Our Travel Experts

Rebecca Harley

Marketing Manager

Rebecca has a degree in Marketing Management and has worked in the travel industry for a decade. Prior to joining Journeyscape as the Marketing Manager, she spent five years working for a theme park company based in Orlando, Florida. She loves travelling and has an ever-growing bucket list of destinations that she wants to visit.

Rebecca first visited North America as a child on a family holiday and has returned many times over the years to experience the diverse culture, cuisine and attractions that each state has to offer. Rebecca enjoys California’s relaxed atmosphere and has many fond memories of her road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, including dancing in the desert at Coachella, hiking through Yosemite National Park, and wine tasting in Sonoma. Rebecca’s last trip took her across Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, before she boarded a ship to explore Alaska’s Inside Passage. A highlight was cruising through the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park.

What is your favourite...?

Place

I’m a big fan of San Francisco. Its compact size means it’s easy to visit all the must-see attractions (Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street, Chinatown etc.,) either by foot or by hopping on one of the cities iconic cable cars. I recommend spending a few hours wandering through the different neighbourhoods, each one is unique and has its own distinct flavours and cuisines, meaning you will never get bored of eating out! I love that the city offers the perfect blend of cosmopolitan living and wild natural beauty. There are lots of outside spaces on your doorstep, including Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square Park, as well as wide open spaces waiting just a short drive away, including Sonoma which offers amazing wine and locally grown produce.

Hotel

The iconic Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida offers the perfect slice of luxury and relaxation. We added a few nights here at the end of our jam-packed holiday in America, giving us the chance to fully unwind before we headed home. You might recognise this “pink palace” from a few different films over the years, but it is the amenities, including a private beach, poolside concierge service, a wellness retreat, and award-winning dining, that really set it apart.

Excursion

Riding the Rocky Mountaineer train through the breathtaking landscapes of Alberta and British Columbia was one of the best experiences of my life. The panoramic windows and outdoor viewing platform in GoldLeaf ensured that we could see all the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies in crystal clear detail. The only thing that could tear us away from such incredible sights was the delicious three-course meal served to us in the dining room.

What are your destination highlights?

Glacier Bay, Alaska

I will never forget the moment that our boat sailed along the Inside Passage and into Glacier Bay. To be completely surrounded by ice was a surreal and very humbling experience. Although we were told that the glaciers were miles away, it felt like we could reach out and touch them. This area is home to some incredible wildlife as well – we spotted orcas, sea lions, and otters, as well as lots of birds. Make sure you have a good pair of binoculars with you for this trip because you don’t want to miss a thing.

Yosemite National Park, California

It was easy to while away the hours exploring this picturesque outdoor playground. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find something that blows you away, from the easily recognisable El Capitan which can often be seen with brave climbers clinging to its rock face to the hundreds of waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs and peaks. We spent our time here wandering through the forests, enjoying the peace and tranquillity, and feeling very fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible natural beauty.

Icefields Parkway, Alberta

This stretch of road is hailed as one of the most stunning in the world, but it’s not until you’ve started driving along it that you realise how unbelievably spectacular it really is. As our car wound its way through snow-capped mountains towards Jasper, the excitement grew. Every stop along the way revealed something more incredible than the last, including gazing across the turquoise-hues of Lake Louise and walking across Athabasca Glacier.

Top Travel Tip:

Make sure that you add some breathing room into your itinerary. Whilst it might seem like a good idea to have activities planned for every single day of your trip, you will be grateful for a couple of rest days dotted in between where you can have a lie in and take things at a slower pace.

Top Packing Tip:

Ever since I travelled with someone who lost their luggage, I have started putting an Apple Airtag in my checked suitcase. It doesn’t stop your case going missing, but it does give you peace of mind, that if the worse should happen, you can at least locate your bag, and try and get it back as quickly as possible!

My Favourite Destinations

Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula offers spectacular glacial scenery and unforgettable whale-watching in the surrounding fjords.

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California’s National Parks

California might be famous for its year-round sunny weather, but few truly know about its remarkable natural beauty.…

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Icefields Parkway

With incredible scenery of lakes, canyons, snowy peaks, glaciers and waterfalls, Icefields Parkway is one of the best…

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Inspired by the landscapes, culture, wildlife and cuisine of Canada and the USA, explore our entertaining range of articles, travel tips, destination guides, recipes and much more.

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