BRITISH COLUMBIA >> A birthday trip took longtime San Jose friends Connie Skipitares, Suzanne Arnaud, birthday girl Maureen Lewis, Kathy Infantino and Shaye Ryall to Victoria in August. “Victoria is an Anglophile’s dream,” says Connie. “While not on the European continent, this charming city still offers a rich environment of British culture. Afternoon tea is served just about everywhere! At the storied Empress Hotel, traditional English tea is served each day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the elegant dining room. Save your pennies for this lavish experience — $100 per person.” Other must-sees included “spectacular Butchart Gardens, a 55-acre flower lovers’ paradise 30 minutes north; Hatley Castle, a sprawling Tudor-style mansion and gardens; and downtown Victoria with lively pubs and cute shops.”

TRAVEL TIPS >> “The Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus tour is a must-do experience, a 2-hour tour that circled the city, giving us a sampling of key sights that we went back to for our own touring. In summer, try to visit Butchart Gardens on a Saturday night to not only enjoy the flowers at twilight, but take in an outdoor concert and stunning fireworks show.”

Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers go there, too.