What we’re about
Welcome to our travel meetup!
Whether you're interested in domestic travel, international destinations, river and ocean cruises, all-inclusive vacations, road trips, tours, solo travel, multigenerational travel, or setting up a vacation bucket list, this group is for you.
As a travel agent with Travel Best Bets in Vancouver, I am excited to share exclusive offers and travel deals with this community. Some of the types of offers you can expect to see include all-inclusive deals, river cruises, ocean cruises, group tours, and tours/cruises that I will be leading personally.
In addition to sharing exclusive travel deals and offers, I will also be hosting in-person meetups where you can meet me and other travelers, share knowledge and experiences, and plan your next trip together. I will also be hosting free informative online presentations with tourism boards and suppliers, where you can learn more about different destinations and travel options, and ask any questions you may have.
These meetups and presentations will be a great opportunity for you to connect with like-minded travelers and gain valuable insights and tips for planning your next adventure. I look forward to meeting you in person and helping you plan your dream trip!
[email protected] (preferred)
phone 604.328.3706
whatsapp 604.328.2706 when I am travelling
To see all of our available deals, please visit our Facebook page at Near and Far Destinations. We frequently update our page with the latest offers and deals, so be sure to check it out often.
If you see an offer here, on our website, an ad, or your dream trip, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to help you plan your next adventure and make it an unforgettable experience. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, provide more information on the deals and offers, and help you book your dream trip. So don't wait, let's start planning your next adventure together!
Near and Far Destinations | Facebook
If you are not on Facebook and would like to be added on to a weekly email list , then email me to be added on to it.
11 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent for Your Next Vacation
North Americans, including many who never worked with a Travel Agent before, are turning to Travel Agents as they anticipate resuming vacation plans. Here are some of the reasons why it makes sense to rely on a Travel Agent during these times.
1. Save Time
We all know time is money, so why waste it researching airlines, cruise ships, hotels, and other travel suppliers when you can lean on an expert who has experienced them first-hand? While you should research which places you want to go (research shows that even the act of planning travel creates happiness) there’s no need to spend your valuable time over the tedious and less interesting details such as hotel reviews and flight options.
2. Avoid Stress
Things that require a significant amount of time and money inevitably tends to create headaches and stress. If recent times have taught us anything it’s that self-care is of prime importance. Working with a Travel Agent who can do the complex parts for you is an easy way to reduce the amount of stress in your life while still being able to get excited about future travel.
3. Rely on an Expert
Few people travel as much as Travel Agents. They are constantly educating themselves on the industry and what’s coming next. While COVID-19-related travel restrictions are constantly changing, it’s your Travel Agent’s job to be up to date and in the know. For many, the thought of planning travel in the time of coronavirus makes them feel lost or overwhelmed but that’s where a Travel Agent can step in and provide expert advice, recommendations and even alternate options when need be.
Would you invest your life savings without an expert? or build a home? Your vacation is just as important for your well-being and you should rely on an expert when it comes to planning and booking.
4. Travel Options are More Complex Than They Used to Be
With the current environment including retiring cruise ships, Covid testing requirements, Vaccine travel passports, Staycations, Pod vacations, never mind the new resorts, and new airline fare categories, keeping up with the options is a full-time job. Having a professional help with the planning and logistics can have a big impact on how much you spend and how much you enjoy your vacation.
5. The Personal Experience
Often the best travel deal isn’t the one that best suits you. By working with a Travel Agent, you’ll make sure that you get the best possible deal for the trip you actually want to take. Unlike a search engine, a Travel Agent will take your personal preferences into consideration before seeking out your ideal getaway.
6. You’ll Support Small Business
Like many other small and family-owned businesses, travel agencies have been massively impacted by the pandemic and they need the support from those same people who they’ve helped over the years. Supporting your local Travel Agent is just another way you can support small businesses and do your part to help jumpstart your local economy.
7. Get special Access
Travel Agents have access that Online Travel Sites and average travelers themselves don’t have. They are much more likely to enhance your trip with some unexpected and authentic moments. It might just be a surprise bottle of champagne upon arrival at your honeymoon resort or a last-minute suite upgrade. There’s no guarantee but working with an agent ensures that you have someone looking out for you behind the scenes.
8. Leverage Their Passion
The role of the Travel Agent might be different than what it was decades ago but this group’s relentless passion for exploration is among the many reasons they remain so vital today and have been able to overcome past crises including 9/11 and the Great Recession. A great Travel Agent can get you excited to see the world and keep you inspired to stay the course in those moments when you aren’t so sure. In the time of COVID-19, a good agent will never pressure you to travel but can help plan your dream trip for the time when you are more comfortable with heading out to explore again.
9. You Get an Instant Network
When you work with a Travel Agent, you not only benefit from their expertise but from their many connections. No travel professional has been everywhere, and it would be impossible for them to know everyone and everything. But they’ve undoubtedly participated in FAM (familiarization) trips where they were able to network with other agents and initiate lasting relationships with key players in the travel and tourism industry. This network is something they lean on when it comes to planning the best vacation for their clients. You are getting so much more than just one Travel Agent when you work with them.
10. A Human Connection that Travels with You
Unlike an online travel engine, your Travel Agent is with you for the duration of your trip. If you run into any problems such as a last-minute flight cancellation you will have a real person to contact for assistance. Even when an unexpected obstacle is outside of their control, a trusted agent will go to bat for you and keep in communication until the situation is resolved. You’re never alone when you have a Travel Agent to lean on.
11. Travel Agents Not Only Save You Money, They Deliver more Value for Your Vacation Dollars
When working with a Travel Agent, the value you receive will be bigger than what you paid. Cruise lines, luxury hotels, and many resorts get the majority of their customers through Travel Agents and they reward the best ones with perks to share with you. Travel Agents consistently get access to the best rooms, upgrades, and special features that are just not available in online databases.
Looking forward to making your dreams and trip happen!!
Thanks
Troy
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Network event4 attendees from 6 groups hostingSurvey for 2025 and 2026 private group destinations & win a prizeLink visible for attendees
Hi Everyone
I am looking for input from the members on where and when they would like me to organize then next 2 private tours.
Max group size is 14-16 depending on the tour chosen.
LInk to the survey and a chance to win a random prizeMy 1st private tour was Morocco and was full but the earthquake happened 10 days before the start of the trip so only 4 of us went.
I may do this again as there is alot of interest in it.
The 2nd private group is Jan 4-15 2025 Tanzania Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar.
At this time it is full but 1 of the members is having health issues so may have room for 1-2.
Contact me if you are interested
[email protected]Since these are in Africa , next ones will be Asia and South America. If people want Europe or other destinations , please give me feedback.
I am a full time travel consultant so help support the meetup and small local business and use my services for your next tour, cruise , all inclusive or let me create your own amazing trip
[email protected]
604.328.2706
Join my facebook page to see the current offers and share with your friends
Join and share my monthly newsletter
Follow my IG to see my travel stories
Follow me on TikTok for my travel videos and tips
Subscribe to my Youtube channel for indepth destination videos - Network event13 attendees from 5 groups hostingMonthly picnic/bbq to socialize & to talk local getaways & international tripsCoquitlamTown Centre Park, Coquitlam, BC
Summer is here so it is time to take it to the park. The date may change if the weather is crappy
This is cross posted in several meetups and our Facebook group
Impulsive Tourists | FacebookLast summer we were getting about 25 people attending
Bring your own chair/blanket , drinks (booze is ok), food , and bbq to the event
Getting together to socialize and talk travel
Answer questions about the upcoming trips and get ideas for other trips
The general time line to these type of events:
2-230 everyone arrives
230- 245 everyone introduces themselves and tells us where they are travelling next
245-300 I will answer any questions about our upcoming trips
300-500 Break into small groups to socialize and find others that have gone to where you are travelling to get tips and advice
Lots of people have travel plans and some I have helped book.
I have been to Jordan, Israel, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Fiji, Tahiti , lead a group to Morocco and taken a river cruise in the last year or so.This spot has lots of free parking or you can take skytrain as it a 10 min walk from the station
The stadium has washrooms
to find the spot
north on pintree way
turn left onto trevor wingrove way
turn left into town centre water parking lot (its listed in google maps)
the volley ball courts and play park will be to your right (south)
the town stadium park sports hub & ping pong tables directly in front of you (east)
we will be setup on your left in the corner of the grass fields under the trees (directly in front of the ping pong tables )
if raining we will move to the stadium bleachers which are coveredMy upcoming tours that you can join me and others from meetup
Jan 4-15 2025 12 day Tanzania Serengeti Safari & Zanziba with Troy --Possibly 1 spot left , CONTACT ME ASAP
I am considering a Uganda Gorilla trek Dec 21 before the safari that you can also join meTake my survey for the next tour destinations for 2025 and 2026 and win a prize for taking it
Side note
I am a full time travel consultant so help support the meetup and small local business and use my services for your next tour, cruise , all inclusive or let me create your own amazing trip
[email protected]
604.328.2706
Join my facebook page to see the current offers and share with your friends
Join and share my monthly newsletter
Follow my IG to see my travel stories
Follow me on TikTok for my travel videos and tips
Subscribe to my Youtube channel for indepth destination videos - 15 Day Private Guided Inca Empire Tour - La Paz to Lima (3 options)Needs location
Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list forever so time to make it happen.
Sept 23 - Oct 7 2024 15 days private guided tour
From the bustling market-filled streets of La Paz to Incan culture high in the Andes, this two-week adventure provides a panoramic view of Peru and a glimpse of Bolivia. Embrace cultures past and present in Cusco and La Paz and interact with locals from the region’s communities for an immersive experience that few rarely get to know. Conquer the Inca Trail, one of the world’s best known and challenging hikes, and experience the stunning views of majestic Machu Picchu. As the region’s largest operator, we run our own treks, which ensures the fair treatment of our porters, quality food, service, and equipment.
CAD 3,144.00 per person
### Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
### Transport
Public bus, plane, train, boat, ferry, hiking.
### Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts), homestay (1 nt).
Based on Double occupancy
Based on a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 16
My Own Room (single supplement) CAD 429.00 per person
Maximum number of MOR's - 2
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single accommodation for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Nights 9-11: Inca Trail.If you have chosen the Lares Trek/Cusco Stay you will have a single room/tent for nights 9-11.
Your 3 options to visit Machu Picchu :
Inca Trail Itinerary : Permit Required 4D/3N -- Longer, busier, less elevation, more ascents and descents & some of the sites have working toilets and showers
Lares Trek Itinerary: 3D/2N -- shorter, less crowded, more elevation and rustic camp site
Describes the differences between the 2 options
Cusco Stay (Train/Bus option to Machu Picchu): Explore Cusco and Surrounding area while others are hiking.You decide which option you want when you put your deposit down.
$350.00 DEPOSIT DUE JUNE 1 2024
The deposit has a Lifetime guarantee with G Adventures in case you have to cancel.
FINAL PAYMENT DUE JULY 15 2025If you have questions about this trip or would like me to book you another tour
[email protected]My other upcoming trips
Sept 22 - Oct 6 15 Morocco tour (FULL)
Feb 4 - 18 2024 15 Day Essential India (TAKING DEPOSITS)
Aug 17 - 24 2024 7 Day Alaska cruise on the HAL Koningsdam (TAKING DEPOSITS AND WILL PAIR UP SOLOS)
Jan 4 - 16 12 day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar (I haven't posted it yet)Please share these links with your friends to have fill up the seats
- Sandals (AO) & Beaches (Family) Resorts & Barbados Tourism Board Presentationcoquitlam public LIbrary city centre branch, Coquitlam V3B 6X1, BC
Thurs Sept 26 6:30-8:30 pm at the Coquitlam Centre Branch Library
1169 Pinetree Way, Room 127.
Free parking or right across from the Lincoln Skytrain Station
Space is Limited
Exclusives Savings for all who attend
Register for the Thurs Sept 26 630-830 PresentationI’m pleased to invite you to a complimentary informative presentation featuring Winston Chang, Western Canada's Sandals and Beaches Luxury Resorts BDM, and Lisa Batson of the Barbados Tourism Board.
No place captures the imagination like the Caribbean, but Winston Chang will certainly try his best to do so in his presentation. Sandals Adults Only and Beaches Family Friendly luxury all-inclusive resorts call it home. Set in stunning locations like Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent, these resorts offer unlimited specialty restaurants, premium bars, diverse land and water sports, complimentary green fees at golf resorts, and PADI® certified scuba diving. Stay, play, and indulge at any of their Caribbean resorts for the best island experience.
Barbados is a vibrant Caribbean island renowned for its stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality. This tropical paradise offers a blend of relaxation and adventure, from exploring Bridgetown's historic sites to enjoying water sports and Bajan cuisine. Discover the unique charm of Barbados from Lisa Batson of Barbados Tourism.
I am here to assist you with all your travel plans: All Inclusive Resorts, Cruises, Tours, River Cruises or customized trips
Contact me for your next vacation
[email protected]Join my facebook page to see the current offers and share with your friends
Join and share my monthly newsletter Random Prizes this month for subscribing and sharing
Follow my IG to see my travel stories
Follow me on TikTok for my travel videos and tips
Subscribe to my Youtube channel for indepth destination videos