Our Destination Experts

After achieving honors in his “Travel and Tourism” program at SAIT, Vasil spend two years learning the ropes of the Travel Industry as a Travel Agent with Marlin Travel. Vasil joined Anderson Vacations in 2007 as part of the Tour Team and spent the first two years in our Escorted Tour Division helping our Travellers chose the perfect guided tour for them. After moving to the FIT team Vasil quickly found out his passion was to create customize travel experiences for our clients in Canada. In 2009 Vasil was an integral part of starting the South Pacific Division of Anderson Vacations, which has now grown to represent roughly 40% of our passengers. Vasil has been lucky enough to experience many different destinations over the years including unique experiences in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and almost all provinces and Territories of Canada.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
The people! Regardless of how I have met them the connections I have made along the way are the best part of my job. Every single destination that I have visited and every experience I have taken has led me to meeting some amazing people and I have always worked hard to ensure we highlight their culture and travel product and match it to the right clients. I have worked with Travel Suppliers in Canada from Coast to Coast to Coast and so many more from Australia and New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands who are so passionate about their travel destinations that I try to embody this passion and pass it on to our clients. I love working with our travellers to ensure that we create the perfect experience for them. “Travel” Means something completely different to every single person. It could be a long waited trip to see relatives; It can be a retreat from the busy life into a remote wilderness lodge; it can be satisfying the thirst for knowledge and immersing yourself in new cultures; it could be the search of a new thrill like diving with the sharks or climbing the Peaks of the Rockies; It could be losing yourself on the white sandy beaches, or finding yourself again with a new spiritual experience. “Travel” is so personal and I enjoy finding that connection with every client we have and ensuring that they get exactly what they are looking for from their travel experience.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
There can’t be just one favourite destination. The beautiful part about Travel is that you can visit a destination over and over and every time it can be different based on your experience. I am a firm believer that every single place I have visited holds a special spot in my heart because of my experiences and the people I have met. I have “ran into” a super pod of 70 killer whales, taken the train through the Rocky Mountains, Admired the Rocky Peaks from a helicopter ride, walked on glaciers, learnt about the people and rich history of the prairies, visited one of the many festivals in Toronto including the Film Festival, Experienced the living history of Ottawa, Rendezvous with History in Montreal and Quebec while walking the cobble stones of the old towns, experienced the hospitality of the people of Atlantic Canada; and immersed myself in the culture of the people of the Canadian Territories. I have enjoyed the white beaches of the South Pacific, and personally learnt about the rich culture of the Indigenous People of Australia and New Zealand. The thrills of white water rafting, bungy jumping, jet boating and free falling has had my adrenaline pumping while the calm beaches and aquatic experiences in the South Pacific has always managed to bring me peace and complete feeling of calm. And if after reading this you can chose a favourite destination, then you are a lot better at this than me!

Where would you like to visit next?
I have had the pleasure of exploring many destinations in Europe, however, I have not been to Italy. I have always wanted to drive the Italian Coast and is definitely something that is high on my priority list.

What is your favourite travel itinerary that you have put together?
My favourite itinerary I have put together was a complete South Pacific experiences for 2 of my clients. They started their holiday with a stay in the Cook Islands, discovering the many beautiful beaches of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, before arriving in Auckland and driving through the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula. After some “Black Water Rafting” in Waitomo, the clients combined cultural immersions in Rotorua with some relaxation time in the “Polynesian Spa”. After sampling some of New Zealand’s finest wines in Napier and Wellington the clients took a guided multi day walk through the Queen Charlotte Track before kayaking the pristine waters of the Abel Tasman Peninsula. They heli hiked through the peaks of Franz Josef before exploring the beautiful fjords of Milford Sound on their overnight cruise. They started their Australia portion of the trip in style by taking in the “Red Carpet” experience at the Sydney Opera House, before driving up to Byron Bay for some private Surfing Lessons. They took a Four Wheel Drive Tour of the largest sand island in the world – Fraser Island , before spending a 3 night sailing experience through the Whitsunday Islands. After Scuba Diving at the Great Barrier Reef they flew to the Red Centre and learnt about the importance of Uluru from their local Indigenous guide. After learning about the world war 2 history of Darwin, the clients experienced the jumping crocodiles in Kakadu National Park and the stunning scenery of the Katherine Gorge. Following this were some amazing experiences in Western Australia including swimming with the whale sharks and the dolphins of Monkey Mia. After a few days on the world renowned Indian Pacific train, the clients arrived in Adelaide, where they enjoyed the wines of the Barossa Valley and the wildlife and scenery of Kangaroo Island. Having traveled all that way, they had to visit Tasmania and see the famous “devils” and explore the beauty of Wine Glass Bay and Cradle Mountain National Park. Their trip ended with a great visit to Melbourne and Philp Island for the famous Penguin Parade.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I am fortunate enough to live in what I consider the most beautiful place on earth and enjoy exploring the many mountain hiking trails, beautiful beaches with my wife and kids.

Robyn was born and raised in a small town in Northern Alberta called Peace River. She was looking at opportunities that would help her explore the world, and that is when she decided to take a job onboard a Carnival Cruise Ship. Robyn spent close to 4 years enjoying the ship life and seeing beautiful ports. Upon returning to ‘normal’ life, she knew that she wanted to continue her hospitality and tourism industry career. So, she moved to Calgary to attend SAIT college for the Travel & Tourism program. She is eager to continue growing her knowledge and is excited to be a part of the Anderson team.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love that there is always something new to learn and that no two days are the same.

What are your favourite destinations that we offer?
I have always had a love for Australia, and it is somewhere I would go back again and again.

Where would you like to visit next?
I want to visit the east coast of Canada and Southeast Asia.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I love spending time with my beautiful Boxer dog and taking her to new places around the Calgary area. I also enjoy baking, shopping, and spending time with friends or family.

Born in Saskatoon, Krysti was relocated to Alberta by her parents for her father’s job. Traveling back and forth between Alberta and Saskatchewan instilled in her an appreciation for travel. Growing up, she often went on family road trips across Canada and the USA, as well as a few destination trips to the Caribbean. Krysti has always loved experiencing different cultures and destinations. As an adult, she has continued to travel, adding several European countries to her list. This travel has further fueled her desire for new experiences and places.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love that there are countless different destinations and cultures to experience all over the world. There is something for everyone and endless experiences to discover. It is an industry where the people who are involved love travel and everything that encompasses it, creating lasting impressions for visitors.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
We offer some of the most fascinating destinations available, how is a person to pick a favourite?! Canada alone has so much variety to offer! My favourite Canadian experience would have to be a weekend wedding at Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. I have never been someplace where staff are so helpful and excited to have you stay with them.

Where would you like to visit next?
I would love to visit New Zealand; it has been on my bucket list for years.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I enjoy getting out and hiking in Kananaskis with my fiancé and our dogs. The Rockies are basically on our doorstep, it would be a shame to not get out and enjoy it as much as possible.

Tiffany was born in Vancouver, and grew up in Abbotsford, B.C. She has been working in the hospitality industry for the past 8 years but she has always had an interest in the travel industry. Having travelled around North America & Central America, she is excited to gain knowledge about the South Pacific. As she is just entering the Travel Industry, she is eager to absorb as much knowledge as she can.

Why are you in the Travel business?
While working in hotels one of my favourite positions was as a reservation agent because I was helping people plan part of their vacation. It was always fulfilling to hear how excited they were to be coming to the property I was working at. In the travel business instead of just 1 or 2 nights of their vacation I am helping them plan everything. Every day is something different and I love being able to help someone's idea become a reality.

What are your Favorite destinations that we offer?
Canada has so many beautiful places to explore. The beautiful city of Vancouver, the many lakes and wineries of the Okanagan, The Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, The architecture in Old Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City, or the views in the Maritimes. Australia and New Zealand look so beautiful with so many places to explore. I love every destination that we offer.

Tell us about a unique travel experience you have had?
Every place that I have travelled to has been a unique experience. Relaxing on the lake or going on a wine tour in the Okanagan. Sightseeing in Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna. Being able to explore Old Montreal, enjoy some amazing food and meet many friendly people.

Tell us about your favorite itinerary that you have put together?
My favorite itinerary I have put together was for a family that wanted to travel from Vancouver to Halifax by train. On the way from Vancouver to Halifax they spent two nights in Jasper, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. In Jasper they went on a tour of the Columbia Icefields and on the Ice Explorer. In Toronto they went on a day tour to Niagara Falls, went on the Hornblower and to the Ripley's Aquarium. In Ottawa they took a double Decker style trolley bus to explore the sights and went to the Art Gallery. In Montreal they went for a three course dinner at Restaurant Du Vieux Port Montreal, participated in a walking tour of Old Montreal and went on a coach tour of the city. In Quebec City they went on a coach tour to the Beaupre Coast and Montmorency Falls and took a helicopter tour. In Halifax they went on a tour to see Peggy's Cove and went on a coach tour of Halifax.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Outside of Anderson Vacations, you will find me spending time with my husband and dog. In the summer I will be out exploring the Okanagan and relaxing at one of the many beaches we have to choose from.