Cuba - Oct. 2005

This was my first familiarization trip, and I really didn't know what to expect. The day we were to fly out of Vancouver, Hurricane Wilma had just hit Cancun and was passing by Cuba. It was a last minute decision on if we would be able to fly. It ended up being a great trip, some of the weather wasn't the greatest but the people are so friendly!
We were able to see the following hotels:

Barcelo Marina Palace (also stayed at)

Beaches Varadero (now the Melia Las Antillas)

Club Amigos (now the Aguas Azules Hoteles C)

Gran Caribe Club Puntarenas

Iberostar Varadero

Melia Varadero

Paradisus Varadero

Sandals Princessa del Mar (now the Paradisus Princessa del Mar)

Sandals Royal Hicacos

Sol Sirenas Coral

Superclubs Varadero

Tryp Peninsula

Sunshine Coast - July 2005

We took advantage of the BC Ferries pass which allowed unlimited travel in 3 days to visit the Sunshine Coast.

 I used to live in Gibsons so it was nice to get back for a visit. The visit was timed for the Sea Cavalcade weekend which happens every July. There was a fireworks display in the harbour, which is where most of the touristy stuff is, including Molly's Reach (as seen in the TV show The Beachcombers).

 Heading north we stopped by the Davis Bay sandcastle competition, and Skookumchuk Narrows before taking the ferry to Powell River and onwards to Comox and home.