It’s time to … say goodbye, February

February ... you had one job!

February, you were supposed to let the groundhog do its thing and quietly exit in 28 days.

Instead, the travel world gave us a few real-time reminders of why working with a travel advisor (hi 👋) actually matters.

Let’s talk about what happened, and what we learned.

Cuba: When tourism feels the ripple

In early February, several Cuban resorts began closing or consolidating operations due to ongoing fuel shortages. Airlines adjusted routes, and some flights were paused while carriers worked to bring Canadians home safely.

Beyond disrupted vacations, this has a deeper impact. Tourism supports thousands of Cuban families. When resorts close, workers lose income — and in Cuba, tourism income often supports extended families.

How travellers can make a difference (when travel resumes)

When Cuba is ready to fully welcome visitors again:

Tip generously when you can, it truly makes a difference.
Support local artisans and small vendors.
Bring small essentials to leave behind (toiletries, school supplies, etc.).
Be patient and understanding — recovery takes time.

Travel isn’t just about beaches. It’s about people. And being informed travellers helps us travel better.

If you’d like to support humanitarian efforts, organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross continue to monitor needs.

Puerto Vallarta: Headlines vs. geography

Then came the social media wave of dramatic images out of Puerto Vallarta. Flights were temporarily paused, and airlines issued advisories while authorities stabilized the area.

Cue the emails.

And yes … a few “Should we cancel Cancun?” conversations.

Here’s where perspective matters.

Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Cancun is on the Caribbean side — about a 26-hour drive away. That’s roughly like driving from Toronto to Saskatchewan.

Mexico is a country. Not a neighbourhood.

My role isn’t to dismiss concerns! It’s to provide context, facts, and options so you can make decisions based on information, not fear-driven headlines.

The travel insurance conversation (the important part)

Here’s something many travellers don’t realize:

If you cancel a trip due to concern, but the Government of Canada advisory level for your destination has not changed to “Avoid all travel,” standard travel insurance does not cover that cancellation.

That’s not the airline cancelling.
That’s not the supplier cancelling.
That’s you cancelling.

Which is why I strongly recommend supplier travel protection plans when available. They allow flexibility up to a few days before departure, giving you options if comfort levels change.

Not everyone chooses it.
But when situations like this arise, the ones who did? They breathe easier.

What we learned

• Always check the Government of Canada travel advisory before booking.
• Don’t rely solely on social media headlines.
• Make informed decisions — not reactive ones.
• Stay connected with family while travelling.
• And please, pack your common sense along with your sunscreen.

No destination is risk-free. But informed travellers are empowered travellers.

As February packs its bags …

Now I shift into March mode — which means clients escaping winter, weather monitoring, and me whispering daily prayers to the weather gods for smooth departures.

I have, in the past, offered the cleaning services of my two adult sons in exchange for good departure-day weather. They claim they are “grown men” and that I “cannot volunteer them for atmospheric negotiations.” 🙄

We’ll see about that.

Whatever March brings, my clients know one thing: I’m behind the scenes handling the details, watching the advisories, and yes — enduring the hold music — so they don’t have to.

May the rest of winter find you somewhere sunny, sipping something tropical, with Mini Sherri tucked safely in your carry-on.