Erika Coyes Travel

Do you know you can claim a refund for the VAT you paid on purchases in the European Union? VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax on almost all goods and services sold for consumption in the EU.

As a tourist, you can claim the VAT back at the airport. If you are making big purchases such as Italian shoes, purses, or designer sunglasses, it is definately worth the extra 15 minutes to claim the tax back.

How does it work?

When you are shopping, you will need to request the store to complete the form for the VAT refund process (tax free shopping).

The store will need to see your passport. The store submits your passport info online (to customs), and they will also provide you with a form.

If you don’t want to carry your passport with you when you are shopping, you can take a photo of it.

You will claim your VAT refund back at the airport before flying home.

At the EU airport, you will need to have the VAT form with your receipt. You should also keep the item(s) with you. If you want to pack your items in your checked luggage, you can visit a VAT refund station before checking in. If you are brining your items in your carry-on bag, then you can visit the VAT station after you pass security.

**VAT stations may be located in various areas of each airport, be sure to look online before you head to the airport.

When you get to the VAT station, there may be electric kiosks, a person at a window, or both.

You can request cash back, or have the money put back on your credit card. I completed the everything on the kiosk and had over $150 Euros refunded to my credit card. Easy peasie!

Another great tip - some stores don’t want to bother with the VAT refund process, so they will offer you a discount instead.

Happy shopping!

Huge thank you to our private driver, Davide, for making yesterday so special!

When you cruise, each itinerary has different port stops. You will have lots of options for each port - you can take excursions or tours, or in many cities you can just walk off the ship and explore the city. Another option for a port stop is to hire a private driver and customize your day.

I have always wanted to visit Positano and see the Amalfi Coast. Davide was highly recommended by other Travel Agents, so I reached out a few months ago to make a reservation. He was professional & friendly.

This area of Italy is very busy, so booking in advance is key.

Davide picked us up in Sorrento and we had his services until he dropped us back off at the ship at the end of the day.

Davide is a local and knows all the best places to go. He’s an excellent driver, so we could relax, take in the views and enjoy all wine (and limoncello) we wanted at each stop. We saw Positano from the top, and he dropped us off downtown so we could walk to the beach. He also recommended and drove us to an incredible restaurant for lunch in a small village away from the crowds - our meal was wonderful.

A couple of thing to keep in mind about port stops, sometimes your ship will anchor at sea and you will have to take a tender to shore. This can impact timing. Also - if you aren’t back at the ship in time, it will leave without you… lots to consider when booking a cruise.

I highly recommend Davide’s services - 10/10!!


Valletta, what a treat! This historic fortified city is absolutely beautiful. The smallest capital in the European Union, was the first city to be planned and constructed on a new site back in the 1500s. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, Valletta is rich in history.

Malta is one of the world’s smallest countries, its an island in the Mediterranean Sea, located south of Sicily and north of Libya. The weather is dreamy with an average of 300 sunny days per year.

Malta has been a hotspot for filming and has been featured in a variety of movies & shows including Gladiator, Troy, James Bond, Games of Thrones, and the Da Vinci Code.

We made the most of our time to explore, this is how we spent our day:

- Walked around the city wall and in to old town to explore the city centre, enjoyed a fantastic morning coffee.
- Visited the Basilica & Cathedral.
- Drank the best fresh pressed orange & carrot juice.
- Strolled the streets.
- Soaked up the views (and an Aperol Spritz) at The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge at the Embassy Hotel.
- Experienced the most incredible lunch at AKI, one of Valletta’s Michelin restaurants.
- Hopped in an Uber and took a quick ride to the seaside town St. Julian’s to go for a swim in the ocean.

Fantastic time, would go back to Malta in a heartbeat ❤️

We are cruising! Today is day 3 of our 7 night sailing on the Adriatic Sea.

After 9 fun & busy days of exploring on our own, we were excited to embark Cunard’s Queen Victoria. Cunard is a British company that has been sailing for 180 years, filled with tradition and impeccable service.

Cruising truly offers something for everyone, but it’s very important to match your interests and travel goals with the right cruise line.

You can sail oceans and rivers. There are mega ships, large ships, medium ships and small ships that all offer very different styles of cruising. Adventure & expedition, luxury, family cruises, and adult-only cruises are just a few of the options available.

Working with a Travel Agent who has cruise expertise, is the best way to learn about the general demographics of the guests, as well as the activities and inclusions on board. This will ensure you sail the ship that is right for you.

When we sail, we really enjoy a port intensive itinerary with a couple of sea days in between. We love to experience new destinations and the days at sea allow us time to relax and enjoy the ship.

When in port, we always disembark the ship early so we have lots of time to explore. When at sea, we take advantage of the gym and spa before soaking up the sun at the quiet pool. For those who enjoy more entertainment there are always games & activities going on, each ship is unique in their offerings. You can often find a cocktail making class, table tennis tournament, or dance lessons. We are sailing with Cunard this trip, they offer some British inspired activities such as fencing lessons and high tea. In the evenings you can take in a show, visit the casino, visit one of the bars , or simply sit on your balcony with a glass of wine to enjoy the sunset or get cozy and watch a movie.

Our itinerary for this sailing is:
Day 1: Zadar, Croatia
Day 2: Split, Croatia
Day 3: at sea
Day 4: Valletta, Malta
Day 5: at sea
Day 6: Sorrento, Italy
Day 7: we finish in Rome

We are cruising on our own this trip, but crusing with a group is also fun. A cruise is a great option for a multi-generational trip. It’s an easy and stress free way to travel with friends or family, and booking as a group provides great savings.

One of the biggest tips for cruising - book in advance. Cruise lines use dynamic pricing, this means - as the ship sells, prices increase.

I’ll share some photos & information from our port stops in another post. Split was gorgeous, excited to check out Valletta tomorrow!

I’ll be back at work June 13, happy to help you plan your own cruise vacation.

The secret to a perfect itinerary is mapping out a city, building in some structure, while allowing free time to wander and explore. There is much more to a destination than the attractions & famous landmarks. The magic of travel is finding that great cup of coffee, chatting with the person next to you on the bench, and stumbling across that hidden gem, or having that experience you had never anticipated.

That being said, a little bit of planning goes a long way, saving time and preventing stress. All of our transfers were booked in advance (airport pick up, ride to the train station etc) and were coordinated with our train tickets and car rental. Booking tickets for museums and attractions in advance saves hours waiting in lines. Making a few restaurant reservations before you leave prevents dinning at tourist traps.

There are too many details to share from our trip, but here’s a little info about our time in Rome - Tuscany - Venice.

3 nights in Rome

We stayed in a residential district called Prati, it was walking distance (or a quick Uber) to all the sites. It had a great vibe and was a nice break from the crowds, loved it!

Vatican City - this area is packed!!… even early in the morning. We booked a 7:45 am combo tour for Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Very grateful we started early, it was worth it.

So much more to share about Rome! We are headed back before our flight home to Canada, so I’ll share more then.

After Rome, we took the train to Florence - then we rented a car in Florence and drove south to Tuscany.

3 nights in Tuscany, we stayed in the Chianti region. Details about our dreamy accommodation in a previous post, it was perfect (beautiful scenery and pool, cooking class, e-bikes).

There are 250 wineries in this region that can produce Chianti Classico. We toured wineries and learned so much.

One of the highlights of our time in Tuscany was dinner at a small restaurant called Locanda del Tartufaio. So cozy and welcoming. The chef Giorgio is an incredible cook, and he also has a pet owl that he brings out to visit once people are done eating. Such a fun night!

We enjoyed Siena. (Parking tip: put San Francesco Parcheggi in google maps, then take 3 escalators up to town center).

After 3 nights in Tuscany, we returned the car to Florence and took the train to Venice.

3 nights in Venice

Venice is a city situated on a group of 118 small islands, with 438 bridges. It is divided in to 6 districts/sestieri called Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo and Santa Croce. There are no roads in the city, but it’s very walkable. You can also take vaporetto boats, water taxis, or gondolas.

Fun fact - Spritz was invented in 1800s in Italy’s Veneta region when Austrian soldiers added a “spritz” of water to Italian wine to make the drink lighter. There are many variations of the spritz, but the 4 most popular in Italy are:
- Aperol
- Campari
- Select
- Chinara

So much history in Venice! Some of the restaurants in Venice date back to the 1400s. Europe’s oldest coffeehouse, Caffe Florian, opened in 1720 and is still open.

Basilica di San Marco (Saint Marks Basilica) became Venice’s cathedral in 1807, the grand building is filled with mesmerizing mosaics made of gold, glass, and marble tesserae. Its beautiful grandeur is truly breathtaking. I highly recommend the after hours night tour.

We also booked a small group food tour, our guide took us to 3 fantastic little spots and we tried food we never would have sampled on our own. It was a lot of fun!

The best part about Venice is simply walking around, every street looks like a painting. Some streets are filled with so many people it’s difficult to walk, other streets are very quiet. It’s such a unique city with so much to see.

Next stop - Trieste to board a 7 night cruise on the Adriatic, stay tuned!

Uniworld Boutique River Crusies consistently receives outstanding reviews. Yesterday we had the pleasure of visiting their beautiful ship, S.S. Veniza. She was stunning!

Uniworld’s one of a kind ships offer all-inclusive 5 star river cruising. Each ship is truly unique with decor inspired by the destination sailed. As soon as we stepped on board, we were memorized by the elegant Venetian details.

Uniworld has taken everything travelers love about a boutique hotel experience and incorporated it on to a ship - truly a floating hotel. Hospitality excellence at its finest.

Uniworld’s mantra is simple: adore every guest, and strive for excellence down to the smallest detail. This was very evident, right from our very warm welcome.

Visiting ships provides me with the opportunity to experience the space, taste the food, and meet the outstanding people working onboard. Having a solid understanding of the industry is essential to my role as a travel advisor.

Thank you Uniworld Boutique River Cruises for hosting our ship visit, a 10/10 experience!

After finishing 3 action packed, joy filled days in Rome (photos and tips to come), we arrived at our Tuscan villa. This property is absolutely magical. ✨

There are a few different accommodation options on-site ranging from bed & breakfast style rooms to free standing villas. Originally a small Tuscan village, this ancient hamlet Borgo Argenina was purchased by the owners in the 90s and has been a thriving family business since.

The pool and garden are perfectly manicured. Serene and peaceful, perfect for reading a book and soaking up the sunshine.

It was easy to get here, we took the train from Rome to Florence and then picked up our rental car to drive south. We stopped in Panzano for lunch, amazing food & views) and then followed Google maps. Without stopping, it’s about an hour drive south of Florence.

On-site cooking classes, e-bikes, and a warm welcome reception when we arrived. We are thrilled to enjoy the next 3 nights here and happy to answer any questions you have.

OUT OF OFFICE ALERT ‼️ We will be exploring Italy and the Adriatic Sea until June 12th 🍷

For those who would like to follow along, our itinerary includes:

3 nights in Rome
3 nights in Tuscany
3 nights in Venice

From Venice we will head to Trieste to board a 7 night cruise, with stops in Croatia, Malta and Italy.

After the cruise, we’ll soak up one more night in Rome before flying home.

I’ll share photos and tips along our journey. Happy to answer any questions! I do share different content on Facebook and Instagram, so if you’re interested in Italy, be sure to follow along on both.

Many of you have visited these amazing places, please share the highlights of your travels! Last minute tips or recommendations are always welcome ✨

Air prices have been wild! If you have some flexibility with dates, take advantage of Paul Gauguin Cruises Spring Promo: roundtrip air between Los Angeles and Tahiti included in select sailings:

14 night Islands of Maquesa & Tuamotus
Departure dates: June 8, July 6, August 3, and August 24

11 night Cook Islands & Society Islands, departing November 30

10 night Society Islands & Tuamotus, departing Dec 11

The Gauguin is an all-inclusive small, luxury vessel with only 343 guests onboard. Designed to sail French Polynesia, Paul Gauguin will take you to the places big ships can’t reach.

This promo also includes pre and post-cruise dayroom and airport - ship - hotel transfers.

Another travel conference in the books! 7 days of learning, networking, exploring & laughing! Grateful for a week with some of the industry’s finest! Huge thank you to Trevello for organizing this fantastic event.

Cruising in Alaska did not disappoint! This bucketlist destination can be explored in so many different ways. A small expedition ship will bring you face to face with adventure, or you can explore in luxury for a tranquil & relaxing immersion in nature. Many options available depending on your travel goals & style.

Sending a shout out to my favourite strategic partners from the week - thank you for sharing your time & expertise. I love working with you all!

Virtuoso
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Amawatwrways
Avalon River Cruises
Ponant
Seabourne Cruises
Tauck
Trafalgar
G Adventures
Sandals Resorts
World of Hyatt Inclusive Collection (Dreams Resorts)
Velas Resorts
Exoticca

Misty day visiting the salmon capital of the world. In addition to incredible salmon, the fresh Alaskan crab is so sweet & delicious!

Ketchikan is located in Tongass National Forest ~ the largest rain forest in North America. So lush & green.

Historic Creek Street is home of Ketchikan’s former red light district. Prostitution was legal from 1903 - 1953, while alcohol became illegal in 1920 during the prohibition.

If you visit Ketchikan, make sure you pop in to Dolly’s House for a quick tour of the museum.

Our cruise stopped in Skagway yesterday. I joined a small group tour, driving the White Pass Summit Road, through Tormented Valley, crossing the boarder to visit Carcross, Yukon. We stopped at some beautiful lakes and even saw two bears! Breathtaking views!

When we got back to town we stopped in at the iconic Red Onion Saloon - build in 1897, it’s a famous brothel from the Gold Rush. Now a museum, you can order food & drinks - lively, fun atmosphere!

So grateful for this weather - we have lucked out!!

Juneau! The capital of Alaska. Easy port stop, we walked off the ship and headed straight to Tracy’s Crab Shack (100% worth it!!) We lucked out with the weather - amazing! My biggest travel tip for the day…. Don’t forget your sunglasses. So many options for tours in this area including whale watching, visiting the glacier, riding the Gilbert Tram, or taking a helicopter ride. Such a fun day!

Happy National Travel Advisors Day!

On this special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fantastic people I have the privilege to work with - my amazing clients and fantastic strategic partners. Thank you for your trust and collaboration.

Almost three years ago, I took a leap of faith, followed my passion, and embarked on the adventure of starting my own travel business. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received along the way.

I’ll be spending the week sailing Ruby Princess in Alaska for Trevello Travel’s Trailblazing Conference. Continuous professional development is a key component to five star service. Sending a huge thank you to Trevello for organizing this outstanding event. This industry is ever changing, the new travel trends are so exciting. I can’t wait to share!

Here's to many more adventures together! 🥂

✨Out of Office Alert: Away until May 8th ✨ Sailing for 7 nights on an Alaskan Cruise for Trevello Travel Group’s Trail Blazers Conference.

River Cruising is growing in popularity! Quick read if you have been thinking about this style of travel. With excellent options for active travellers, river cruises include more than classic walking tours - enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, wine tours, cooking classes and more. Truly a stress-free, wonderful way to explore. Often described as floating boutique hotels, these small ships visit a new destination each day. Unpack once and enjoy!

Why Clients of (Almost) All Ages Love River Cruising Three host agency execs spoke to TMR about the growing appeal of river cruises.

Happy Earth Day 🌎 Throw back to one of our trips last year. We live on such an incredible and diverse planet! So many places to explore! What’s on your bucket list?

Very excited to partner with Explora Journeys! This new luxury company has has had an extremely successful launch in to the industry!!

We are hosting a sailing on one of their stunning ships in March 2025, everyone is welcome to join! If you prefer to sail at a different time, we’ve got some great promotions to share.

The Best New Cruise Ships of 2023 These are the best new cruise ships, from Travel + Leisure's editor-curated 2024 It List.

Flash Sale River Cruise⚡️ Portugal, Spain & the Duoro River! This will sell out fast.

7 night river cruise + 3 nights in Lisbon

Departure dates available on July 14, 21 or 28

🍷Deluxe Cabin (window): $4449 per person
🍷Cabin French Balcony: $6249 per person
*based on double occupancy

Includes an all-inclusive experience:
All meals onboard
Unlimited beverages - including wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea
Port fees & taxes
Gratuities
All transfers
Choice of ship excursions
6 UNESCO heritage sites

We were in Portugal in March and loved every second.

River cruising is such a wonderful way to see Europe! This tour includes so many options - walking, hiking, biking, wine tasting, and a cooking class. 🍷

Reach out for more info

Curious about an Alaskan cruise? Our annual travel conference this year will take place on a ship! The Ruby Princess. I’m so excited about this itinerary! Departing in 15 days, such a fun way to learn about a destination. I promise to share my experience.

If you have any recommendations, please share!

Only 7 months until our first cruise in French Polynesia departs. We booked 60 excited travellers for a 7 night sailing in November, they were thrilled to take advantage of exclusive pricing. Booking early saved them over $1000 per person. This sailing has been sold out for several months. I’m excited to share that we have secured exclusive pricing on a few additional dates in 2025 and 2026.

Paul Guaguin Cruises has the only award-winning luxury ship designed specifically for French Polynesia.

With only 332 guests on board, you will never feel crowded. This all-inclusive experience includes daily stops allowing you to immerse yourself in the destination - exploring an island or relaxing on the beach. Many itineraries also include an overnight in Bora Bora, providing lots of time to soak it all in.

If French Polynesia is on your bucket list, a Paul Gauguin cruise is the perfect way to explore the islands!

Touring resorts & connecting with industry partners is one of my favourite parts of this job. There are so many destinations to visit, all with a wide range of accommodation options. People’s travel styles and travel goals are very unique. Having a solid understanding of the industry allows me to provide the best recommendations when assisting my clients.

When looking at an all-inclusive resort, some of the things to consider are:

🌴size of the resort
🌴footprint of the resort
🌴dinning options & process for reservations
🌴location of the pools
🌴types of activities
🌴kids clubs / teen clubs
🌴room locations
🌴beach
🌴proximity to town
🌴accessibility

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is in the running to be voted "The Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World" for 2024! Its stunning! This adult only resort is a perfcet spot for a honeymoon, anniversary or milestone celebration.

Very excited to share that we will be hosting a 7 night river cruise on the Saone River through Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Flavours of Burgundy (Wine Cruise)
April 24 - May 1, 2025.

Everyone is welcome to join!

Guests will receive exclusive Virtuoso benefits.

This sailing is perfect for couples, groups of friends, or solo travellers. The video below has some great details on the itinerary.

For more information, or to book your spot, please email Erika: [email protected]

AmaWaterways’ Flavors of Burgundy River Cruise Itinerary Discover some of the captivating destinations, enriching excursions and wine tastings included on AmaWaterways’ 7-night Flavors of Burgundy river cruise itin...

Deal alert 🚨 River Cruises. Grand European Tour. 15 days. Sail the Rhine and the Danube. Includes free air. June 2024 departures. Standard cabins starting at $5399 CAD

Includes
All meals
Wine & beer with lunch & dinner
Complimentary tour / excursion each day
Airfare
Transfers airport-ship

Dreaming of renting a vacation condo in Huatulco? 🇲🇽 it’s a great time to book.

Click link for details on the property, additional photos, pricing & availability calendar:
https://baysidevacationshuatulco.com/vacation-rentals/4003-santa-cruz/

Discounts for bookings 3 weeks or longer. The condo has excellent internet with Starlink. Easy to get work done while you’re away.

3 bedroom, private roof terrace with a plunge pool to enjoy all to yourself. Quick walk to Santa Cruz beach, restaurants & ammenities.