Alyssa Quirico

Editorial Assistant, Digital

Contributor Since

Sep 2014

Countries Visited

@aquirico

Alyssa Quirico currently lives in her hometown of Calgary, Alta., but she’s also lived in Los Cabos, Mexico and San Francisco, Calif. She has a communications degree in journalism, has worked in marketing and written feature and lifestyle stories for publications like Fast Forward Weekly and YP.ca. When she’s not assisting the WestJet Magazine team, she’s travelling mostly for food, great patios and thrift-store treasures.

Coolest place you’ve ever visited and why: Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, for its unapologetic authenticity. And of course, the music.

Favourite travel memory: Looking out at the horizon from Cotopaxi, a glacier volcano in Ecuador, just taking it all in.

Best travel advice: Make conversation with taxi drivers and bartenders wherever you go, they’ll give you the best suggestions.

Recent Articles

Learn to Cook Yucatecan Cuisine in Mérida

Get hands on with the Yucatan's unique regional cuisine at chef David Sterling’s Los Dos Cooking School in Mérida.

4 Authentic Irish Pubs in North America

Whiskey, ale and atmosphere—it’s all authentic at these pubs in Halifax, Banff, Montreal and New York City.

Party Hotels in Edmonton, New York City and Scottsdale

If you don't plan on sleeping much, want great cocktails or are looking for a pool party vibe, a party hotel is the way to go. Edmonton's Crash Hotel is within walking distance to the ICE district, New York City's Pod 39 has a killer rooftop bar and W Scottsdale's WET Pool is open 24/7.

What to Do Along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Located about an hour from Cancun in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is Playa del Carmen’s bustling Fifth Avenue, known as “La quinta” to locals. On and just off this pedestrian-friendly drag, you’ll find boutique shops, flea-market stalls, great food and buzzing nightlife.

What to Do in Nashville’s Wedgewood/Houston Neighbourhood

Just south of downtown, tucked between Wedgewood Avenue and Houston Street, “WeHo” has become Nashville’s leading arts community, packed with art galleries, vintage shops and distilleries.

Black Friday Survival Guide: Shopping Apps, Local Deals and Tips for Success

In recent years, Canadian retailers have embraced the American Black Friday tradition, keeping our dollars at home. But let’s face it: the whole day can be overwhelming. So, we’ve gathered up our best tips to help you plan for success.

Tiny Hotels in Nashville, Los Angeles and Miami

These boutique hotels with 15 rooms or less deliver cozy comforts in prime neighbourhood locations. Stay at Nashville’s Germantown Inn for its historic charm, at L.A.’s Hotel Covell for its apartment-like feel, or at Prime Hotel - South Beach in Miami for its closeness to the Art Deco District.

Photographer Paul Zizka’s Tips for Astrophotography

Paul Zizka, Canadian mountain and adventure photographer based in Alberta, captures iconic landscapes and ethereal night skies with astrophotography. At the Dark Sky Festival in Jasper National Park, Zizka gave us his top tips for creating stunning nighttime imagery.

What to Do in Saskatoon’s Riversdale Neighbourhood

One of Saskatoon’s oldest neighbourhoods has been steadily reclaiming its pre-Depression-era glory as restaurants, boutiques and art galleries set up shop along its main stretch—20th Street West. Recharge at The Underground Café, shop at Green Ark Collected Home and see live music at Village Guitar & Amp Co.

Eating Your Way Through the Richmond Night Market

With more than 100 food stalls serving about 500 authentic, made-to-order international dishes, the Richmond Night Market is one of the largest and busiest outdoor markets in North America. For out-of-towners, it’s an eye-opening culinary experience and an introduction to Asian street food the way it’s meant to be experienced—casual, entertaining and wonderfully messy.