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!
Hello hello again! We’ve just returned from two fabulous weeks in the south of France and a sailing cruise to Corsica — and oh, what a trip! October turned out to be the perfect time to go ☀️ — warm sunny days in the mid-70s, the Mediterranean still invitingly swimmable and fewer crowds (though we still had to book restaurants and tours in advance). The first five days we stayed in the Nice area. Here, we balanced our love of old-town wandering with plenty of coastal walks — because for us,...
Hello hello again! Are you, like us, missing summer already? With fall on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to start dreaming about a cruise. 🚢 The other night, friends told us over dinner that their daughter and son-in-law (both doctors in California) sailed on one of the new Ritz-Carlton yachts — and absolutely raved about it. Indeed, luxury hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Aman are launching ships that look nothing like the cruises of old! They’re part of an...
Hello again! Think Europe means shoulder-to-shoulder piazzas, endless lines and fully booked restaurants? Think again. If you’d rather sip your cappuccino without a sea of selfie sticks around you, we’ve got just the ticket. From charming villages with cobbled streets to little-known cities that sparkle in autumn (and even winter!) and under-rated countries, these lesser-known spots are perfect for curious travelers who crave space to breathe – without skimping on beauty or culture. ➡️ It’s...
