The Layover | Issue No. 1: Turn Left Travel is officially open

ISSUE NO. 1 · THE LAUNCH ISSUE

The Layover logo

Turn Left Travel by Karen Lantigua, formerly of MyWeddingAway.com

Wadi Rum desert, Jordan – Karen Lantigua riding a camel

Wadi Rum, Jordan — one of those places that stays with you.

Turn left with me.

TURN LEFT TRAVEL IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

Hi friend,

After 17 years of planning weddings with MyWeddingAway.com, it’s time for a new chapter. I have big news, and I wanted you to hear it from me first: Turn Left Travel is officially open!

Same Karen. Same care. Same habit of sweating the small stuff so you don’t have to.

Everything I do now lives under one roof, built around the trips I love most.

While I’m stepping away from destination wedding planning, I’m certainly not stepping away from celebrations! Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, multigenerational family adventures and special journeys with friends will continue to be a wonderful part of what I do.

So, what does “Turn Left” mean?

It’s an insider’s cheeky nod to the thrill of boarding an aircraft and turning left, toward the seats where you’re pampered. Lie-flat seats, generous legroom, or even your own private suite in the sky. 😉

But it’s also about taking the road less travelled, following your curiosity and discovering somewhere unexpected.

And when you don’t know which way to turn? Turn left, and see what you discover.

After 25+ years in travel, I’ve learned that thoughtful planning makes all the difference, especially when our time away is so precious. And often, the trips we remember most are the ones shared with others, full of unexpected moments, laughter and experiences that stay with us long after we return home.

Explore Turn Left Travel

What I do

I help people make the most of their time away, with thoughtfully chosen travel experiences and the kind of personal service that makes all the difference.

That includes:

  • River and ocean cruises worth getting excited about
  • Exceptional guided tours and scenic rail journeys
  • My signature hosted small-group adventures
  • Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations
  • Carefully selected resorts and island escapes

And, of course, all the details that bring a great trip together.

I don’t believe every trip is right for every traveller. My job is to help you find the one that’s right for you.

Join me on one of my upcoming trips

There’s something special about travelling with a group. The planning is done, the experiences are thoughtfully chosen, and some of the best moments are the ones you share along the way.

On my hosted journeys, I’ll be travelling right alongside you, taking care of the details so you can relax, explore and enjoy the experience.

And the people you meet along the way? Sometimes they become lifelong friends.

Positano, Amalfi Coast cruise port

🥐 Croissants & Cannoli — Barcelona to Rome

Barcelona to Rome on Oceania Nautica

A Luxury & Adventure Group Trip

Hosted by Karen · Oceania Nautica · September 16–26, 2027

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

25% SAVINGS

Offer ends November 17, 2026

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a smaller, more intimate cruise ship, exceptional cuisine and some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations, this could be your chance.

Join me aboard Oceania’s Nautica for a 10-night journey from Barcelona to Rome, with wonderful ports, outstanding dining and a fun group of fellow travellers to share it all with.

And right now, enjoy 25% savings on this voyage for a limited time.

Your World Included™ includes all specialty dining, shipboard gratuities and complimentary WiFi, plus your choice of complimentary wine and beer or US$600 shore excursion credit.

I’d love to welcome one more cabin to our group!

If this trip has been on your mind, now is a wonderful time to take another look. The offer ends November 17, 2026, so don’t wait too long.

Or simply get in touch and I’ll share the current offer details.

Explore the Cruise & Black Friday Offer

Thailand longtail boat and limestone cliffsElephants at a sanctuary in ThailandWaterfall in northern Thailand

My Signature Thailand Journey

A Thailand small group journey

Luxury & Adventure · Thailand · 14 nights · January 2028

Exact dates to be announced

I’ve been travelling to Thailand for over 35 years, and this is the Thailand I love most.

From vibrant cities and extraordinary food to beautiful landscapes, fascinating culture and experiences you simply wouldn’t discover on your own, this journey is very close to my heart.

Join the interest list and you’ll be among the first to hear when the dates are announced.

Discover my Thailand journey →

If Not Now, When?

Now. Because time is priceless.

Maybe there’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. A journey you’ve been putting off. Or a special occasion worth celebrating somewhere extraordinary.

Your plans don’t need to be complete. A place you’ve always dreamed of visiting is a lovely place to start.

Let’s plan your next journey →

Or simply get in touch. You can always reach me at karen@turnlefttravel.ca.

I plan journeys for travellers in Uxbridge, Toronto and across Ontario, and everywhere in Canada.

See you on the other side of the layover,

Karen

YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Meet Karen

Karen Lantigua, premium travel advisor

I’ve spent 25+ years in travel, and I’m choosy about what I recommend.

Curiosity, fascination and awe for our amazing planet and its cultures keep pulling me to see more.

You’ll always get my honest opinion, thoughtful recommendations and personal attention. And while you’re away, you’ll know exactly who to call.

More about me

P.S. A little Mediterranean inspiration

Want a taste of the Med before you sail? Queue up To Catch a Thief, starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly and the beautiful French Riviera.

Grace Kelly later became Princess of Monaco, and Monte Carlo is one of the ports on our Croissants & Cannoli journey.

Consider it homework. 😉

Know someone who’s overdue for a trip? Share The Layover with them. They can join the list here and hear about new journeys first.

For more travel inspiration and a peek at where we’re going next, follow Turn Left Travel on Facebook and Instagram.

Golden chedi at a temple in northern ThailandMango sticky rice with butterfly pea riceBlue domes above the sea in Oia, Santorini, Greece

TURN LEFT TRAVEL

The Layover logo was originally designed by Kai Lantigua. I carry it forward with love.