Chris the Travel Chick Agent

03/10/2021

03/03/2021

Of course I was looking forward to seeing the 'Big Five' while in Africa! However, I've come to realize that I also look forward to entrenching myself in the culinary experience that every country has to offer.

One of the first things that I do upon arrival is to book a Food Experience Tour with a local guide. I really like the variety that you can experience on a local tour through the streets of a new destination. Meanwhile the local guide enthralls you with interesting facts and storys, all while figuring out what you like, what you don't like, where to find the best dining places, and what you should be paying. And the guide is usually more than happy to assist you with any other local tips and tricks to make your trip the best it could be.

Does anyone else book Food tours when travelling??

02/23/2021

As a family, we have had airplane vacations before - Disneyland, Mexican resorts, etc. But this was a very different trip. A trip that was truly an amazing adventure.

My youngest daughter decided that she would like to join her mom in exploring the world. The adventure part of our European trip would be that we would be Backpacking, staying in hostels, and planning our own itinerary on the fly.

It was utterly amazing! My daughter impressed me so much with her ability to be ready at a moments notice. She rolled with the travel hiccups, and become an adult along the way. Budgets, figuring out cities, and meeting new fellow travellers. These were all fantastic skills for her to develop before heading away to post-secondary school.

I would love to do a trip with each of her sisters as well one day!!

02/19/2021

Sometimes we forget ... we make our own destinies. Find your Happiness today!

02/17/2021

Just like you, I dream of the day when I can get back onboard an airplane and fly to my next planned exotic adventure. For now, my travel picture books have been invaluable as a reminder to stay in touch, and appreciate those past experiences. Afterall, we will get there again.

So I am going to post reminiscent photos of some of my own adventures. I hope that they inspire you to keep on dreaming. Fill that bucket list! Give you some ideas of places that you would like to go, people that you would like to do these with, and or things that you want to experience on our beautiful and diverse planet.

02/05/2021

I’m pretty sure I’d be on my ass within the first few minutes, but it does look totally Rad! Fun video to bring a smile to your face 😁!!

02/05/2021

Good morning! Here in Canada the polar vortex is settling in for a few days. That means day time temperatures of the -20&30s, with overnight temperatures in the -40s plus wind chills. Brrrr! So, it’s a great day to dream of much warmer climates, past adventures, and potential future dream trips. I’m so happy that I had the foresight to create books of each of my trip!
Anyone else create books as their travel keepsakes??

02/04/2021

I really really really like how well this post was written by VanCityWild. These times are difficult for you, for me, for our families, our elderly, our bank accounts, my travel industry, etc etc. however I also choose to make the right choices. Keep dreaming - we need that. And one day we will be able to travel freely once again in a much more sustainable, responsible and appreciative way than ever before! Stay safe and healthy.

Btw please follow VanCityWild, they are such an adorable family that regularly post great content and beautiful photography.

02/04/2021

In the Autumn of 2020 I had an epic trip booked. And I have to admit, that each of my trips were getting longer and better.

It was all going to start in Peru - finally doing the climb to Machu Picchu! Then onwards to Santiago, Chile to meet an Overlander tour that would entail 51+ days travelling the extent of S America on a Safari truck with a combination of tenting, hostels, family stays, etc. Of course, I added in the W Trek in Patagonia as well. And the grand finale, was ending in Rio de Janeiro for New Years!

If this kind of travel and adventure appeals to you, I am a great fit to help you put this together! And, I still have hopes that my trip can still be replicated in 2021! Let me know if you are interested in this area of the world as well.

01/29/2021

As a Travel Professional, I thought that it would be prudent to provide ongoing information on our current travel environment.

This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing and Air Transat have agreed to suspend service to some sun destinations starting this Sunday until April 30, and will be making arrangements with their customers who are in these regions now to organize flights home.

Starting at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 3, all international passenger, private and charter flights, including from the U.S., will land at the Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal airports. Cargo-only flights will remain exempt.

The prime minister said the government will soon introducing mandatory PCR testing at the airport for people returning to Canada "as soon as possible in the coming weeks." That's on top of the pre-boarding test already required.

Travellers will then have to wait up to three days at a government-approved hotel for their test results, at their own expense, which Trudeau said is expected to be more than $2,000.

Story from CBC News

01/02/2021

I've attempted (again) to post an awesome video that G Adventures has produced. I am neither encouraging or discouraging travel during these times. BUT, I do encourage everyone to continue to dream about your travel bucketlist. A large percentage of global travel has been put on pause as governments continue to monitor their homeland health resources, tourism capabilities, and the need to provide economic stimulus.

Give this brief video a watch to see how G Adventures is addressing your concerns and what you can expect as you think about booking your next trip.

12/26/2020

Yes! I’m a Certified Brit Agent! What does that mean for you? Brit Agents are the first to hear of any new developments happening in Britain. The United Kingdom of Great Britain is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Setup by Britain’s official tourism agency, Visit Britain, I am kept up to speed on tour operators specializing in this area. The variety of travel style options, solo/group, private, luxury, adventure, etc. Updated app developments to get you around more easily, and tips and tricks for saving $$ at attractions. Experience Britain with the help and expertise of a Brit Agent - Me!!

12/24/2020

It's an ever changing world, and travel has never required so much flexibility and nimbleness. Regardless, with the continued roll out of vaccinations, we still have a glimmer of some normalcy coming our way in 2021. Many travel operators are launching their 2021 enhanced packages. Stay tuned for the differences that are being made for us all to travel awesomely once again. And, I'm loving that the industry has noticed that we need to spread out our tourism destinations and introducing some never-before opportunities, so that we aren't all going to the same places at the same times.

12/18/2020

What does travel MEAN to you? What does travel DO to you? Is it one of the FEEF's? Freedom, Escape, Education, or Fun!?

For me, travel is all of the above, varying by the destination, and the lifecycle that I am in. I have travelled in all kinds of ways; from backpacking through Europe to 5 star resorts. Lots of times these trips are an Escape, places that I have done crazy things (like skydiving in Namibia, gorge waterfall kayaking in Croatia [yes, that's a thing]), that I wouldn't have the opportunity to do at home.

And I re-started my travel bucketlist at the age of 50! Of the 40 countries that I have visited in the last 4 years (stop doing that mental math LOL), a lot of my favorite trips were done with Small Group Tours. What could be better than joining other like-minded travellers from all over the world, sharing an amazing Travel Adventure!! I count many of my fellow travellers as lifelong friends. Friends that touchbase and ask 'Chris, I'm thinking of heading to XYZ destination, want to join me??' I LOVE IT!

Email me now if I can help you find a Small Group Tour for you!!

12/16/2020

HOPE. That’s what the rollout of vaccinations across the world encompasses. Those travel dreams will happen!

12/15/2020

12/08/2020

Everyone knows that I have a significant passion for Travel! I have put a lot of care and attention into putting together these Adventures. And now, I am able to help you put together your dream adventure as well! Stay tuned for more information.