Author Profile: Valerie Hansen

Maple Leopard

Award winning travel writer and creator with over 10 years experience in creating itineraries, providing expert travel tips and hacks. I inspire women 40+ to step out of their comfort zone and travel abroad solo and domestically in North America. To date I've had the aweome opportunity to work with 150+ travel partners and tourism boards..

Read this blog


Rome in Three Days without Losing Your Sanity

Rome in Three Days without Losing Your Sanity

Rome, Italy

Rome — the Eternal City, where history greets you at every corner… along with several thousand other tourists. Don't let that detour you from putting Rome on your next Italy itinerary! Here’s how we managed to see Rome’s greatest icons without feeling like we were stuck in an endless game of tourist traps — and how you can do the...   view more


Coquitlam B.C.: How to Explore Like a Local

Coquitlam B.C.: How to Explore Like a Local

Coquitlam, Canada

Welcome to one of the Lower Mainland's best getaways: Coquitlam, British Columbia. This beautiful city is a bustling urban getaway 40 minutes from downtown Vancouver. I grew up in the area, and spent a few years in Coquitlam. It was an amazing adventure to revisit childhood...   view more


3 Perfect Days in Cascais: A Mini Guide

3 Perfect Days in Cascais: A Mini Guide

Cascais, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s bustling capital, and beautiful Cascais is the little sister. The song " Almost Paradise " describes my thoughts exactly about visitng Cascais. However "almost" is not an accurate description- it is paradise. This charming seaside town is the perfect blend of old-world elegance and laid-back coastal fun. If you have three days in Cascais, here’s how to make the most of...   view more


Paris in Three Days: The Ultimate Mother-Daughter Adventure

Paris in Three Days: The Ultimate Mother-Daughter Adventure

Paris, France

Paris, the City of Light, is timeless, charming, and endlessly entertaining. If you’re planning a three-day mother-daughter trip to Paris, get ready for a whirlwind of shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences. This guide will help you make the most of your Parisian...   view more


Explore Seville: The Perfect Day Trip from Albufeira

Explore Seville: The Perfect Day Trip from Albufeira

Seville, Spain

If you’re based in Albufeira and itching to explore beyond Portugal’s borders, Seville, Spain’s sun-kissed gem, makes for a perfect day trip. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and delicious...   view more


Discover Lisbon Solo: Where to Find the Top Sights

Discover Lisbon Solo: Where to Find the Top Sights

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-drenched capital, is a solo traveler’s paradise. With its cobblestone streets, stunning vistas, and rich history this city effortlessly combines the charm of old Europe with a modern, laid-back...   view more