Debra Smith

Debra Smith is a travel writer, photographer, cat lover and chocoholic from Calgary, Alberta. A true blue Canadian, her happy place in winter is a beach far away from her messy office. For travel stories, tips, hotel reviews and more, visit her website at WhereToLady.com and follow her on Instagram @where.to.lady

Mandela, Museums and Memories: Notes from Johannesburg, South Africa

Debra Smith Africa, News & Reviews July 16, 2018

It’s always good to know a few words in a local language, but that could be a challenge in Johannesburg, a city with 11 official languages. Our guide, T.K. Motosogi, from JMT Tours suggested that we learn a little Zulu, as it’s the most ...Read More

Sunny Sayulita, Star of the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Debra Smith Mexico, News & Reviews, Sayulita March 2, 2018

Snuggled up to the Pacific Ocean and cradled by the tropical forests of the Sierra de Vallejo mountains, pretty Sayulita is less than an hour’s drive north of Puerto Vallarta.  Surfers found their way to this tiny village in the 1960’s and spread the ...Read More

Mardi Gras is a Family Affair in Lafayette, Louisiana

Debra Smith Louisiana, News & Reviews, USA February 22, 2018

If Mardi Gras is on your bucket list, but New Orleans seems overwhelming for your little ones, (or for you) consider lovely Lafayette. Only 217 kilometres (135 mi.) from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Lafayette is a city of 127,000 folks who ...Read More

Where to Play and Stay in Portugal: Cascais and Sintra

Debra Smith Europe, News & Reviews, Portugal January 19, 2018

Welcome to Portugal’s Riviera, the former playground of nobility that’s still the most expensive postal code in the country. Luckily, Cascais remains an affordable luxury getaway for Canadian families, especially in the spring and fall when the weather is perfect, and there are fewer ...Read More

Where to Play and Stay in Portugal: Sagres

Debra Smith Europe, News & Reviews, Portugal January 17, 2018

The Algarve comes from an Arabic phrase that means “the West” and the most southwesterly point of Europe is here, near the town of Sagres, 327 km south of Lisbon. Set in a windswept landscape with miles of sunny beaches in Sao Vicente National Park, ...Read More

Where to Play and Stay in Portugal: Lisbon

Debra Smith Europe, News & Reviews, Portugal January 15, 2018

Think of Lisbon as San Francisco’s older, cooler cousin. It has seven hills ringing a historic harbour, painted streetcars, seafood you’ll long for after you leave and a history that stretches back more than a thousand years. See In a crowded restaurant in Lisbon, ...Read More

Going Local in Western Cuba – Varadero, Havana, Viñales and Matanzas

Debra Smith Caribbean, Cuba, News & Reviews December 29, 2017

It’s so tempting to just hang at the pool at an all-inclusive but explore a bit, and you’ll find some rare child-friendly gems in western Cuba. Experience more of the real Cuba on this circle route from the beaches of Varadero through art-filled Havana, ...Read More

Falling In Love with Virginia

Debra Smith News & Reviews, USA, Virginia December 15, 2017

Like its state slogan says, Virginia is for lovers – especially if you love the outdoors, history and romance. Here are three short trips around the state, tailor-made for falling in love with Virginia. Romance from Lynchburg to Luray “If Hollywood is calling, tell ...Read More

Washington Wows with Rockets, Rollercoasters and Real Spies

Debra Smith News & Reviews, USA, Washington October 27, 2017

Dusty old books begone! There’s nothing to spark a kid’s imagination like rocket ships, secret codes, homemade forts and splash rides. You’ll find all of these and more at these five kid-pleasing Washington, D.C. attractions. History’s Mysteries From the charging elephant in the Rotunda ...Read More

A Tale of Two Victoria Gardens

Debra Smith British Columbia, News & Reviews October 9, 2017

Discover the roots of these two very different but equally enchanting gardens, The Butchart Gardens and the Abkhazi Garden in Victoria, B.C. Victoria, B.C., the City of Gardens, is growing – in more ways than one.  Its population has bloomed to just under 350,000 ...Read More