Why I Travel
Hi, I’m Talitha. Last year, my brother Adrian and I decided to turn our passion for travel into a business: Soldera.TheTravelAgentNextDoor.com. We make a great team. Adrian is the relaxation traveler — cruises, all‑inclusive resorts, and sunshine. I’m the one who wanders off to the far corners of the world in search of adventure, history, and wildlife. Together, we cover the full spectrum of travel styles.
My Story
I’m a prematurely retired CPA — Certified Public Accountant, not Certified Payroll Associate 😊 — who spent 25 years working in provincial and local government finance. I’m lucky to call the beautiful Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island home. I moved here when I was just starting my accounting designation because it was affordable, and I stayed because I fell in love with the valley.
In those early years, I didn’t travel much. As a thrifty CPA who enjoys doing things myself, my husband Vince and I bought a fixer‑upper and spent every holiday renovating it. Then we sold it… and did it all over again in the wonderful location we live in now.
Our property is an oasis — trees, creeks, and even a seasonal swamp where frogs gather. Bears wander through on their way to the river, cougars lurk in the background, and once, a Roosevelt elk stood right in the yard. My dogs aren’t thrilled about the visitors, but it’s always exciting.
My travel journey truly began with my mom. In 2011, she asked me to join her on a trip to Egypt. Days before departure, the Egyptian Revolution began and the country closed to visitors. So we pivoted — and ended up having the adventure of a lifetime in Italy. That trip changed everything. I had to keep exploring.
Soon I was spending hours comparing travel sites and packages. Vince and I would pick a destination, including some amazing destinations in Canada, and I’d spend most of the year figuring out how to get there and what we’d do. My family jokes that I throw a dart at a map and go wherever it lands — though some of the places I’ve visited are too small for even a dart to hit. The skills I learned as a CPA became invaluable, not just at work but in planning these adventures so we could rejuvenate without breaking the bank.
Losing several friends in their 50s — and two grandparents in their 60s — made me rethink everything. Life is short. Spending it in an office for long days wasn’t how I wanted to continue. Vince had retired, so I retired too. We wanted time to do what we love while we’re still young and healthy enough to do it.
After a year and a half of retirement, I decided to turn my passion into my next adventure and asked my brother to join me. And just like that, our travel business began.
Why Travel Matters to Me
During our renovation years, Vince and I would unwind in the evenings by watching public broadcast shows — Canada Over the Edge, Waterfront Cities of the World, Nature. Those shows sparked our curiosity and often inspired our next destination.
Looking back, most of our travels revolve around wildlife and nature. At home, we share our space with two dogs, two cats, and eleven chickens, and we intentionally leave parts of our yard wild for the creatures that live there.
I never thought of myself as a birder, but I’m constantly taking photos of birds on our travels. At home, I make sure the birds have seed all winter and the hummingbirds have food year‑round. We’ve watched baby owls take their first flight, and pileated woodpeckers hammer away at the trees. I don’t travel for birds, but I love their beauty and their songs.
Travel lets me see animals I’d never encounter on Vancouver Island — but it also lets me experience cultures and foods I adore. I LOVE to eat, and trying local food is one of my favourite parts of any trip. After returning from the Galapagos, I missed the freshly pressed fruit juice so much that I bought a juicer on Amazon from the hotel room in Vancouver. No regrets.
Travel has made me deeply grateful for what I have. We’ve visited countries where people have far less than most North Americans, yet they are welcoming, kind, and joyful. It’s changed my perspective — I value experiences and people far more than things.
My Focus: Travel for Mature Adventurers
My travel business — and this blog — focuses on travel for mature individuals. I’m still young, but definitely past the stage of hostels and tents. I like comfort, even when I’m halfway around the world.
My mom often travels with me, or she and a friend join Vince and me. She has macular degeneration and wants to see as much of the world as she can while she still can. Traveling with her has taught me how important accessibility is — from arranging airport assistance to making sure hotel rooms are bright enough for her to see the tea bags.
This is why I care so much about helping mature travelers experience life on their own terms. Adventure is for everyone — it just needs to be planned thoughtfully.
Why Stay Tuned?
I’m starting this blog, Solderas Travel, because I want to share my adventures with you. Each week, I’ll post destination stories, practical guides, behind‑the‑scenes planning, and honest reflections.
I usually take three big trips a year — a mix of adventure, culture, and wildlife — and explore Vancouver Island between them. In 2025, I visited Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Cancun. In 2026 so far, I’ve gone on a tiger safari in Central India and explored Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, and France.
Next up? My fall adventure in Peru — a small riverboat journey followed by a few days at Machu Picchu. I’m already counting down the days.
I’m excited to start this conversation with you — to share my adventures, hear your tips, and answer your questions. I hope you’ll feel inspired to begin your own travel journey. And please share this blog with friends or neighbours who dream of traveling but aren’t sure where to start.
