Candace Steil - The Travel Agent Next Door

06/20/2024

Looking for a New Years Getaway?

VIRGIN VOYAGES (ADULTS ONLY)
RESILIENT LADY

Sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dec 28th, 2024 to Jan 4th, 2025
Ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico | Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. | Bridgetown, Barbados | Castries, St. Lucia | St. John's, Antigua | St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Total for 2 Adults:
Limited View Sea Terrace - $6560
The Sea Terrace - $7102
Central Sea Terrace - $7112
XL Sea Terrace - $8560
*prices are subject to change with availability*
Taxes,Fees and Gratuities included

Bar Tab extra - this is Virgin's "drink package"

No buffets on Virgin's ships, fast-food and restaurant style dining.

Flights not included, can be added from your nearest airport 🛫

📸: Virgin Voyages

06/20/2024

Just a few days ago I made a poll for Single Travelers. Here is one example of a great itinerary with no Single Supplement and you get your own room ALWAYS! Grab your single friends and family, let's get you on an adventure!!

DISCOVER SICILY - Small group tour🙂
☆ 8 Days - Departures available from July 2024 to Oct 2025
☆ 4-star hotels
☆ 15 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners including a welcome drink & farewell get-together
☆ Host and Local Guide Included
▪︎▪︎Prices starting at $2899 (flights extra)▪︎▪︎

As you explore Italy's largest island you'll discover a host of highlights. Its most famous landmark is Mount Etna, and you will ascend Europe's tallest active volcano by cable car. Perched high on a cliff is Taormina, and here you'll see its incredible Greco-Roman theatre. A visit to the Villa del Casale reveals a rich collection of Roman mosaics, while Sicily's capital, Palermo, is a feast for the eyes with its diverse mix of architectural styles and the exquisite mosaics housed inside the Capella Palatine chapel. Explore Monreale Cathedral, which boasts many sparkling treasures and enjoy a stroll around Cefalú, a lovely seaside town which is also blessed with many sightseeing highlights.

Included Highlights:
📍Discover Mount Etna by cable car
📍Taormina and its magnificent Greco-Roman theatre
📍See the Roman mosaics of Villa del Casale
📍Explore vibrant Palermo and the exquisite Monreale Cathedra
📍Try authentic street food in Palermo
📍Visit the charming seaside town of Cefalu

(Optional Excursions available for a fee)

📸: Just You

06/20/2024

Do you have dates in mind for an upcoming Winter Vacation? Reduced deposits available with Sunwing 🌞
I'll be happy to send a quote - comment, message or email me [email protected] for more info :)

06/14/2024

Exoticca has gone crazy!!
Check out this promotion ⬇️

These packages are great for people who like some guided tours mixed with free time. Let me know if you are interested in more info 😊

06/14/2024

Thank you to my group of 6 for booking the BRAND NEW Adult Only- Hyatt Vivid Grand Island with me.

This resort currently has some great intro rates, it just opened this year. Looking into 2025, the rates are currently about double. If you want to check out this new property while the rates are low, let's chat!

📸: Air Canada Vacations

06/12/2024

Our last couple days in Jordan were in beautiful Aqaba on the Rea Sea. Located just under 30kms from the Isreal border. Another hot hot hot city full of wonderful people. We stayed at Movenpick Aqaba, gorgeous property with a private beach and 4 pools!! We ended the conference with a beach party. I cannot express how amazing this trip was, I'd do it all over again. If you ever need a travel buddy for Jordan 🙋‍♀️

The lights in the distance on the sunset picture is Isreal, we were very close. There was also a boat tour here that some of the agents opted to take part in, they could see Jordan, Isreal, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Africa on their tour 😍 also snorkeling was another option which everyone raved about so many fish!!!

06/11/2024

Travel Insurance - it's always something that many decide to skip because they have coverage elsewhere. It's VERY important that you read and understand the policies, if it wasn't for this agent (she traveled with us recently to Jordan) purchasing additional coverage outside of their regular coverage they could be a very different situation right now.

It's extra to add to a trip, but if you ever need it, you will be thankful.

Sending all the well wishes and safe travels home to Julie and her husband 🤗

https://www.travelpulse.ca/news/travel-insurance/ttand-agent-julie-gillens-proof-travel-insurance-works?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3lw8OCvKaJ_K7PgWgGlkgW3AVp_bDdkKZJyzmy10CTk6hg4iPGdUKNzCs_aem_Ab0LEoYsPVq8Xu7zyE_tiQl4W9D84tNJUUEBlWEMmchqtDvHplMh9o1v-1zogm-wZSL7nLvNxJEdrA9aX7y4eKyq

Most people leave a little piece of their heart in Jordan, TTAND agent Julie Gillen left a little more.

06/10/2024

Check out our group in Wadi Rum - moving almost 300 people between 3 hotels in 7 days was quite something for The Travel Agent Next Door, but we did it!! Today we make our way home. Sad to leave this beautiful country and the amazing people. One of the most incredible places I've visited on my travels. More pictures and posts to come when I am back to Canada, but if you have been following - who's ready to see Jordan?

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/953Z7YEA4UUo1gRN/?mibextid=xfxF2i

06/08/2024

On the road again - I can't even remember what day it is at this point 🤣 we have been so busy but today we moved further South headed toward Aqaba, our final stop on this amazing adventure.
Can't come this far South without a stop in Wadi Rum - for the movie buffs this is the place to be. Movies like Star Wars, Dune, Aladdin, Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and others were filmed here. The place is surreal, this is my favorite day so far from this trip. The desert goes on forever and we only saw a tiny portion of it. We also got to experience lunch in a Bedouin Camp, food was cooked underground then served to us, it was amazing.

Also, while looking through the pictures take a peek at the globe shaped huts, this is a hotel which you can stay in. If you love star gazing this needs to be added to your bucket list.

06/07/2024

Petra - I mean it doesn't need much of an introduction and woweeeeee!
What a day. Walking in at 630am was amazing, walking out at 1pm in 35° not so much 🤣

Enjoy all the fabulous things I saw today, and did you know that Petra isn't just The Treasury, like you see in Indiana Jones? The site is huge with so much history 😍

06/07/2024

Day 4 - We started our move south to Wadi Musa. 8 busses to pick us up and take us on the 4hr journey. Land scape changed quite a bit as did the temperature. In Wadi Musa it was at least 10 degrees cooler than at the Dead Sea. This is our stop for 2 nights so we can see Petra. We have been waiting for this 😍 below are are some pictures of the drive and our outstanding gorgeous hotel, that once was a village!!

06/06/2024

Day 3 - GALA DAY!!! Started with a full day of Supplier Sessions with some 1:1 chats about specific resorts, cruises, hotels, vacation packages and one of my favorites Jordan Tourism Board - All of the exciting things, we are continuously learning. A quick 1.5hrs between sessions ending and getting ready to be swept off to the beautiful Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea 😍 An amazing night of awards, band, DJ, dancing and celebrations for the amazing agents and staff that make The Travel Agent Next Door so special. Another incredible day!

06/05/2024

Day 2 - When I said we would be busy, I wasn't kidding. Today started with a full day of Supplier Sessions. Then we ran off to float in the Dead Sea for about 30 mins. Then back to get ready for our Bedouin Themed dinner. Clothing supplied to us from one of the sponsors of this trip. What an experience!! Henna included, Beach set up like a traditional Bedouin Camp. Incredible!!!

Also Jordan makes their own beer 🍺 - it's quite good 🍻

Yes it was still hot hot hot - about 38° when we went to the beach for supper 🥵

06/04/2024

I made it!!! Along with almost 300... that's right there's almost 300 agents and suppliers here for the week whew!! What a journey so far and it's only been 1 day. We left YYZ on the beautiful Royal Jordanian Dreamliner that was chartered for JUST US, what an experience. Royal Jordanian is the national carrier of Jordan. We were greeted at AMM (Queen Alia Airport in Amman, Jordan) with the biggest smiles and warm welcome, swept through Customs, Visas (yes you need a visa to enter Jordan), bags picked up and taken to our luggage carrier then we were swept off by bus with G Adventures to one of their Planeterra Projects, Biet Khavrat Souf. A woman owned project that now employees 25 woman, this is huge for the woman of Jordan 🤗
We passed through Amman, Jordan's Capital then through Jurash which was once ruled by the Roman's and it still has ruins that can be seen in the middle of the city. To end this amazing day, what a start to 7 days we arrived at our hotel/resort that sits directly on the Dead Sea 😍 a white party theme welcomed us to this amazing place, the sunset over the sea was one of the highlights for everyone, it was gorgeous 🌅 The photos with the lights in the mountains at night are located in Jerusalem, just directly across the Dead Sea.

Note - we also participated in a Give Back we brought school supplies to give back to the Planeterra Project (there is a picture of the supplies at the time I dropped mine off)

06/01/2024

Today I start my journey to Jordan for our National Annual Agent Conference! This is my first conference with the agency, I'm super excited.

I'll be working throughout the trip but there will be delays due to a 9hr time difference and we have a jam packed schedule with suppliers and seeing as much as the country as we can. Stay tuned for updates as we move through this amazing country 😊

05/31/2024

I know going on vacation can be VERY EXCITING!

But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE... NEVER post your booking numbers online. There is a post/news article about a family who's cruise was cancelled without them knowing floating around social media.
This could have been avoided if the booking number wasn't posted online.

If you plan on posting, make sure you are removing your booking numbers 🙂

We all work hard to be able to take vacations, and we all deserve them so please be cautious when posting online!

05/24/2024

Awesome review from my newest Italy clients 😍😍

The trip was amazing!! I'm still trying to figure out if it was all just a dream. It definitely felt like we were living out of a travel magazine for 10 days.

Overall everything went very smoothly and the itinerary suited us perfectly. Of course we would have loved more time and to see more of the country, but now we have an excuse to go back.

We seemed to time our adventures very well and were able to get into restaurants without reservations (that filled up quickly after our arrival) and made it to historical sites at less busy times, avoiding line ups and big crowds. I also think the time of year was in our favour as I couldn't imagine what crowds would be like in the peak season.

Aside from a few raindrops and some cool evenings I feel we lucked out weather wise as there was potential for quite a bit of rain in the forecast prior to our departure. I just kept manifesting nice weather and actually ended up with a pretty bad sunburn on my arms and shoulders after spending the afternoon sitting in the sun at a beach club in Sorrento.

The food!! So fresh, so simple, so good!!! The pizza, the pasta, the fresh cheese & meats, the risotto, and for me the olives!!! We can't forget the coffee, wine, aperol spritz and limoncello. I'm definitely an aperol spritz girl now.

Hotels were great! It is always a bonus when things are within walking distance. And we did a lot of that. Especially in Rome. My personal favorite was the Grand Hotel Excelsior. I just couldn't get over the view!! Although I am sad I wasn't able to utilize the pool. We were out exploring during the day when it was warm enough and it closed by 6pm. Next time 😉 !!

I loved Rome for its ancient history, remarkable archaeological sites and landmarks. Seeing all the things that I've only learnt about through a social textbook was truly so fascinating. Sorrento was beautiful. The marinas, the water, the amazing sunsets, and history was so neat to learn about. We did find the people a little more stuffy here, however, we had a fantastic tour guide for our flavours of Sorrento tour. And then there is Almafi. Absolutely breathtaking!!! Stunning views, great people and love the laid back vibes.

Thanks again for working with us and making this trip happen.

Thank you R&C - this means the world to me and I'm so happy you had the best time ❤️

Everyone else enjoy the photos C was so gracious to send to me to share with you all. I agree with her statement above a dream for sure, truly incredible photos 📸

05/22/2024

If Italy 🇮🇹 is on your must see list, this itinerary from Railbookers is AHHHH-mazing!

Starting at $6299 per person based on double occupancy - dates into 2026 available
Airfare not included

Book with a deposit and pay the balance later. This date is determined by travel date chosen.

Sooo many inclusions for the price, incredible 😍

Send me a message or email [email protected] if you are interested in more information 💻

📸: Railbookers

05/18/2024

Cruising Alaska is best in summer - below is a great rate for August 2024!!

Ruby Princess
Round-trip Vancouver
Aug 13th Departure - 7 Days
Mid- Ship Premium Balcony Room
Princess Plus Package included

PORTS: Icy Strait, Haines, Ketchikan

2 Adults - $5810.74
Full Payment due at time of booking.
*price subject to change with availability*

$200 On Board Credit included (subject to change)

📸: Princess Cruises

05/18/2024

Deer Lake to Cancun
Nov 14 to 21, 2024
1 Connection in both directions
1 Checked Bag, 1 Carry On & 1 Personal Item each included

There are some amazing rates below to take the family to the beach ⛱️ 😍

Family of 4 - 2 Adults, 2 Kids under 12
(If you have a different occupancy, comment or message for quote)

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort - Eco Family Superior Room - $5296
Bahia Principe Grand Coba (not beachfront) - Jr Suite Superior - $5576
Grand Riviera Princess - Jr Suite - $5756
Dreams Sapphire - Deluxe Jr Suite Tropical View - $5876
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun - Jr Suite - $5976
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum - Jr Suite - $5976
Dreams Natura - Deal of the day room - $5996
Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal - Jr Suite Superior - $6216
Ocean Riviera Paradise - Jr Suite - $6236
*all prices subject to change with availability*

Book with $250 per person deposit, balance due Sept 23, 2024

📸: Me - Riviera Maya

05/18/2024

Today I picked up my Jordanian Dinars - the exchange is not in our favor but that's minor to get to experience the Kingdom of Jordan!!
I'm always so excited to see other currencies 😍 anyone else?

What currencies have you purchased? ⬇️ I have a few on my list from past adventures 😊

05/17/2024

Did you know my website is available 24/7? You can use this to book just the same as any other travel site. Biggest difference is the booking is tied back to me and I can assist you if you have any issues with your trip instead of calling a call center 📞

There is also a contest you can enter to win a free cruise!!!

Make sure to click the link and check it out 😊

I joined the travel industry in 2016 as a home-based agent. I knew for a very long-time travel was my passion, after vacationing in Mexico, The United States, Australia, Singapore, Dominican Republic, Panama, Cuba and Ireland I turned my passion into reality. Since becoming an agent, I have learned....

05/15/2024

Awesome rates here for a family of 4!
If you have a different occupancy, please comment or message me for a quote 😊

RIU EMERALD BAY
From Edmonton direct to Mazatlan
Nov 29 to Dec 6, 2024
1 Checked Bag each included

2 Adults, 2 kids under 12
Hotel Room - $6360
Family Room Oceanview or Superior Room - $6520
Oceanview Room - $6620
Duplex or 2 Bedroom Family Suite - $6660
2 Bedroom Family Suite Superior - $6800
Connecting Oceanview Rooms - $7180
Book with $250 per person deposit, balance due Oct 8, 2024
*price subject to change with availability*

📸: Sunwing

05/14/2024

A great read from an amazing entrepreneur - I will have the pleasure of hearing this man speak to us when I visit Jordan soon.

We will be completing one of the many tours in G Adventures profile.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS - This man did and he's changing (and have changed) the travel industry.

We will also visit one of the projects through the Planeterra Project and give back to the local community 😍❤️

https://www.travelpulse.ca/news/people/canadian-travel-hall-of-fame-2024-profiles-bruce-poon-tip?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0wv3uWWrSMMOtR9_Jy06jpPccbiPi4FeYeNp2pASlGI9mqKhPKA_dJfwY_aem_AdXSTMcRHlgFHUSCJV5L43TIZ2iHzEMvmvwBISwOQgzEHM8g0ZurLbrAhp0nJCDE0Mq-7JphDW-8wwKHMFklOsC2

Bruce P**n Tip is the archetype of an entrepreneur.

05/13/2024

😝😝😝 - truth!

Now is a great time to start looking for winter vacations or if you are looking for a quick summer vacation, let's get you booked.

Europe is also another great destination in summer, dates are open into 2026 for European Destinations.

South Destinations are open into April 2025 🌞

There are many last minute vacations available!

The ideas are endless - let's chat 📱 💻

05/12/2024

*New Resort* - Opened April 2024

HYATT VIVID GRAND ISLAND - Adults Only
This resort isn't beachfront - has a private beach club (shuttle included with package)

Nov 2 to 9, 2024
Direct from Edmonton
2 Adults per room - Price is per adult
1 Checked Bag, 1 Carry On and 1 Personal Item each included

Jr Deluxe Suite Golf View - $2129
Jr Deluxe Suite Bayview - $2179
Vantage Club Jr Suite Golf/Oceanview - $2269
Add Private Transfer for $107
*prices subject to change with availability*

Book with $250 per person deposit, balance due Sept 11, 2024

📸: Air Canada Vacations

05/12/2024

With my trip to Jordan coming up quickly - I still can't believe it's almost here 😍 today I started my day by becoming a Jordan Travel Specialist.

I'm excited to see this beautiful country it offers soooo much! I did this not only for myself but for anyone that may be interested in visiting.

Has Jordan ever crossed your mind as a destination? It's known as the Switzerland of the Middle East! That in itself is exciting to me 😁

Stay tuned in the coming weeks and follow along as I show you my journey through the Kingdom of Jordan 🇯🇴

05/12/2024

Fort McMurray to Puerto Vallarta

Oct 1 to 8, 2024
Same day arrivals
Adults Only - 2 Adults per room
Prices are per adult

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf
Jr Suite Panoramic View - $2839.01
Preferred Club Jr Suite Panoramic View - $2999.01
Preferred Club Jr Suite Oceanview - $3359.01
*price subject to change with availability*

Book with $250 per person deposit, balance due Aug 10, 2024

📸: Westjet Vacations

05/12/2024

DREAMS ESTRELLA DEL MAR

From Edmonton to Mazatlan
Direct Flights
Dec 6 to 13, 2024
1 Checked Bag each included

2 Adults - Price is per adult
Deluxe Suite Oceanview - $2495
Jr Suite Oceanview - $2535
Deluxe Jr Suite Oceanview - $2710
Jr Suite Swimout - $2855
Preferred Club Rooms Available
*prices subject to change with availability*

Book with $250 per person deposit, balance due Oct 15, 2024

📸: Sunwing