Who We Are 2 – don’t use

LINDA R BURNDORFER
President/Queen of Travel

The next best thing to going on a trip myself is to help you plan yours!

 My job as your travel agent is to get you where you want to go using the best route possible. And that’s what I do every day for clients near and far, from my agency Out ‘n About Travel, located in the very heart of Canada’s great prairies.

 After 10 years’ learning the industry, I opened my own agency in 1994 because I wanted to grow my own business and serve clients my own way: with intelligence, sensitivity, and industry expertise. As a member of the gay community, I knew the value of smart and sensitive service for individuals more often ignored than catered to. Over time, Out ‘n About Travel has evolved into a boutique agency whose clients span the corporate and individual market, and includes a commitment to meeting the needs of the LGBTQ community.

 My team of 5 and I work with you to understand your travel needs and trip objectives. We prepare detailed and organized itineraries, using our training, experience and commitment to exceed your expectations. My life partner is also my business partner, which means that – for the sake of the agency – we must take trips together in order to experience new destinations and travel options. (Yes, it’s a tough gig, but someone has to do it!) We love Europe for its history, architecture and culture (oh, and the food), but are just as thrilled to travel through the United States to play golf at the famous Dinah Shore event or hike through Joshua Tree Park in beautiful California. No matter where your destination is, or whether you’re planning a solo journey or a group trip, you will benefit from our own love of travel.

 Our goal is to help you get every possible enjoyment from your trip. We know how to listen and then translate your dreams into a vacation filled with meaningful memories and enjoyable experiences. For business travelers, we can book you lean-and-mean or offer suggestions for interesting side trips or cultural options as your schedule permits.

 With Out’n About Travel as your agency, you are never alone: We are your travel safety net, accessible online or by phone to help keep you safe and on track. Travel solo, not alone

This wonderful world of ours is just waiting to be explored. Every journey begins with the first step. Take yours into our office – in person, by phone or online. We are here to help you get to where you want (or need) to go.

How Long You’ve worked at OutnAbout:
I have worked in various capacities within the travel technology world for over 36 years in Winnipeg, Montreal, and Toronto. In 2005 I started to work with Linda managing the Marketing and all Back Office activities.

Where have you lived:
I have lived in a few different places across Canada such as Winnipeg, Cap Chat in the Gaspésie area, Wentworth Nova Scotia, Lethbridge Alberta, Montreal and Toronto.

Do you have a pet:
Once my daughters got a little older I started having dogs. Our first was Cezanne a beautiful standard poodle. This was years ago and now I actually have 3 dogs. They are all getting older but are the best dogs ever. We have Baxter the Dachshund, Bailey the Bishon-Shitzu and Bishop the Golden Doodle.

Why did you choose to work in the travel industry?
Back in the day, I was a participant of the Katimavik program in 1978/79. While in the program I was fortunate to travel across Canada and it gave me the desire to experience the world and gave me the taste to travel. Working in the travel industry has been incredibly rewarding. There is nothing better than helping others create lifelong memories and experiences – travel does that for others.

Favourite Trip you have taken:
Bali Indonesia has been my most exciting to date – white sand beaches on one side and black sand beaches on the other side of the island – volcanoes, rice fields and rain forests – monkey forests and snorkeling – temples and markets – incredible savory flavours – fresh exotic fruit.

Favourite Trip to Plan:
As a support team member I don’t plan travel for others, but for myself I love planning river cruises and guided tours in Europe.

Bucket list Vacation:
Myanmar River Cruise, an African glamping adventure, Bora Bora in an over water luxury cottage, small ship expedition in Patagonia, culinary travels in Italy and Morocco, glass igloos to see the Northern lights in Finland.

Chocolate or Vanilla:
Vanilla (don’t tell anyone, but I am not a fan of chocolate LOL).

CRYSTAL PETERSON
Office Manager and Wedding Specialist

Name:
Crystal Peterson 

Specialty:
Destination Weddings / Group and Corporate Travel

How Long You’ve worked at OutnAbout:
I started in 2010, 6 years ago.

Where have you lived:
Winnipeg

Do you have a pet:
Yes, a dog (Boston Terrier/Pug) named Lexus

Why did you choose to work in the travel industry:
I chose the travel industry because it combines my 2 favorite things, sales and travel. I fell in love with sales because I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things from people that I’ve met. And the same goes for travel, I love learning about new destinations and spending time with customers helping them make the right decision about a product and destination.

Favourite Trip you have taken:
My favorite trip was for my wedding. I planned my own destination wedding in Mexico in 2015 with 56 of my friends and family and it was the most amazing trip. I loved spending time with all the people closest to me while celebrating my wedding.

Favourite Trip to Plan:
My favorite trips to plan are other clients’ destination weddings. I have been though the whole process and now know all the tips and tricks of planning a destination wedding. My knowledge is first hand experience and I love sharing my ideas and expertise with others.

Most memorable holiday you have planned for clients and why:
The most memorable trip I have planned for a client was actually for a very close friend of mine who had moved so South Africa for 3 months to volunteer. She then spent a month travelling afterwards. It was memorable because I got to plan some of the most interesting destinations and activities for her such as the seeing the pyramids in Egypt, shopping in Dubai, visiting the Victoria falls in Zambia, and hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town.

Bucket list Vacation:
My bucket list vacation would be a River Cruise down the Mekong or Irrawaddy River. I have always wanted to see the temples and exotic sights, and can’t get enough of the food. Asia offers a rich and vibrant experience for anyone and there is no better way to experience Asia than in the comfort of a luxurious river ship.

Chocolate or Vanilla:
Vanilla ☺

MARIE-SEHLY COLY
Bilingual– Agent de voyage / Travel Consultant

Specialty:
Well, I really like corporate travel, but destination travel is quite interesting too. I’m still learning, so maybe next year my specialty will be easier to define.  Having said that I am fully bilingual, French and English.

How Long You’ve worked at OutnAbout:
I started in June 2015. I just celebrated my 1year anniversary as a junior agent.  I’m the youngest in the office and learning more and more everyday.  🙂

Where have you lived:
I am from France, and moved to Canada 3 years ago. It has been a BIG change and I love it here.

Do you have a pet:
No, maybe one day or maybe not… I don’t know yet.

Why did you choose to work in the travel industry:
I have been passionate abut the travel industry since my adolescence. First, I wanted to be a flight attendant for Air France. Years later, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work in a plane all my life. I just wanted to work as a valued team member, where my clients trust me, and where I can do my best to achieve my goals.

But the real thing I know and love about travel industry, is that I learn something new everyday.

This industry offers many opportunities. I’m likely curious, and I think this industry is the perfect choice for me!

Favourite Trip you have taken:
My last trip was to Jamaica, at the Sandals Resort Whitehouse European Village and Spa.   This island was just amazing. The landscape is beautiful, with banana trees, a turquoise Caribbean sea, and sandy beaches. In the city center, the houses and shops were colourful : yellow, blue, green red, orange, pink all mixed together it just brings you joy and you just feel like you’re on vacation. As well, this resort is just LIFE. The entire staff, really, wants to make sure that you are having a great time from the minute you are land in Jamaica until the day they drop you off at the airport for your return flight. The food is fresh and cocktails served at the pool bar were fun and fantastic!

Contact me if you need any advice ;). 

Favourite Trip to Plan:
To date, my favourite trip has been my own. I also really enjoy booking corporate travel.

Most memorable holiday you have planned for clients and why:
I am still learning the vacation side of the business but thoroughly enjoy handling our business travellers’ corporate needs.

Bucket list Vacation:
Spain, California, Italy, Mexico, India, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.

Chocolate or Vanilla:
VANILLA FOREVER !