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Travel Insider

The Travel Insider profiles favourite travel items carried by celebrities, media personalities, community leaders and business executives who travel for business and pleasure. If you have someone you’d like to see included, send an email to editor@getawaybc.com.

Vancouver, BC

Rick Antonson is, without question, one of Vancouver’s and indeed Canada’s greatest tourism ambassadors – ever! Rick’s integrity and passion for travel have seen him serve as a founding board member of the Canadian Tourism Commission, and on the boards of the Pacific Asia Travel Association based in Bangkok, Vancouver Community College, and the Advisory Council for Simon Fraser University’s Urban Studies Program.  As President & CEO of Tourism Vancouver, this dynamic travel industry leader served as an ambassador for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games (a time in which he also hosted a fun and informative, upbeat daily video segment called www.Backstageatthegames.com via Tourism Vancouver’s web site and www.youtube.com), and is Vice President of the Board of Directors for Pacific Coast Public Television (KCTS9).

In his earlier career, Rick was Vice President & General Manager of Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., one of Canada’s most prestigious book publishers, and a company on whose board of directors he now serves. A gifted writer, Rick’s most recent book, To Timbuktu for a Haircut; A Journey Through West Africa is a fabulous read as is his book, Slumach’s Gold which he co-authored with brother Brian and mutual friend, Mary Trainer.

Rick has been my good friend for over thirty years. We have worked together on many projects, sharing laughter and the occasional tear in support of family, friends and colleagues.  I feel very fortunate to have personally benefited from Rick’s powerful vision and wisdom as he has contributed so much to his community and tourism, at home and worldwide.

International travel for business is a constant in Rick’s career, so when I asked him to share his most favourite travel items he astutely responded with “Travel for work of course means having credit cards and phones and itineraries – and one could imagine 99% of ‘what we take with us’ is the same for all stepping on a plane…so perhaps I will share from a personal perspective.” We agreed that travel for pleasure is the ultimate experience so I asked him what he treasures most when getting away. His touching response was pure and simple.  “I’d travel without anything. I haven’t worn a watch in 30 years as such trinkets tether one. However, the one thing I always have in my carry-on is a small, leather bound book of maps – an atlas I was gifted many years ago. With that and the clothes on my back I’m a happy traveller.”

Rick experienced a significant milestone recently by becoming a grandfather.  Here he is with the future family traveler, his adorable grandson Riley.

www.tourismvancouver.com and www.slumachsgold.ca

Vancouver, BC

Girls really do just want to have fun and I can think of no one better to do so with – particularly when covering travel and lifestyle features – than my friend and fellow journalist, Catherine Dunwoody.  A popular contributor to Nuvo, Western Living, People, Sweetspot, Food Network and HGTV; Catherine appears regularly on W Network’s The Shopping Bags, and Shaw TV’s Urban Rush.  Check out her Get the Look for TV Week and editorial direction for CanWest’s Booming Magazine.

This pretty lady with the wicked sense of humour, also has the keenest eye for fashion this side of the Rockies – whether at home or on the road.  Together, we’ve worn ‘Michelin Men’ suits in -56′ weather in the Northwest Territories, and donned our west coast rain gear to celebrate gal pal getaways in Tofino and dining our way up and down the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

Catherine’s response to her favourite travel item will resonate with many female travellers.  “I always travel with a pashmina. I wear one around my neck on the plane to keep the chill off,  then I use it as a blanket instead of those recycled-but- never-washed creepy airline ones. I’ll  bring a color that works as a wrap with my ‘evening out’ dress for later.  I buy cheapie pashminas from the street vendors in NYC when I’m there – great colours too,  so I load up!”

Editor’s Comment:  So do I – it is the best travel wardrobe investment a girl could make!

Vancouver, BC

The owner of Vancouver’s famous trolley company, The Vancouver Trolley Company, is a passionate man with a big heart. Long time friend and colleague, Jim Storie, has served on tourism and community boards, including Tourism Vancouver and the Arts Club Theatre Company.  He is still enjoying the afterglow of the Olympics – having carried the Torch for part of the relay. His comments echo those of many – “I have never seen the city come to life the way it did during the Winter Games.  I was fortunate enough to get to a number of different events during the Olympics, but the most memorable thing that I did was just wandering around the downtown area watching all the people enjoying themselves so much. I was so proud to a Vancouverite.”

Jim’s involvement with tourism and welcoming visitors to this beautiful city called home, centers around his company.  Considered one of the city’s most engaging modes of transportation from which to tour Vancouver – by visitors and residents alike, Jim and his team have grown The Vancouver Trolley Company from the original six trolleys in 1996, to 32 buses and trolleys touring the city today! This means Jim travels quite a bit for business, preferring to explore the local waters of BC when on vacation.  When asked what his favourite travel item is, he enthusiastically responded with; “Wherever I go I like to carry a pen and a notebook with me. This allows me to write down my thoughts about what I am seeing or doing, or to remind me of things that I want to do in the future.”  Can a book be next for this ardent Vancouver Ambassador?   Check out tours and more information on Vancouver Trolley Company at www.vancouvertrolley.com.

From Vancouver 2010

Monday, February 15 we had the supreme pleasure of travelling by train from Vancouver to Whistler to experience the Olympics. With an early departure (6am) in North Vancouver, we spent the most marvelous day being entertained by the outstanding hospitality of our host, Travel Alberta.  The move to ‘dress’ BC based, Rocky Mountaineer’s Whistler

Train in bright, multi-coloured banners bedecked with Alberta’s new logo and brand messaging caused a bit of an uproar prior to the opening of the Winter Games in Vancouver.  Personally, I think it was a brilliant move and I shared this with Travel Alberta CEO, Bruce Okabe while we rode the rails together.  His enthusiastic response was “Yes, this decision to hire the train is exceeding all our expectations.  It’s an absolutely fantastic opportunity for our top corporate customers, leisure clients and travel media to see just a little slice of Alberta while travelling through British Columbia.”  A high light of the relaxing journey included ‘living characters’ on board who usually work at Alberta attractions including Calgary’s Heritage Park the day we travelled, with members from Calgary Stampede participating later in the week.

As we neared the end of this outstanding experience, it was time to ask the former Deputy Minister of Tourism for British Columbia – a position Mr. Okabe held from 2006 to 2008, the one question we all want an answer to…what is the one travel accessory he can’t be without?  Without missing a beat, the charming CEO of Travel Alberta responded with “Oh that’s easy. My noise-cancelling ear plugs!  Airline noise drives me crazy. The plugs are the perfect item to block out noise, especially if you’re stuck in a seat you don’t want.  They are so comfortable I sleep with them on!”  For more information on the great getaways in Alberta, visit www.travelalberta.com.

From Vancouver:

A good friend from ‘the biz’, Tim Tindle is the proud General Manager at one of Vancouver’s favourite downtown, luxury hotels – the beautiful Pan Pacific Vancouver.  We caught up just prior to the opening of the Winter Games during the reception for  “Kla-how-ya,” the First Nations’ welcome village located in the lobby of, and promoted in partnership with the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia to celebrate the Olympics.  Tim’s Travel Insider comments sure make me smile!

“As a Travel Insider I have to admit that most of my travels are to Pender Island to enjoy our family cottage at Currents at Otter Bay. The one thing we have to travel with is the family dog, Cowboy. He is an 11 year young Lhasa Apso/Maltese cross. Cowboy is always by our side and will not let you sit in a chair without him being in your lap. He is such a big part of the family that honestly, we can’t go anywhere without him. As soon as he sees a bag being packed he is howling at the door to get outside and get in the car. I think he has spent more time in the car, travelling with us, than anywhere else including the house!”  Be sure to visit during the Olympic celebrations – the hotel is open to the public and easily accessible during the Winter Games.  Take the Skytrain, Sea Bus from the North Shore and regular transit from points throughout the lower mainland.  See more at www.panpacific.com/vancouver

From Lake Louise, Alberta:

When visiting Lake Louise and Banff for World Cup this past December, I had the great pleasure of finally meeting up with Klaus Roth of Travel Alberta.  His reputation within Canada’s tourism industry is tremendous and I am so pleased to have met this charming individual in person.  From the world stage to domestic, Klaus has devoted over 40 years positioning Canadian travel products in the consumer’s mind. The Northwest Territories benefited from his expertise in the early days, as has the Canadian Tourism Commission and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada where he served as Vice Chair.  Yes, Dr Klaus Roth, Head of Strategy & Olympic Marketing for Travel Alberta, is an entertaining individual and extremely fond of the outdoor adventures his beloved Alberta offers.  Oh, and what does he always love to travel with…Oban Single Malt Scotch Whiskey!  This gal with Scottish heritage looks forward to enjoying a wee dram when we next get together in Vancouver during BC’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Games!  Visit www.travelalberta.com for cool stuff on Canada’s first Olympic hosting!

From The Okanagan:

Most people who work in tourism and hospitality are passionate…about pretty much everything.  Jon Zwickel of Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is no exception.  A third generation hotelier, ‘it’s in my blood’ (a common theme amongst my peers!), this wonderful, charming guy who originally hails from New York state, loves Canada.  In fact, he’s called our country ‘home’ for over twenty years.  I asked Jon for his thoughts about engaging Canadians in discovering more of what their own country is about and here’s what he shares “Look at our amazing country!  We have everything right here, especially in BC! Where else in the world can one walk on a glacier in the Rocky Mountains, taste wines with the winemakers in the Okanagan Valley, play a round of golf in the Kootenays, kayak through the Gulf Islands, and hike through a temperate rain forest on the west coast trail – all in a week long holiday?”  He excitedly continues “To tell you the truth, exploring our own backyard always leaves a smile on my face – I remember that sense of discovery I had when I first moved here from New York over 20 years ago…” And by the way? Guess what he now travels with as he travels here and abroad.  A high quality badger shaving brush recently purchased in London, England.  A gentleman, through and through.  Visit www.bellstar.ca for getaway inspirations in BC and Alberta.

From Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, BC :

Michael J, as he’s fondly referred to throughout the ski industry, is a true champion of skiing and the abundance of  snow in gorgeous British Columbia.  As Senior Vice President, Schumann Resorts for Big White and Silver Star Resorts, Michael has been instrumental in spearheading Big White and Silver Star from regional destination ski areas into world-class mountain facilities. Featuring over 17,500 on-mountain beds and a combined lift capacity of over 40,000 passengers per hour this is impressive stuff!

Michael’s passion for a warm welcome and outstanding hospitality extends right through to his team’s delivery of guest services at both resorts.  As he shares “Much of our success is due to being family-owned and paying attention to the details.  Our operations are really hands-on to make sure our guests have great holidays!”  With such a passion for exceeding guest experiences, it’s no wonder both resorts are considered top favourites with visitors from around the world as well as those of us fortunate to have them located in our British Columbian “back yard”!  Visit www.bigwhite.com

From Tofino in Vancouver Island:

The Travel Insider recently caught up with the ever gracious Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director of the west coast chic Wickaninnish Inn of Tofino, British Columbia.  When asked what he always carries in his travel bag, the enthusiastic response resonated with me.  Charles never leaves home without his Blackberry (keeping in constant touch with the resort and family is tantamount for this busy tourism executive), as well as his running gear. Whether holidaying, or partaking in business meetings around the world, Charles always finds time for a healthy fitness break. Visit www.wickinn.com