About us
Welcome to our travel meetup!
Whether you're interested in domestic travel, international destinations, river and ocean cruises, all-inclusive vacations, road trips, tours, solo travel, multigenerational travel, or setting up a vacation bucket list, this group is for you.
As a travel agent with South East Travel in Vancouver, I am excited to share exclusive offers and travel deals with this community. Some of the types of offers you can expect to see include all-inclusive deals, river cruises, ocean cruises, group tours, and tours/cruises that I will be leading personally.
In addition to sharing exclusive travel deals and offers, I will also be hosting in-person meetups where you can meet me and other travelers, share knowledge and experiences, and plan your next trip together. I will also be hosting free informative online presentations with tourism boards and suppliers, where you can learn more about different destinations and travel options, and ask any questions you may have.
These meetups and presentations will be a great opportunity for you to connect with like-minded travelers and gain valuable insights and tips for planning your next adventure. I look forward to meeting you in person and helping you plan your dream trip!
troy@southeasttravel.net (preferred)
phone 604.328.3706
whatsapp 604.328.2706 when I am travelling
To see all of our available deals, please visit our Facebook page at Near and Far Destinations. We frequently update our page with the latest offers and deals, so be sure to check it out often.
If you see an offer here, on our website, an ad, or your dream trip, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to help you plan your next adventure and make it an unforgettable experience. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, provide more information on the deals and offers, and help you book your dream trip. So don't wait, let's start planning your next adventure together!
Near and Far Destinations | Facebook
If you are not on Facebook and would like to be added on to a weekly email list , then email me to be added on to it.
11 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent for Your Next Vacation
North Americans, including many who never worked with a Travel Agent before, are turning to Travel Agents as they anticipate resuming vacation plans. Here are some of the reasons why it makes sense to rely on a Travel Agent during these times.
1. Save Time
We all know time is money, so why waste it researching airlines, cruise ships, hotels, and other travel suppliers when you can lean on an expert who has experienced them first-hand? While you should research which places you want to go (research shows that even the act of planning travel creates happiness) there’s no need to spend your valuable time over the tedious and less interesting details such as hotel reviews and flight options.
2. Avoid Stress
Things that require a significant amount of time and money inevitably tends to create headaches and stress. If recent times have taught us anything it’s that self-care is of prime importance. Working with a Travel Agent who can do the complex parts for you is an easy way to reduce the amount of stress in your life while still being able to get excited about future travel.
3. Rely on an Expert
Few people travel as much as Travel Agents. They are constantly educating themselves on the industry and what’s coming next. While COVID-19-related travel restrictions are constantly changing, it’s your Travel Agent’s job to be up to date and in the know. For many, the thought of planning travel in the time of coronavirus makes them feel lost or overwhelmed but that’s where a Travel Agent can step in and provide expert advice, recommendations and even alternate options when need be.
Would you invest your life savings without an expert? or build a home? Your vacation is just as important for your well-being and you should rely on an expert when it comes to planning and booking.
4. Travel Options are More Complex Than They Used to Be
With the current environment including retiring cruise ships, Covid testing requirements, Vaccine travel passports, Staycations, Pod vacations, never mind the new resorts, and new airline fare categories, keeping up with the options is a full-time job. Having a professional help with the planning and logistics can have a big impact on how much you spend and how much you enjoy your vacation.
5. The Personal Experience
Often the best travel deal isn’t the one that best suits you. By working with a Travel Agent, you’ll make sure that you get the best possible deal for the trip you actually want to take. Unlike a search engine, a Travel Agent will take your personal preferences into consideration before seeking out your ideal getaway.
6. You’ll Support Small Business
Like many other small and family-owned businesses, travel agencies have been massively impacted by the pandemic and they need the support from those same people who they’ve helped over the years. Supporting your local Travel Agent is just another way you can support small businesses and do your part to help jumpstart your local economy.
7. Get special Access
Travel Agents have access that Online Travel Sites and average travelers themselves don’t have. They are much more likely to enhance your trip with some unexpected and authentic moments. It might just be a surprise bottle of champagne upon arrival at your honeymoon resort or a last-minute suite upgrade. There’s no guarantee but working with an agent ensures that you have someone looking out for you behind the scenes.
8. Leverage Their Passion
The role of the Travel Agent might be different than what it was decades ago but this group’s relentless passion for exploration is among the many reasons they remain so vital today and have been able to overcome past crises including 9/11 and the Great Recession. A great Travel Agent can get you excited to see the world and keep you inspired to stay the course in those moments when you aren’t so sure. In the time of COVID-19, a good agent will never pressure you to travel but can help plan your dream trip for the time when you are more comfortable with heading out to explore again.
9. You Get an Instant Network
When you work with a Travel Agent, you not only benefit from their expertise but from their many connections. No travel professional has been everywhere, and it would be impossible for them to know everyone and everything. But they’ve undoubtedly participated in FAM (familiarization) trips where they were able to network with other agents and initiate lasting relationships with key players in the travel and tourism industry. This network is something they lean on when it comes to planning the best vacation for their clients. You are getting so much more than just one Travel Agent when you work with them.
10. A Human Connection that Travels with You
Unlike an online travel engine, your Travel Agent is with you for the duration of your trip. If you run into any problems such as a last-minute flight cancellation you will have a real person to contact for assistance. Even when an unexpected obstacle is outside of their control, a trusted agent will go to bat for you and keep in communication until the situation is resolved. You’re never alone when you have a Travel Agent to lean on.
11. Travel Agents Not Only Save You Money, They Deliver more Value for Your Vacation Dollars
When working with a Travel Agent, the value you receive will be bigger than what you paid. Cruise lines, luxury hotels, and many resorts get the majority of their customers through Travel Agents and they reward the best ones with perks to share with you. Travel Agents consistently get access to the best rooms, upgrades, and special features that are just not available in online databases.
Looking forward to making your dreams and trip happen!!
Thanks
Troy
Upcoming events
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Amawaterways Rive cruise ends July 31
·OnlineOnline
Celebrate 25 Years of AmaWaterways with an Incredible Anniversary Offer!If you've been dreaming about a river cruise, now is the perfect time to book!
For a limited time, from June 29 to July 31, 2026, you can take advantage of AmaWaterways' special Anniversary Offer on select 2026 and 2027 sailings around the world. The promotion includes savings of up to $3,000 per stateroom, a $250 onboard credit per stateroom to enjoy the spa or boutique, and a reduced deposit of just $300 per person, with final payment not due until 90 days before departure.
Whether you've always wanted to cruise the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Mekong, Nile or experience AmaWaterways' newest itineraries along Colombia's Magdalena River, this is one of the best opportunities of the year to make it happen.
Want to browse all of AmaWaterways' amazing itineraries? Check them out here:
Home Page | AmaWaterways (CA)Looking for more travel deals, destination inspiration, and the latest travel news? Join my Facebook community where I regularly share exclusive offers, travel tips, and updates:
FacebookIf you'd like a personalized quote or help choosing the perfect river cruise, I'd love to help!
Email: troy@southeasttravel.net1 attendeeQuark Expedition 2028 Arctic early booking bonus +other offers
·OnlineOnline❄️ Big news for Arctic and Antarctic adventure lovers!
Quark Expeditions has officially launched its Arctic 2028 season, and it's shaping up to be one of its most exciting yet!The new season features 27 departures aboard the Ocean Explorer and Ultramarine, including a brand new Canadian Arctic: Wildlife, Helicopters & the Northwest Passage expedition. This incredible itinerary combines exploration by ship, Zodiac and helicopter, giving you the opportunity to discover spectacular landscapes, incredible wildlife, and connect with Inuit and Greenlandic communities.
Photography enthusiasts will also love the new Guided Photography Program, designed to help you capture unforgettable wildlife and landscape images. Plus, new pre and post expedition extensions in Helsinki and Reykjavik let you explore even more before or after your voyage.
🎉 Early Booking Bonus
For a limited time, you can save up to $2,000 USD PLUS an additional 10% on every Arctic 2028 voyage. Booking early also means the best selection of cabins, departure dates and optional adventures before they sell out.🌎 Featured Deals
Looking to travel sooner? You can also save up to 30% on select Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, making it one of the best times to experience the world's most remote and breathtaking destinations.🧳 Solo Traveler Special
Thinking about travelling solo? For a limited time, solo travelers can save up to $10,000 USD on Balcony Suites on select Arctic 2026 voyages aboard the Ultramarine. These departures are coming up soon, so cabin availability is limited and can only be booked by contacting a Polar Travel Advisor. Please note this offer cannot be combined with any other in market discounts.Having recently returned from my own Arctic expedition, I can honestly say this style of travel exceeded every expectation. If exploring glaciers, spotting polar bears and whales, cruising through pristine fjords, and visiting places very few people will ever see is on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to start planning.
📧 Email: troy@southeasttravel.net
1 attendee
Caribbean Days Festival in Coquitlam at Lafarge Lake
Lafarge Lake-Douglas, Coquitlam, BC, CAJust a good reason to hang out, have some drink , eat and listen to music.
Last year had a core of a dozen that sat together and another dozen that came and mingled.Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on (maybe an umbrella or tent for shade), cash to purchase food/drinks and maybe a small cooler to bring your own food and drinks.
We will be leaving Lafarge skytrain at 1:50 so arrive 5-10 minutes early. Then at the stated time we will walk over to find a spot for the group as it is posted in a few meetups. If you arrive early or later, just message to see where we setup so you can join us.
If you drive, I will comment in this post to say where we set up so you can join us .
The group may stay longer then 3 hours .Caribbean Days Festival returns.
### Welcome to Caribbean Days
Each year, during the last weekend of July, the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC presents the Caribbean Days Festival. This event draws a crowd of exuberant fun-lovers for a weekend of parading, dining, socializing (liming) and dancing in the sunshine. This is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer.
Over the years, the Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar. With up to 60,000 people attending annually, it is one of the largests cultural events of its type in BC, period.The park is situated not far from Coquitlam Town Centre, a well-known shopping destination and a hub of the city’s transportation system. As a result, the park can be reached easily via Skytrain. Simply take the Millennium Line to its terminus at Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and from there it’s just a few steps to the Park. There is also ample parking adjacent to the park for those arriving by car.
Town Centre Park is an ideal location for an outdoor festival, and indeed it plays host to a number of major events each year. Fittingly, it is also home to Percy Perry Stadium, named in honour of long-serving Coquitlam community leader and Caribbean expatriate Percy Perry.
Caribbean Days Festival is proud to make its long-awaited return.
Caribbean Days Festival is free to attend, is open to all ages, is wheelchair accessible and close to public transportation. Over the years, the Festival has grown into the largest Caribbean event on the local calendar. With tens of thousands of attendees, it is possibly the largest cultural event.1 attendee
Absolute Turkey Oct 3-17 2026 private tour with Troy Knight
Location not specified yetAfter the success of my last two private tours, I am partnering with G Adventures once again to organize and lead a private 15 day Absolute Turkey tour from October 3 to 17, 2026.
This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture. Begin your trip roaming the palaces and mosques of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre as you explore otherworldly Cappadocia. From the amazing white cliff waterfalls of Pamukkale to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul, our local CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Only 16 spots on this tour
CAD 2,499.00 per person
Based on Double occupancy
My Own Room (single supplement) CAD $939.00 per person
July 1 $400 deposit due to secure your spot
Aug 1 Final Payment
Insurance is recommended & mandatory on a G Adventure tour which I can assist you withRequest more information and access to the recording of the Q and A session about the tour.
or
email meTroy Knight
Marketing & Training Director, BC Branch | Travel Advisor
troy@southeasttravel.net
Office 604.799.7263 ext 3
Cell 604.328.27061 attendee
Past events
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