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Welcome to the November Edition of ESCAPE!
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November is here, and we hope you've had a chance to enjoy some of those beautiful autumn days before winter starts making its presence known! As the evenings get cooler and we spend a little more time indoors, it's a great opportunity to catch up on some travel inspiration, discover a few new places and maybe start thinking about where you'd like to go next.
In this month's ESCAPE, we're heading to Slovenia, our Destination of the Month, a beautiful corner of Europe where storybook towns, stunning alpine scenery, sparkling lakes and charming old-world streets make for a destination that's full of surprises.
We're also travelling to Paris with Pam Mitchell, who recently explored the City of Light with her son Jayden. And for a little history with a fascinating setting, we're visiting Butrint, Albania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian influences have left their mark.
We're also looking ahead to an exciting adventure across the Atlantic with our HOSTED small group luxury coach tour to Ireland in May, led by Garth and Meridel Layden. It's a wonderful way to experience Ireland's scenery, history and charm while enjoying the company of a small group and your Elevation hosts.
There's plenty more to discover, including a travel tip that might be sitting right in front of you, a delicious Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe courtesy of our friends at Avalon Waterways, and our Beyond the Itinerary feature, where we're getting to know Lynn Holinski a little better. We'll also share a fun fact about a town shaped like a star and explore the connection between travel and wellness in a special feature.
So grab a coffee, tea or your favourite cozy beverage, get comfortable and settle in for another edition of ESCAPE.
We hope it gives you a few new places to dream about, a few ideas to add to the travel list and maybe even a reason to start planning your next adventure!
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On November 11, we will pause to remember and honour the brave men and women who have served our country, those who continue to serve, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
We will also remember the Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives in the recent tragedy at CFB Wainwright, and keep their families, friends and fellow service members in our thoughts. Our thoughts are also with those who were injured, wishing them strength and a full recovery.
Their courage, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
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Slovenia:
Europe's Beautiful Surprise
Fairytale lakes, emerald rivers, Alpine peaks, charming towns, coastal villages and some seriously good food. There's a lot more to this little European country than you might expect.
When people start planning a European holiday, the usual names tend to come up first. Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Portugal. And while we could happily return to those countries time and time again, there's something exciting about discovering a destination that hasn't necessarily been on your radar.
Enter Slovenia.
Tucked between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, this small Central European country is one of those places that .... Read more →
| FROM OUR TRAVEL DIARIES... | |
What happens when a mother and son set off to explore France together?
Quite a lot, as it turns out! From the excitement of Paris to the spectacular historical shows and immersive experiences of Puy du Fou, Pam shares the highlights, surprises and special moments that made their trip memorable.
Along the way, there are fascinating discoveries, plenty to take in and a few experiences that are hard to put into words. Come along for a peek at their French adventure and see why some travel memories stay with you long after you've returned home!
Read more →
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UNESCO World Heritage Spotlight:
Butrint, Albania
Imagine wandering through ancient stone ruins, discovering a Roman theatre tucked among the trees and stumbling across centuries of history at every turn. Now add a beautiful lake, winding waterways and the warm Mediterranean sunshine. Welcome to Butrint, one of Albania's most fascinating places to explore.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, Butrint has been shaped by more than 2,000 years of history. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians all left their mark here, and the result is an archaeological park that's...
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| | ELEVATION FEATURED GROUP DEPARTURE | | |
15 Day HOSTED Small Group Luxury Coach Tour of Ireland
Departing May 11 to 25, 2027
Hosted by Garth and Meridel Layden from Elevation Travel!
Experience the magic of the Emerald Isle on this 15-day journey through Ireland, where breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and warm Irish hospitality come together. From the historic streets of Belfast and the dramatic coastline of the Giant's Causeway to the rugged beauty of Connemara and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, this journey takes in some of Ireland's most memorable sights.
Explore vibrant Galway, discover the charm of the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, visit historic castles and picturesque towns, and enjoy some truly Irish experiences along the way. Think traditional music and entertainment, an oyster shucking experience, a ride through Killarney National Park in a traditional jaunting car and plenty of opportunities to soak up the local culture.
With Garth and Meridel hosting, comfortable first-class hotels and a wonderful mix of sightseeing, scenery and authentic experiences, this is a fantastic way to discover Ireland!
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The Best Travel Tip Might Be Sitting Right in Front of You
Want to discover a fantastic local restaurant, find a hidden gem near your resort or make the most of your next cruise port? Before you spend another hour scrolling through online reviews, try asking the person behind the bar.
You've researched your destination, saved restaurant recommendations on your phone and bookmarked all the attractions everyone says you absolutely must see. You've got your holiday planned down to the last detail.
But what if one of your best travel discoveries comes from someone you weren't planning to ask for advice at all?
Your bartender, for starters.
Read more →
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A Little Taste of Avalon at Home!
Ever come home from a great trip and wish you could bring a little of the experience back with you? This month, we're doing just that with a recipe from Avalon Waterways!
This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup is full of flavour, looks impressive and is surprisingly easy to make. It features simple, everyday ingredients and doesn't require any fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find items.
So, if you're looking to try something a little different in the kitchen, this one is worth adding to your recipe collection. A little taste of the Avalon experience, without having to leave home!
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THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!
Last month's first-ever ESCAPE Travel Debate got the votes rolling!
We asked whether standing up and grabbing your overhead bag before the seatbelt sign was switched off deserved a travel-crime conviction.
And the verdict?
71% VOTED - GUILTY 29% VOTED - NOT GUILTY
So, most of you aren't fans of the premature aisle escape!
But nearly three out of every ten readers were willing to let it slide. Interesting...
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Now, it's time for this month's debate. And this one might hit a little close to home for some of you!
TRAVEL DEBATE #2
The Suitcase Overpacked
You're going away for seven days....
You pack 14 outfits, three pairs of shoes, two jackets and enough toiletries to open a small pharmacy.
Your suitcase is bursting at the seams, but somehow you still insist you might need just one more outfit.
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| IS THIS BEING PREPARED OR COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL? | | | |
CAST YOUR VERDICT ABOVE!
Are you a proud overpacker, or do you believe in travelling light?
We want to know where you stand!
We'll reveal the ESCAPE verdict in next month's issue.
And remember: we're judging the travel habit, not the traveller.
Happy debating!
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BEYOND THE ITINERARY:
GET TO KNOW LYNN HOLINSKI
We spend a lot of time sharing travel stories, talking about destinations and helping people plan their next adventure. But there's a person behind every itinerary!
In this Beyond the Itinerary feature, we're getting to know Lynn Holinski a little better, from her most unforgettable travel experience to a few things you might not expect.
Read more →
| | DID YOU KNOW? - FUN FACTS | |
There's a Star-Shaped Village in the Netherlands?
The Remarkable Story of Bourtange, Netherlands
Imagine stumbling across a tiny Dutch village that looks like a five-pointed star from above. Pretty cool, right? Now imagine that those points, surrounding moats and narrow entrances were all designed to help keep an invading army out.
Welcome to Bourtange, tucked away in the northeastern Netherlands near the German border. It's a place where you can cross a bridge, wander past historic buildings and stop for something to eat, all while exploring a fortress built for battle.
And trust us, the story behind that star is a whole lot more interesting than its unusual shape!
Read more →
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Around the World in a Spa Robe:
Five Wellness Traditions Worth Travelling For
What does relaxation look like around the world? In South Korea, it might mean spending an afternoon in a traditional bathhouse. In Finland, it could involve a steaming sauna followed by a refreshing dip in a lake. And in Japan, it might mean soaking in a natural hot spring while surrounded by mountains.
Wellness has never been a one-size-fits-all experience. Across cultures, people have developed their own rituals for slowing down, cleansing, reconnecting and simply taking a break from everyday life. For travellers, these traditions .......
Read more →
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