As the year draws to a close, a time when giving and receiving gifts take centre stage, we reflect on the most cherished gift of all – the gift of travel.

For travel advisors, the ability to help clients experience the world, forge lifelong memories, and connect with their loved ones in new ways is both a privilege and a passion. At Envoyage, we are reminded of how proud we are of the incredible work our advisors do, not only for their clients but for our industry as a whole.

At Envoyage, we believe that travel is more than just a getaway; it’s a chance to change lives, create lasting memories, and make dreams come true. As part of a vibrant network of skilled travel professionals, our advisors go above and beyond, ensuring every journey is as meaningful as it is unforgettable. 

As we reflect on the impact of travel, we wanted to spotlight the gifts that travel advisors give their clients – and the profound moments of joy and connection they experience along the way.

Lynda Tomilin, one of our advisors, shares a moment that stands out as a reminder of the profound impact travel advisors can have. 

Years ago, Lynda received an urgent call from a hockey coach travelling to Toronto. His mother was gravely ill, and he needed to reach her before she passed. With a sold-out flight and tight connections, the situation seemed impossible, but Lynda used her expertise to arrange a last-minute seat on a flight to Sarnia. He made it in time to say goodbye.

Later that night, Lynda crossed paths with the team at their hotel, where she learned he had made it in time to say goodbye. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do – helping people in ways that go far beyond travel,” she shares.

Sabine Bani-Sadr, another passionate advisor, recalls the heartwarming experience of helping a couple in their 80s plan a wedding aboard a Cunard cruise. “Love finds us in all forms and at all ages,” Sabine says. After months of planning, she surprised the couple with champagne, nibbles, and roses upon their arrival, transforming their cruise into an unforgettable wedding celebration. “I’m so happy to have played a role in making this wedding happen,” she says, underscoring the deep emotional rewards of the work she does.

One of Carrie Borer’s most rewarding moments came when she planned a life-changing journey to the Holy Land for her church group. “Watching the group encourage and support one another during baptisms in the Jordan River was unforgettable,” Carrie shares. “The emotional connection and camaraderie that formed during that experience truly made it a trip of a lifetime.”

Eleni Shaw from Travel Our World highlights the transformative power of travel – not just in exploring new places but in embracing cultures. “Ecuador has some of the warmest people I’ve ever met,” she shares. One of her most rewarding moments was helping a family plan a Christmas trip after the matriarch overcame cancer. “It was a bucket-list trip for them, and I’m proud to have been a part of it,” she adds, emphasizing how travel can heal and strengthen bonds.

Julienne Uychocde, another one of our passionate advisors, reflects on the joy of introducing clients to destinations she loves. “The greatest gift travel has given me is the opportunity to experience places I never thought I’d visit,” she says. She shares the joy of planning life-changing moments, such as helping a couple plan an engagement proposal in Mexico. “The moment they got engaged was unforgettable, and being part of that was truly rewarding.”

For Laura Bondi, travel has been a journey of personal growth. “With every passport stamp, I learned something new about myself,” she says. Laura believes travel pushes individuals to embrace change and uncertainty. “My essential packing list now includes an open mind and an open heart,” she reflects, emphasizing how travel helps people step out of their comfort zones and evolve.

When asked about the destination she would gift, Laura imagines taking her grandfather to Italy, where he could explore his family’s roots. “Travel brings people closer, both to new places and to each other,” she says, reinforcing the bond that travel fosters across generations.

As Angie Cavan, another one of our advisors, puts it: “The greatest gift travel has given me is uninterrupted quality time with loved ones.” Angie’s annual girls’ trip is one of her most cherished experiences, allowing her to reconnect with friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

And when it comes to gifting travel, Angie would choose a European river cruise for its perfect balance of relaxation and exploration. “It’s an ideal mix of downtime and discovery. I’d love for others to experience the wonder of a river cruise,” she shares.

Christine Wilson, who recently organized a successful pickleball getaway in Mexico, echoes the sentiment that travel has a unique power to unite people. “It was incredibly rewarding to provide such a memorable experience for everyone involved,” she says, highlighting how travel brings together people from all walks of life. 

The trip’s success has already sparked excitement for the next adventure, with many eager to join after hearing about the unforgettable time had by November’s group.

At Envoyage, we are proud to support these extraordinary advisors who give the gift of travel to their clients. Every journey they create is a story, and each traveller’s adventure becomes a memory that will last a lifetime. The role of a travel advisor goes far beyond bookings and itineraries – they are part of their clients’ most treasured experiences.

As we approach the holiday season, let us remember that the greatest gift we can give is not wrapped in a box but in the memories we create, the connections we foster, and the experiences we share.