Jim Warren

Director of Business Development US

jwarren@andersonvacations.ca

308-234-4348

Jim has been a member of the travel industry for over 50 years and has been involved with many Canadian and American Travel organizations including Brennan Vacations, Exclusively Canada, Tourism Vancouver and Rocky Mountaineer. He is the retiring Chair for the National Tour Association and an active board member of the Travel Alliance Partners (TAP). Jim is Anderson Vacations\' Director of Business Development in the United States and currently lives in Kearney Nebraska with his wife Terree.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
Without a doubt the thing I love most about the Tourism Industry is the amazing, creative and resilient people who make our industry work and often become lifelong friends

What are your favourite destinations that we offer?
My favourite Anderson Vacations destinations include Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Canada\'s North and New Zealand

Where would you like to visit that you haven’t travelled to before?
I have a passion for the Canadian North and am looking forward to cruising the Arctic with our great partner Adventure Canada. I look forward to the opportunity to viewing amazing wildlife, meeting with the indigenous people and learning much more about the environment and climate changes

Tell us about a unique travel experience that you have had?
Fresh in my memory is an amazing 26-day tour I managed in October of this year. The group was from Australia and had already been on a 12- Day Alaska Tour & Cruise before they arrived in Vancouver. The trip covered BC, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California. The group was very active and was always looking for hiking opportunities. We hiked for 10 km along the ocean shore in Oregon, to the top of a 3500 M fire road at Lake Tahoe, and along a spectacular 8km ridge trail in Yosemite. Most dinner arrangements were made spontaneously and took us to a variety of eating facilities including a 120 year old cookhouse, a 140 year old hotel in Yosemite and a cook-out on a rugged Oregon Beach. Action activities included jet boat trips on the Blue and Rogue Rivers, Dune Buggies in Oregon, tree top walking in the Redwoods and Zip Lining in Whistler! Most evenings ended including group card games, joke telling, singing and lots of amber refreshment. What a great trip!

Tell us about your favourite itinerary that you have put together
I love travel by rail. This year I had the opportunity to craft a tour for a group coming from Sweden that includes Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City - all connected on VIA Rail Business Class. The tour features Fairmont Hotels and includes several private walking tours and gourmet dining/wine related evenings. The group then flies to Calgary for some time in the Rockies before boarding Rocky Mountaineer (Gold Leaf) to Vancouver. An additional 6 days will be spent exploring Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and Victoria before connecting with an Alaska Cruise. The itinerary also includes rafting, whale watching, zip-lining and other action activities across the country. It is an amazing tour that has been customized for 16 passengers who will truly get to experience Canada at its best.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I have a great enjoyment of music of all genres, traveling to \"the next place\" and spending as much time as possible with my granddaughters.

Zach Harrison

Business Development Manager Canada

zharrison@andersonvacations.ca

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Zach is a foodie with a passion for trying new culinary experiences. His food adventures have taken him to the USA, Mexico, Jamaica, Ecuador, and the Caribbean.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love how the Tourism Industry encourages diversity from people of all backgrounds and ages to come together to learn more about destinations, cultures and themselves.

Where would you like to visit next?
The combination of the auroras and unique food experiences make the Northwest Territories and the Yukon my favourite.

Where would you like to visit next?
Costa Rica - The plant life makes for some interesting dinners!

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I like to make from scratch sourdough bread and pizzas!

Vasil Vladinski

Operations Manager

vvladinski@andersonvacations.ca

778-475-8263

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 Roshuk

FIT Operations

rroshuk@andersonvacations.ca

825-540-7606

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.

Harsh Modi

Group Operations Coordinator

hmodi@andersonvacations.ca

403-245-6200

Harsh was born in India and moved to Canada after turning 18. After earning his Hospitality Management degree from Humber, he relocated to Alberta, where he worked primarily in hotels and explored Banff and the surrounding areas. Upon moving to Calgary, he decided to apply his extensive knowledge and passion for the hospitality and tourism industry at Anderson Vacations.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love that the Travel Industry is always exciting. Meeting new people! Going to some place new is always challenging and exciting! It certainly will help me visiting the places I want to and escape everyday reality for a short time.

What is your favorite destination that we offer?
There are so many options. But Rockies! I have lived in the heart of it for so many years and seen all the beauty mother nature has to offer.

Where would you like to visit next?
For my next visit I would love to go to Europe.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Outside Anderson Vacations, I love spending time with my family and I love playing shooting games. In my free time, I will always plan my next trip.

Farhad Khani

Accountant

accounts@andersonvacations.ca

403-245-6200

Farhad has been working in the accounting field for several years in different companies. With a love for traveling and visiting new places, he decided to apply his experiences and passion to the tourism industry. He is very pleased to be part of the great Anderson Vacation team.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I like the tourism industry because it helps me develop myself professionally and as a person. Not only do I improve on my professional skills, but I also learn more due to the variety of colleagues and clients, and I can get to know different cultures.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
The East of Canada such as Halifax, Nova Scotia, Prince Edvard Island,...

Where would you like to visit next?
Australia, Because of great Australian Weather, Nature and Wildlife.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I like reading, spending time with my family, and travelling.

Wesley Roe

Operations Coordinator

wroe@andersonvacations.ca

778.475.8262

Wesley was born in California, grew up in Florida, then moved to join her extended family in Alberta at the age of 17. After graduating from the University of Alberta she spent a few years travelling around Asia and the South Pacific. She spent some time living in the UK, New Zealand and Japan before finally returning to Alberta.

Why are you in the travel business?
Travel is my passion! I owe so much of who I am and what I\'ve achieved to travel. So it was only natural to find a career where I can share my passion and experience with others. I want to help everyone explore the world and have experiences as incredible as I\'ve had!

What are your favourite destinations that we offer?
New Zealand is definitely a favourite as it has such natural beauty. Pair that with the amazing people and chance to learn about Maori culture, and you have an incredible destination! Within Canada, Yellowknife and Haida Gwaii are the most exciting to me. Yellowknife offers the ability to watch the magical northern lights dance across the sky, while Haida Gwaii lets you immerse yourself in ancient forests and culture.

Tell us about a unique travel experience you have had?
I had an unforgettable experience in Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, so it offers some amazing stargazing experiences. First, we viewed planets and distant stars through high powered telescopes while learning about astronomy and how the Maori used to navigate by the stars. Then we entered the hot pools to lie in floating hammocks while looking up at the night sky. Our guide told us stories of Maori legends while we stared at the millions of stars. Floating in the hot water while soaking in the universe laid bare before I was an experience I\'ll never forget.

Tell us about your favourite itinerary that you have put together?
My favourite itinerary so far was a trip around Quebec. The group explored Quebec\'s beauty by enjoying the province\'s wonderful local cuisine. They stayed in some of the most beautiful properties and explored the charming historic neighbourhoods. We even included some unique experiences like dining in complete darkness. This was definitely an itinerary that made me want to go on it too!

Outside of AV what do you like to do?
I love finding new recipes to cook and playing board games. In the summer nothing beats spending time with my family at the lake cabin.

Pamela Parks

Senior Lead of Group Operations

pparks@andersonvacations.ca

587-349-5970

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Pam grew up across Canada, from the East to the West Coast, with her family. As an adult, she traveled extensively in Canada, the Caribbean, and the United States, immersing herself in the local cultures and activities wherever she went. With a professional background of 15 years in Hotel Management, Pam decided to switch careers from hotels to Travel and Tourism after having her first and only child. She enjoys meeting new people, and learning new skills, and eagerly anticipates expanding her travels overseas. Pam is thrilled to have joined the family at Anderson Vacations!

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
Never a dull moment! Each day is never the same as the last and you\'re continuously learning and growing.

What is your favorite destination that we offer?
As for where I have been as my favorite, I would say Vancouver. A favorite destination that we offer that I have not been to is Newfoundland.

Where would you like to visit next?
I would be grateful to be able to walk the Great Wall of China (or shall I say some of it).

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I love spending Family time, camping, going to the lake, boating, picnics, bbqs. I always have music playing in my house and am looking for the next good show to go to.

Melissa Vladinski

FIT Operations Consultant

mvladinski@andersonvacations.ca

Melissa grew up in Alberta and graduated with honors from SAIT’s Travel and Tourism Program in 2007. Following graduation, she spent 10 years working as both a leisure and corporate travel consultant. Melissa has traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. She now resides in British Columbia with her family, a place that has always been one of their favorite vacation destinations.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
Gaining travel knowledge, learning about different cultures and nationalities, and getting to experience new destinations.

What is your favorite destination that we offer?
I’ve enjoyed every place that I’ve visited, but New Zealand will always hold a special place in my heart!

Where would you like to visit next?
Tahiti and New Zealand.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Exploring the many beaches of the Okanagan Valley, while spending time with my family.

Aakriti Aneja

FIT Operations Consultant

aaneja@andersonvacations.ca

Aakriti was born and raised in India and completed her bachelor’s degree in Airline, Tourism & Hospitality Management. Seeking further studies and career advancement, she moved to Canada in 2016 and completed a Diploma in Hotel & Resort Management from Lambton College in Toronto. Aakriti is an enthusiastic and dedicated hospitality professional with over seven years of experience in the industry. After spending a few years working in various hotel departments, she decided to explore the Travel & Tourism sector. She is thrilled to be part of Anderson Vacations.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love to work with people from different parts of the World as I get to know about different cultures, and the Tourism industry helps me to make those connections. Most importantly, I am passionate about travelling and love helping people to achieve their dream vacations.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
Beaches and Oceans attract me so I would say the West Coast is my favorite destination other than that Canada is such a beautiful country and has so much to offer. I would love to explore every part of it.

Where would you like to visit next?
I like spending my vacation on Island so I would love to visit South Pacific Islands.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I like to go on long drives with my husband so that I can see the incredible places around me and get a chance to spend quality time with him. I enjoy shopping as well.

Olivia Faggetter

Product Coordinator

ofaggetter@andersonvacations.ca

Originally from London, UK, Olivia moved to Canada in 2023 after falling in love with the country on vacation. Now residing near Squamish, BC, she brings seven years of experience in the travel industry, combining her passion for travel with her love for both the industry and her new home. Olivia has traveled extensively throughout Europe and America, and she is excited to help others explore the beauty and adventure that Canada, the USA, and the South Pacific offer.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I love the tourism industry for its ever-evolving nature. Meeting new people, constantly learning, and working with amazing experiences and properties keep the job exciting. The opportunity to create unforgettable travel experiences for others is truly rewarding.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
Choosing a favorite is tough, but Northern BC and the Yukon hold a special place in my heart. Their breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and sense of adventure make these destinations unique and exciting.

Where would you like to visit next?
Next on my travel list is the Maritimes. The charm of the coastal provinces, their vibrant communities, and stunning ocean views are incredibly appealing, and I can\'t wait to explore everything they have to offer.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Outside of work, I enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. I also love hiking in the beautiful surroundings of my home and have a passion for making jewelry.

Jessie Loucks

Content and Social Media Coordinator

jloucks@andersonvacations.ca

Hailing from the Capital city of Canada, Jessie has been working in tourism for the last decade. From the raging Ottawa River to the ski hills of the Rockies, adventure tourism is her passion. She moved to Canmore in 2016 to work at Sunshine Village in Banff. After 5 years of seasonal work, she has joined Anderson Vacations for a stable year-round position within the Marketing team.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
Adventure tourism is my go-to. Rafting a rocky river or climbing a big mountain are my go-to activities when travelling. There’s nothing like dropping into your soft bed after a long day trip.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
Canmore and the Rockies will always have a special place in my heart. After 5 years living in Canmore’s Alpenglow, I gained extra appreciation and knowledge about the area.

Where would you like to visit next?
New Zealand - Not only for the incredible landscapes, I have friends I met working in tourism that I need to visit!

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Anything outdoors. Rafting, biking, hiking, etc. I also like video games and sewing.

Krysti Ptolemy

Travel Sales Specialist

kptolemy@andersonvacations.ca

825-540-7607

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 Roberts

Travel Sales Specialist

troberts@andersonvacations.ca

778-475-8261

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.

Sydney Eacrett

Group Sales Specialist

seacrett@andersonvacations.ca

587-349-5960

Originally from the Southwest of Ireland, Sydney moved to Calgary a year ago to experience Canada’s four seasons, but so far she has only noticed extreme cold or extreme heat. She has been traveling since she was six weeks old and has visited over 20 different places. When looking at college courses, she realized she could study tourism and share her appreciation for travel with others.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I like how the industry is constantly updating and changing. No two tourists want to experience one destination the same. It makes planning an itinerary and creating a tour all the more interesting.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
It would be a toss up between Haida Gwaii and the Maritimes. They are both such unique destinations that are so different to the places I have visited in Europe.

Where would you like to visit next?
I would normally say Sydney, Australia but since learning about Sydney, Nova Scotia I would have to say there.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I enjoy hiking and spending time baking and painting, among other activities with my friends I have made here.

Tiara Porter

Marketing Coordinator

tporter@andersonvacations.ca

Tiara is from Calgary, Alberta, and pursued a Business Management degree in Kelowna, BC. She has held various marketing and non-profit roles and has an interest in creating compelling content that connects with its audience. As a long-time traveler, Tiara has an appreciation for seeing new places as an opportunity to expand one’s perspective and worldview. She is also a big advocate for sustainability.

What do you love most about the Tourism Industry?
I really appreciate how welcoming the industry and people in it have been so far. Everyone is willing to help in the pursuit of showcasing these amazing destinations.

What are your favorite destinations that we offer?
I just love BC so much. After spending so many years there, I have grown an attachment to the mountains and the beauty that envelops you during every waking moment.

Where would you like to visit next?
I would love to visit New Zealand! The landscapes and greenery look breath taking.

Outside Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
I love exploring new vegan food options and playing tennis.

Pamela Schewe

Tour Leader

bookings@andersonvacations.ca

As a full-time tour leader, I am lucky to spend part of my year touring groups around the globe but am never more happy to return each summer season to show people around Western Canada and beyond. Being able to share my home country and more specifically, my own ‘neighbourhood\' within it, is such an honour. Nothing feels better than turning a corner and hearing guests behind me breathlessly exclaiming “wow”!

Willo Jones

Tour Leader

bookings@andersonvacations.ca

Willo is heading into her 25th year of taking guests on incredible journeys. She loves the Stampede City of Calgary with its western heritage. Being a Calgarian by birth, her passion definitely lies in the ten-day festival that draws people from around the world who gather to enjoy the rodeo, chuckwagon races and all the other festivities that make up the famous Calgary Stampede. She also loves teaching her granddaughter to sew.

Anita Hafner

Tour Leader

bookings@andersonvacations.ca

403-245-6200

Anita\'s lifelong passion for travel led her first to become a certified travel agent and started out her career in travel as a passenger agent at the Vancouver International Airport. She quickly moved on to become a Tour Guide and Driver for a Vancouver based sightseeing company, Landsea Tours, and honed her public relations skills. Wanting to broaden her horizons she took a position with the Royal Hudson Steam train as a hostess and narrator. In 1994 she took a position as a Tour Director for a UK based company and never looked back. She has been leading travelers through Canada and the Rockies, United States, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Scandinavia, Central America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Guatemala, Morocco, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Gibraltar and the Western Caribbean. She is inspired by the people she meets, the beauty of nature and her quest is to continue adding to her list of countries visited. Whether on a train, cruiseship or motorcoach tour, Anita\'s joyful personality lends to an enjoyable and memorable travel experience.

Why are you in the travel business?
My love for travel goes right back to childhood. I have always had the desire to travel, see the world, explore new cultures and meet new people. Travel is a passion for me so to work as a Tour Director was the perfect way for me to learn the about all aspects of travel and meet people from all around the world.

What are your favourite destinations that we offer?
My favourite destinations? Do I have to pick just a few? I love nature and what it has to offer so my favourite destinations in my own back yard are the Canadian Rockies and Alaska with majestic mountain peaks and glaciers. I am also a huge sun worshipper so love the tropics and my favourites are Fiji, the Cook Islands and Rarotonga! There really is nothing like the beautiful aqua waters that lap at the soft sandy beaches and palm trees that sway in the breeze.

Tell us about a unique travel experience that you have had?
To me all experiences are unique and different. However a couple do stand out a bit more than others. They are when I had the privilege of hugging a dolphin in Jamaica and holding a stingray in my arms in the Cayman Islands.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
Similar to our founder and President Corey Marshall, I love to think outside the box. When I am not leading tours for Anderson Vacations, I love assisting others in learning how to shift limiting beliefs and patterns to assist them in their personal growth and evolution and ultimately how to consciously create their realties. In my spare time, I enjoy quiet time in nature, pursuing my passion of metaphysics, and exploring culinary creations.

Neil Van Der Putten

Tour Leader

bookings@andersonvacations.ca

Born in Halifax and raised in the Maritimes I have lived 22 years in Atlantic Canada before moving to western Canada in 1977. I have lived and worked in Alberta for some 42 years, where I developed a strong interest in out-door mountain adventure while working a career with the Federal Government and running my own house building company. I joined the Canadian Ski Patrol and worked as a volunteer providing first aid to injured skiers in a mountain environment, for some 20 years, in and around the Canadian Rockies. After leaving the Ski Patrol, I became a member of the Canadian Alpine Club of Canada, leading small groups into backcountry mountain adventures. These experiences developed my interest to become a professional certified tour director/guide doing tours across Canada, showing others all what this great country has to offer.

Carol Walker

Tour Leader

bookings@andersonvacations.ca

403-245-6200

Travel and an interest in the world has always been a passion of Carol\'s, starting out with family car trips when she was young, to ocean and river cruises, to adventure travel, to coach tours, to travelling on her own in Europe for weeks at a time. Carol has visited over 45 countries and 6 continents. When an opportunity presented itself to be able to share this passion with others as a Tour Director, she couldn\'t wait to get started. As a graduate of ITMI (International Tour Management Institute) in San Francisco in 2000, she has led tours for over 13 years to Canada\'s Maritimes, Eastern Canada, Alaska and the Yukon, California, Oregon and Washington as well as the Canadian and American Rockies. Carol also specializes in local City tours for groups coming into Calgary, Banff and Jasper.

Why are you in the travel business?
I work in the travel business for lots of reasons: to have fun, to see places I have always dreamed of, to meet new people, to learn and to have my preconceived notions challenged. Sharing these reasons with others has helped to make me appreciate that others are also keen to share their ideas and their dreams as well. As an Interpreter/Tour Guide at Heritage Park in Calgary, I am able to help visitors understand our local history and to appreciate that the past has not \"passed\" and that it affects our daily life, culture, and values.

What are your favourite destinations that we offer?
The Golden Gate City, Oregon Coast and Pacific North West, Yellowstone and Canyonlands. Best of the Great Canadian Rockies and Beautiful British Columbia.

Tell us about a unique travel experience you have had?
I recently travelled to the Canadian War Cemeteries in France, Belgium and Holland and found that it was a very moving experience to realize the scope of both World Wars and how they affected our lives for more than one hundred years and still affect us to this day.

I also travelled on a Lewis and Clark tour that traced the path that the explorers took along the Missouri River from Saint Louis, Missouri to Astoria, Oregon. It was amazing to be able to stand where they stood and know that the scenery had changed very little over 200 years and that their discoveries and actions affected the development of the United States and Canada.

Travelling to Greenland and Iceland was a marvelous learning experience. Being able to observe a wedding taking place with Inuit and Danish residents was very unique and yet familiar.

Tell us about your favourite itinerary that you have put together?
\"The Canadian Rockies from an Insider\'s Viewpoint\" was my favorite itinerary to develop and then conduct the tour. The group was all Americans and they were thrilled to go to places that only the locals know about and to learn about what it is like to be Canadian and to live in our harsh climate. They learned how our two countries are different, yet similar in many ways.

Outside of Anderson Vacations, what do you like to do?
My love of history has allowed me to work as a Historical Interpreter at Heritage Park in Calgary, where I train and supervise a team of Tour Guides who conduct tours for groups coming to the park. In addition, I am an avid reader of history, world affairs and travel writing, plus I enjoy hiking in the Rockies and travelling yearly to England to visit museums that are off the beaten track and to visit with friends i have made through various tour experiences.