Verve Travel Services

11/19/2024

Egypt is open again for all Canadians! It was never actually closed, but for the past year + there has been a requirement to obtain an Egyptian VISA at their embassy, in person, which imposed a hardship on anyone outside of the Montreal/Ottawa area. Effective Dec 1st, we will once again be able to obtain an Egyptian VISA on line. So much easier!!

Anyone wanting you go is welcome to reach out. I've been there and can share the good, the bad and the fabulous.

11/17/2024

This picture of the beautiful Notre Dame was taken from the window of our 1 star hotel room in Paris - less than a year before the fire.

What this hotel lacked in comfort, (AC, elevator), it made up for in character and location. It worked for us and our budget.

Personal preferences are important when selecting accommodation, especially in Europe where properties are so different from North America. Some travelers are ready, willing and able to give up some comfort and for others, the level of accommodation is an essential piece to the vacation experience and must meet a standard.

The key is in the communication. When working with your Travel Advisor, be clear about your preferences, deal breakers and desired spend. The Travel Advisor in turn must listen. When the communication is working right choices will happen

11/15/2024

Verve Travel is leaving next week for Switzerland! We will be taking a beautiful Christmas Market river cruise on the Rhine & Moselle rivers. 10 nights with AMA Waterways

This trip is another dream come true and dreams are what Verve Travel is all about.

River Cruises are often booked a year ahead, so if you see this beautiful experience in your future for next year, now is the time to explore options. Feel free to reach out and watch this space as we visit these beautiful European towns and their markets.

11/11/2024

Today is Remembrance Day where we take a few quiet moments and reflect on Canada's military history and current times. We are a proud, but not a boastful country and the significant contributions that our men and women made in both World Wars are not well known outside of our borders. And that's OK - we don't need fanfare, our reflection is deep and personal...

One of the most memorable travel days of my life was spent touring the battlefields of Belgium. It was a deeply moving experience, not a comfortable one - and one that strengthens our commitment to remembering those who served.

11/08/2024

Who wants in for October 2025??? It's going to be epic!!!

11/04/2024

Southern Africa Safari Adventure October 2025 is finalized and I am free to book. There are only 12 rooms. Please let me know if you would like to see the itinerary and costing - leave your email in the comments or pm.

Exciting!!!

11/01/2024

Verve Travel Services has returned from Africa and is currently putting the final touches on next year's (Oct 2025) trip. This is an absolute trip of a lifetime and if you would like to join us, let me know. Space is limited to 20 people, (10 rooms).

10/18/2024

Verve Travel is currently in Southern Africa with a group of 24. This dream vacation has it all. Contact me if this is on your bucket list. Ntaba African Safaris is knocking it out of the park in terms of itinerary, accommodation, guides and all the things. This trip was planned over a year ago, so if you are thinking 2026 or 2027 - now is the time to commit and reserve the best that Southern Africa has to offer!

10/02/2024

In the past week, I've had happy clients return from their European escorted tours with Globus tours.

There is nothing like that follow up phone call. When clients use words like "great trip", "fantastic guide", "saw so much" and "met great people", it is heart warming.

Escorted tours can be amazing if you choose the right supplier for the right clients.

If you like the idea of an escorted tour but are just not sure if it's for you, let me know. We can figure it out together!

09/28/2024

https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/5-reasons-to-use-a-travel-agent-when-booking-your-next-trip-1.6265527

Send a message to learn more

09/15/2024

Good news for Air Canada passengers. Tentative deal reached. Relief!

09/14/2024

I would like to talk about cruises today.

If you don't identify as a "cruiser", hang in here with me because maybe you are or will be!

There are SO many cruise categories. Within the ocean cruise category alone there is everything from the family friendly mega ship to adult only brands, to the luxury yachts, to the expedition vessels. And everything in between. Every possible price point.

And don't forget the rivers. There are so many options, destinations, price points and offerings!

Give me a destination that is on your bucket list and we can discuss both land and water options.

How to get the best deal? I know this answer.

1. Book with a travel agent that is part of a larger consortium. They can access blocked cruise space at reduced prices that the public can not.

2. Book early. That blocked space is "while supplies last". Cruise schedules are published early. Want to go somewhere in 2025, 2026 or even 2027? Put a deposit down now to protect the pricing I can get you today.

Southeast Asia has been on my bucket list for a long time and I've recently decided that we will do a river cruise rather than a land trip. I will be booking now for 2026. Because these boats fill fast and I need to secure our spot.

Call me!

09/11/2024

I am currently waking in in New Orleans, a city that is in a hurricane watch. My flight out tomorrow afternoon may or may not happen. There are hundreds of Travel Industry professionals in the same boat - with children, pets and responsibilities to return to - and now, we have uncertainty.

But this happens. Rarely, but it happens. In a profession full of fellow control freaks, giving up control to mother nature is difficult, but what choice is there? Deep breath. Roll with it. Do the best we can with available options.

And most importantly, consider the impact on the local people, particularly those locals that are continuing to attend to our needs as they prepare to protect their homes and families.

This storm may weaken and it may strengthen. It will do what it will do. And within a few days after, this resilient, magnificent, incredible and strong city will return to their normal.

09/07/2024

I am in New Orleans this week at a Travel Convention and will be meeting with industry leaders and suppliers - this world never stops changing. Everything I learn this week will benefit my clients, which is the whole point. This is my 4th time in this incredible city and I know it well. Contact me if you would like to book a trip to the Big Easy!

08/31/2024

The last long weekend of summer has arrived! I am looking out my window and enjoying the last days of green.

September means school. And this Travel Agent is heading to New Orleans next week for a Travel Industry conference that will be full of learning and exposure to peers, suppliers and specialists. The learning never, ever stops in this profession.

I am booking lots of bucket list trips for 2025 and if yours is not yet arranged, call me!

08/31/2024

Send a message to learn more

08/26/2024

I love my job! Recent bookings include a custom solo trip to Italy, a Mediterranean Celebrity cruise, a dream Bali honeymoon, a family in depth custom trip to Costa Rica, a South Africa tour with safari, and a Rhone AMA River cruise.

I have clients getting ready to pack for trips booked months ago - for incredible destinations in Europe - Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Czech Republic.

All inclusive clients will be starting to go in November (spots available if you are still considering)!

I've got some very interesting projects on the go, including a custom itinerary for Norway and Sweden. Also narrowing down options on an Eastern European cruise - for first timers (first cruise, first trip to Europe).

Is there a better job in the world? I don't think so.

This page has had an uptick eith views lately and to be honest, daily updates are not my super power. If you are here visiting, send me a pm! Would love to hear from you!

08/18/2024

If a European Christmas Market River cruise is on your bucket list, now is the time to put a deposit on the 2025 season. AMA Waterways is one of the top river cruise companies and working with an agent can help access perks and discounts. Let me assist!