Dreams Can Come True

~ Words by Vickie Sam Paget, Sky Blue Content ~

We ask Canada’s travel industry professionals: What’s your dream trip?

ITALY
“The Coliseum was the most surreal experience because of its rich history. I was looking forward to that experience as much as any other. I travelled with my teenage girls and they would tell you it was one of their favourite experiences as well. Everything was so awesome, how can you pick just one thing that was the best? Venice = awesome! Florence = awesome! I’ve always loved reading about Medieval and Renaissance history, so Florence was maybe my favourite overall experience. Having read Tom Follett’s Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, I loved all the Renaissance architecture in Florence and, of course, Michelangelo’s David.”
Brett Walker, general manager, Collette

COLORADO
“A dream trip came true for me this past December. For Karen and myself, outdoor adventure and activity are all part of an amazing holiday experience! What could be better than skiing some of ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ in Park City in the morning and then running some of ‘The Mighty Five National Parks’ that afternoon and carrying on doing so the next day and for days on end? Seven days, five national parks, three days of epic skiing—all in Utah! That was for me. ‘Life Elevated’ is their slogan and no question it hit me in all the right places!”
Corey Marshall, CEO, Anderson Vacations

KENYA
“My dream vacation was last year, when I was hosted on a magical Kenya trip by the Kenyan Tourist Board. We spent eight wonderful nights there, four nights on safari and four nights. I love it when you get to experience nature and different cultures—and Kenya has this in spades. I found the warmth of the people, the scenery and the incredible game so enthralling. We experienced not only the ‘Big 5’ large game, but also some many other beautiful animals, like impalas, zebras, giraffes and wildebeest. The bonus for me was the incredible variety of birdlife. The sound and smell of Africa will always have me coming back. Thank you Kenya.”
Michael Mullin, director of sales & marketing, Exotik Tours and Boomerang Tours

PHILLIPINES & GABON
“It sure has been a great ride so far; I’ve been travelling since I was 12 and I’ve been lucky enough to rack up almost 150 countries. So people think there can’t be a bucket list, but there sure is!  I’d love to visit the Philippines—an undiscovered gem and great for active travellers. Plus Gabon, in southwestern Africa. A friend visited there and told me that on the beach you can see elephants playing, gorillas rooting for shellfish in the sand, hippos splashing in the water and whales breeching off in the distance. All in one day. Wow.”
Pat Rochon, Senior Manager Active Travel Division, Vision Travel Solutions

CUBA
“My dream vacation starts off with a glass of sparkling wine on board award-winning Sunwing Airlines headed for Santa Clara, Cuba. After a transfer, which can double as a free excursion as it takes you through scenic and typical Cuban villages and countryside, I arrive in gorgeous Cayo Santa Maria. The beautiful, jaw dropping white sandy beaches, combined with calm turquoise waters make this an ideal location to sit back, relax and spoil yourself in the luxurious surroundings of Royalton Cayo Santa Maria. The people’s kindness and warmth also makes this my dream spot.”
Rod Hanna, business development manager, southwestern and northern Ontario, Sunwing

DISNEYLAND
“My dream vacation is—and has always been—a Disneyland vacation. I love that I can forget about the outside world; I love that I can have the time of my life whether I’m with adults, kids or travel agents. It’s the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and it makes me the happiest person on earth when I’m there.”
Tracey Poole, district sales manager, western Canada, the Walt Disney Company

MALDIVES
“As I love islands, my dream trip would be to visit the Maldives. The country is made up of over 1,200 atolls and most islands house just one resort with exclusive access by seaplane or boat. The Maldives offer a truly secluded atmosphere, with pristine turquoise ocean-views everywhere. Most accommodations are upscale and offer overwater bungalows (some even with a private plunge pool) as well as beautiful private beach bungalows. The marine life and diving is world class.
Bronwyn Hodge, general manager, IslandsEscapes, Goway Travel

Image: Pat Rochon, Vision Travel
This feature first appeared in CT Magazine, a publication for Canadian travel agents.