
I wouldn’t recommend @virginvoyages to everyone…🫢
If you’re Googling who Virgin Voyages is really for, you’re probably wondering if it fits your travel style, or if it’s just great marketing. I’ve sailed multiple times, taste-tested the ship (for research, obviously), and paid attention to the details that actually matter.
Here’s the honest answer, no cruise brochure fluff. Head to my blog to read more about planning your trip!🚢
#travelling #travelvlog #cruisevlog #cruiseship #virginvoyages
Day 2, Puerto Plata… waterfalls, city walks, and zero rush.🌴
Port day in Puerto Plata and we truly packed it in waterfalls, wandering through town, and actually having time to explore. One thing @virginvoyages does so well? Long port days. No sprinting back to the ship. No watching the clock all day.
Dinner at Extra Virgin tonight (yes, included). Fresh pasta, made to order, a menu that feels like a real restaurant not cruise food. No constant upsells. No nickel-and-diming. Dining, drinks, Wi-Fi… it’s all just handled.
You really start to see what you’re paying for and what you’re not. Ending the night with Scarlet Night! Full day out. Full night in. This is the sweet spot.✨
Virgin Voyages Cruise Vlog | 📍Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
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