The TravelRight Dispatch

POSTCARD FROM... CALIFORNIA?
​Earlier this year, during the birth of #ElbowsUp, Tim and I snuck off to Northern California and didn't tell anyone. It was a secret, but I'm telling you guys. I was honouring a commitment made months previously, pre-Trump’s (second) bat-shit weirdness. I am writing about our adventures soon, for Go World Travel. And soon, because California is in everyone’s good books, I'll be crafting stories for Canadian media about Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Gold Country and Sacramento.

Statistics Canada recently reported that 34% fewer Canadians visited the U.S. by car and about 25% fewer travelled by air in August 2025 compared with August 2024. The ongoing step back from the U.S., including the travel boycott is “still in full swing” according to the CBC, and “not just a blip.” Air Canada, Flair, Porter and WestJet have cut routes to some cities or are using smaller planes. Meanwhile, snowbirds are getting fingerprinted at the border now. They're not gonna like that.

EXCERPT
Fleurieu Uncorked​
Last March, we got acquainted with South Australia, including the sun-drenched Fleurieu Peninsula, just a short drive from Adelaide. This story ran in the Sept/Oct 2025 issue of IN Magazine:

I pay the $20 cover without batting an eyelash. As you would if you were on holiday, indulging in the moment. And yet, where are all the men? This is supposed to be Adelaide’s most popular gay club. Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, the boys start rolling into Mary’s Poppin just as the drag show starts. Perfect timing.

AAAAHHHSOME SPA
Terra Nova Nordic Spa, Woodstock, Ontario
​It’s too hot. It’s too cold. OK, there is no Goldilocks moment, but that’s the point. While spending a few days visiting pals in Stratford, Ontario, we motored to nearby Woodstock to take the waters at Terra Nova Nordic Spa. This little indoor/outdoor country retreat is replete with hot and cold pools, saunas and steam sheds, plus both indoor and outdoor rest areas. There was even a row of waterbeds for a cat nap. No talking allowed, so we sucked at that.

INTEL
How to Pack Lighter Than Ever Before
​In order to be a nimble traveller—one who can still hoist a carryon into the overhead bin—you have to pack smart. I recently had to help my sister pack for a European river cruise. Here are some of our work-arounds:

1. Go plain. No one's going to notice that you’re wearing the same outfit every night—except your travel companions, who are in the same boat.

2. Pare down the jackets. Rather than multiple sweaters and hoodies, bring one light puffy jacket instead. It takes up less space and you can just wear it over a t-shirt. I also use mine as a pillow for long flights, so I don’t have to drag around one of those stupid neck pillows.

3. No cotton. Leave all the heavy, bulky and ultimately smelly cotton at home, including denim. You will get more wear out of activewear with antibacterial properties—like golf wear—which will dry quickly if you have to rinse it out. The same goes for underwear: the smaller the better.

4. Black is slimming. Black clothes are classic, a chic uniform for city weekends or more arts-oriented jaunts. If your suitcase is nothing but black, you can pack even less.

5. Dress it up. Tuck in scarves, statement necklaces and cheap jewellery – nothing flashy. You don’t need a dozen handbags. Two pairs of shoes and a sandal. Period.

6. Simplify skincare. All the hotels have such excellent, natural bathroom amenities these days, you don’t need to bring much. Your face will survive a few days without wrinkle cream. But only a few!

You Can't Handle the Snark!
​The November edition of The TravelRight.Today Podcast rounds up Arosa Gay Ski Week and Engelberg in Switzerland, plus small-ship cruises and connecting flights. Spoiler Alert: Wear sneakers!

​​​​