Traveler of the week! -

Hello everyone! I wanted to introduce our traveler of the week,

Valarie is a reading teacher by day, and a blogger by night.

“Travel is another passion of mine. I’m always planning the next adventure and researching destinations. I like to learn as much as possible about the places I visit, so I can share great tips with my readers. My idea of the perfect getaway is lounging on the beach in a tropical place. My favorite vacations spots are Oahu Hi, Puerta Vallarta Mexico, San Fransisco, and Southern CA.”

What are things someone should do while visiting Seattle?

Pike Place Market, The Space Needle, Ride the Duck Tour(land and water) Ballard Locks, Bellevue Square( amazing shopping), Mt.Rainer

How can you afford to travel? Any tips you would like to share?

I don’t travel as much as I would like, but I do travel on a budget.

Cheap airfare. Fly out on Tuesday or Wednesday and return same day.
Don’t do checked luggage..carry on only to save money.
I also stay in hotels that offer free breakfast, and are reasonably priced
I don’t have to have luxury, not in the room, most of the time.

What are things you would suggest for people to see/visit in Vancouver?

Granville Island, The Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Hotel Vancouver( Ornate and historical) Gastown, Whistler and Stevetson Village in Richmond.

What advice would you give to people moving from Canada to America?

Do all your research and have all your green card paper work done and processed before you go..I did it the hard way and had to go back for a short bit! Consider the health care system, it is a lot different in the US than what you are used to in Canada!

Out of all the places you visited which would you say was your cheapest trip?

Dallas Texas, and Nashville TN

Where have you traveled/lived at?

I live in the Seattle area. I have traveled extensively in the USA , some in Canada and Mexico. I have lived in the Seattle are for 30 years. I am from Vancouver, BC Canada

Was there a big culture difference? Such as languages and such.

Some cultural differences ..yes! The second language here in the US is Spanish, in Canada it is French. ON average I would say Canadians live a healthier lifestyle..especially when it comes to food choices. Canadians can be a bit reserved. When I first moved to USA I noticed they were more outgoing.

What towns/areas did you visit?

I have visited several places… too many to list! Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Oahu and Maui Hawaii, Vancouver, Calgary, Kelowna, Regina, and several smaller cities in Canada. Other US visits: New Orleans, Nashville,Indianapolis, Dallas, San Antonio, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Palm Springs, and many other places in CA. Portland OR, Las Vegas, Phoenix, St Louis, Chicago, and several small cities in between.

Was there any experiences/places that you would suggest others to visit?

My favorite places are SFO. Hawaii and Las Vegas….there are so many experiences in all of these places that make them number 1 destinations! I have blog posts about Las Vegas and Hawaii…I need to do one on SFO!