Hi! We’re award-winning travel writers (and former lawyers), published in outlets like USA Today, The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star. In 2012, we launched "Sand In My Suitcase," our luxury travel blog. We've explored all 7 continents (even Antarctica!) and share trip itineraries, cruise reviews and hotel finds so you can travel smarter and in style. Join thousands of travelers who follow our adventures — and get exclusive tips and fresh inspo delivered straight to your inbox!
And, yes, we have our favorites – from glam St. Barts and vibrant Puerto Rico (hello, colorful Old San Juan!) to the under-the-radar charm of teeny Iles des Saintes. Turquoise water, white-sand beaches, rum punch... What’s not to love?
Take a peek at our top 10 picks, and see which island might just be your next tropical escape!
Star Clippers is offering this perk on 18 sailings between November 2025 and March 2026, with stays in St. Maarten, Barbados and Jamaica.
Ships includeStar Clipper and Star Flyer (classic clipper ships, 160 guests) plus the beautiful Royal Clipper (a Guinness-recognized five-masted sailing ship, 227 guests)
Book a voyage sailing through March, 2026, and Windstar Cruises will throw in their All-Inclusive Package free! It includes wine, beer and cocktails; unlimited Wi-Fi; and gratuities.
(Plus, you only have to pay a $50 deposit per guest on bookings made more than 90 days before departure.)
🐎 Mini-ponies at Vancouver’s airport? Yes, please!
Magic and Tinkerbell, two airport “comfort” ponies at Vancouver International Airport (Credit: YVR)
If you’re like us, airport stress is real – long lines, luggage chaos, flight delays...
Now, Vancouver’s YVR has a charming new remedy.
Two miniature therapy ponies are trotting around the airport to soothe frazzled travelers. Magic and Tinkerbell, adorable little ponies, are making scheduled visits to the airport this summer as part of a plan to create a calming airport environment.
Ever heard of it? We hadn’t either – until now. Once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, it’s home to a UNESCO-listed castle-and-convent complex that looks straight out of a medieval fantasy.
➡️ We focused on Northern Portugal on our last trip – the city of Porto and the Douro Valley’s vineyards – and squeezed in a little time for Sintra too... But now that Tomar’s on our radar? We’ve got the perfect excuse to plan another Portuguese getaway!
Topping the list? Aruba, Bali, Dominican Republic, Fiji and Jamaica. Also making waves: Greece’s Paros and Italy’s Sardinia.
Are any of these trending islands heating up your vacation wish list?
A Fave Travel Product
Packing cubes for your suitcase
You’ve probably heard us rave about compression packing cubes. TRIPPED, the brand behind our favorite carry-on set, now makes a larger version for checked bags.
Even better? These fix our one gripe with the smaller cubes... A mesh panel lets you see what’s inside. Underwear? T-shirts? No more guessing.
They’re strong and ultra-light, and the double-zipper system squeezes out air, so you can fit more without the bulk – we love them!
By Janice and George | Luxury travel with a twist of adventure!
Hi! We’re award-winning travel writers (and former lawyers), published in outlets like USA Today, The Globe and Mail and Toronto Star. In 2012, we launched "Sand In My Suitcase," our luxury travel blog. We've explored all 7 continents (even Antarctica!) and share trip itineraries, cruise reviews and hotel finds so you can travel smarter and in style. Join thousands of travelers who follow our adventures — and get exclusive tips and fresh inspo delivered straight to your inbox!
Colorful houseboats at Fisherman’s Wharf in Victoria Hello again fellow travelers, So you’re planning to visit British Columbia this summer or fall? Lovely! Beautiful Victoria Of course, you’ll want to include Victoria (where we live) in your itinerary. Visit world-famous Butchart Gardens, stroll around the colorful Inner Harbor, indulge in afternoon tea... 🐋 And go whale watching! We finally did it — twice — it was that good! We’d previously seen whales in Cabo and Hawaii, but didn’t think...
Hello again fellow travelers, Spring is here (and summer is on the horizon) — so yes, we’re excited! In May, we’re off to the south of France again, this time for an Azamara cruise. It’s our first time sailing with this line. Their long port days (often until 8:00 or 9:00 pm) sold us. Translation: Lots of time for our own DIY exploring — without worrying about “missing the boat” at the end of the day.😊 We’ll tell you all about it after our trip! If Europe is calling your name this spring or...
Hello again fellow travelers, February is here and we’ve just published a brand-new guide — 👉 this one on 11+ hotels in Cabo with private pools. And, yes, they’re absolutely worth the splurge! 🏖️ Pssst! If you fancy a fabulous all-inclusive resort in Cabo with private-pool suites, we love the Grand Velas Los Cabos. (You can read all about our stay here — including the infamous $25,000 gold-flaked tacos.) With Valentine’s Day around the corner, though, our minds are drifting to romantic...
