Plan Smarter, Stress-Free Travel
Planning a vacation should be exciting. But for many travelers, it can quickly become overwhelming—where should you go, what should you do, and how do you stick to a budget? We sat down with travel pro and co-owner of Westshore Travel Centre, Jason Roudette, to get the inside scoop on underrated destinations, important factors to consider when vacation planning, and why working with a travel professional can make all the difference. Read on for stress-free travel advice from a pro:
“You have to think about who you’re travelling with and the experience you actually want” says Roudette. “A trip with toddlers looks very different than a couples getaway or multi-generational family vacation. Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, culture, or the simplicity of an all-inclusive? Matching expectations to the destination is crucial.”
Roudette notes that budget is still important, but stresses that value is more than just price.
“The right destination and thoughtful planning can make the entire experience feel effortless.”
And if you’re looking for family-friendly destinations, Roudette has several that come to mind. “Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a standout” he says, adding that it’s incredibly walkable with great food and authentic culture. “Portugal is another favourite. It’s welcoming, safe, and more affordable than many other European destinations. And Iceland. It surprises a lot of people being incredibly safe and very family-friendly with waterfalls, geothermal lagoons, and glaciers that provide a wow factor.”
Ready to pack your bags? There are a few things you want to double check first.
“One of the biggest things people overlook is the in-between logistics” he says. “Things like airport transfers, arrival times versus hotel check-in, and how jet lag or traveling with young kids can impact the first day are details that can make or break the start of the trip.”
Roudette also notes that many individuals often downplay the importance of travel insurance or assume coverage through a credit card is sufficient. And when it comes to entry requirements and passports? Don’t wait until you’re en route.
“Entry requirements and passport validity catch people off guard. Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) are becoming far more common and often must be completed before departure, not on arrival. On top of that, some countries require six months of passport validity beyond your return date—and many travelers don’t realize that until it’s almost too late.”
And while researching vacations and building a travel Pinterest board can be fun for some, Roudette shares that the average traveler can spend upwards of 30 hours researching a single trip and encourages travellers to work with a professional for advice and support.
“We already know what works” says Roudette. “Our clients receive curated recommendations aligned with their goals. It saves time and provides priceless peace of mind. Plus, we’re independent and proudly 100% Canadian-owned. Booking with us means supporting local and for every booking made through Westshore Travel Centre, we plant kelp along the Sunshine Coast or mangrove trees in Kenya. Clients choose which project to support as our way of offsetting carbon emissions and contributing to meaningful environmental restoration.”
So, ready to say bon voyage? Follow Westshore Travel Centre on Instagram for some travel inspo, then give them a call to take care of the details. Just remember to give yourself a little flex time, too.
“Build in at least one day with nothing planned. Some of the best travel memories come from spontaneity.”
From epic eats to travel planning, from play to going away, Westshore Town Centre offers something for the entire (read: busy!) family. Situated in the City of Langford, Westshore Town Centre’s convenient location, along with numerous retailers, such as Westshore Travel Centre, allows for the quick and easy completion of one’s daily “to do” list, including getting everything you need to try a new recipe. We’ve got you covered. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on everything WTC-related!