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Gayle Takashima / Luxury Rail Journeys
Gayle Takashima

Gayle Takashima

Seattle, WA Cruise Specialist
Years of Experience: 25+
54 Reviews | 100% Recommended

Luxury Rail Journeys

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

I highly recommend a rail journey for people who love scenic vistas and the relaxing lifestyle of cruising. Having personally ridden on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer railway, I can attest to the high levels of service, delicious cuisine and excellent tours that travelers enjoy on a Rocky Mountaineer trip. In many ways, Rocky Mountaineer’s seamless travel product is a “deluxe cruise on rail.”

As part of a professional development seminar, I was lucky enough to take part in a 5-day trip, involving 2 days on Rocky Mountaineer Rail from Vancouver to Banff.

We began our journey with a one-way Amtrak train from Edmonds, Washington, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a great way to avoid long lines at the airport and waits at the Canadian border. Many other Rocky Mountaineer guests were also taking the train that morning to Vancouver.Here is the full itinerary I experienced:

  • Day 1: Edmonds to Vancouver B.C., (Amtrak) overnight at Vancouver Fairmont hotel

  • Day 2: Vancouver B.C. to Kamloops B.C. via Rocky Mountaineer rail, hotel in Kamloops with dinner

  • Day 3: Kamloops to Banff via Rocky Mountaineer rail, spent 2 nights in Banff at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

  • Day 4: Tour of Banff and visit to Chateau Lake Louise with a luncheon

  • Day 5: Banff to Calgary via motorcoach, then a flight home from Calgary

Rocky Mountaineer exclusively travels the rails during the day and provides hotel accommodations for each night. This is the best of both worlds: sleep in a comfortable hotel bed each night and save the train simply for soaking in the views! Not to worry, Rocky Mountaineer takes care of your bags between the train and hotel each time, so they appear and disappear like magic.

Two Levels of Service

Rocky Mountaineer offers two classes of service onboard, SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. I had the opportunity to experience both levels of service. The first evening I utilized the SilverLeaf level of service. This service offers the following:

  • A custom-designed single-level dome coach railcar

  • Oversized glass-dome windows for taking in the spectacular views

  • At-your-seat meals for breakfast and lunch

  • Reclining, comfortable, pre-assigned seating with ample leg room

  • Two hosts and one culinary team member

  • Storytellers to entertain and educate guests about historic sites, flora, fauna and wildlife

  • Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Gourmet snacks

  • A small outdoor viewing platform

  • Baggage delivery to your overnight hotel

For the first night, I stayed at the SilverLeaf (moderate) hotel property in Kamloops, B.C. Accommodations were certainly acceptable, but not considered luxury.My second night, and for both days of the ride, I experienced the GoldLeaf service, which is superior. The value of it far exceeds the additional cost. This service features several upgrades:

  • Bi-level dome coach railcar with seating above and dining below

  • Full glass-dome windows with panoramic views

  • Gourmet à la carte meals in the lower-level dining room

  • Reclining, comfortable, pre-assigned seating with ample leg room

  • Three to four hosts plus a full culinary team

  • A large exclusive outdoor viewing platform

Plus, GoldLeaf Service includes these other fine features enjoyed by SilverLeaf guests:

  • Storytellers to entertain and educate guests about historic sites, flora, fauna and wildlife

  • Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

  • Gourmet snacks (both afternoons we enjoyed warm chocolate cookies)

  • Baggage delivery to your overnight hotel

The dining in GoldLeaf Service, especially with the wine included, enhances the experience tremendously and makes the days fly by while watching the gorgeous scenery.

During my GoldLeaf level of service I stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, which I absolutely loved! This is a large and most unique property offering small, but nicely appointed rooms with beautiful views from almost every room. I also toured and had lunch at the Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel, which is a beautiful property in a remote setting. This hotel is an excellent choice for active travelers, as it is within a wonderful natural setting with quick access to hiking, rock climbing, biking, fishing, and more.

I would highly recommend Rocky Mountaineer in the GoldLeaf level of service to travelers who are avid train enthusiasts, who love to watch beautiful scenery, or for those who would like a nice, very relaxing vacation.

There are plenty of opportunities to make your own fun with board games, chatting with fellow travelers; and of course, the animal spotting — imagine landscapes dotted with bighorn sheep, bear, elk, deer, coyote and wolf — some even right near the rails.

In addition, these journeys are a fabulous extension to an Alaska cruise that ends in Vancouver or Seattle. I will craft these arrangements into one seamless vacation so you can experience the spectacular vistas of Canada’s Rockies plus Alaska’s stunning glaciers and wildlife all in one dream vacation. 

My Areas of Expertise

Destinations

  • Canada
  • British Columbia
  • Alaska
  • Europe

Interests

  • Rail

Supplier

  • Rocky Mountaineer
  • Tauck

Certificates & Awards

Certified ASTA Travel Agent

My Reviews

Rating: 5 54 Reviews | 100% Recommended

  • Advisor review

    Reviewed By Joan - Vught | Traveled to World Cruise
    Just wonderful as always. Gayle is very efficient and takes care of all the details. Would be difficult for me to plan a trip without her help.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    129 of 222 people found this review helpful
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  • Great experience

    Reviewed By Linda - Bellevue | Traveled to Danube
    Very informative!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    113 of 192 people found this review helpful
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  • Working with Gayle

    Reviewed By Robert - Mount Vernon | Traveled to Iceland
    Gayle is such a kind, professional, and patient person. I appreciate our relationship so much. Gayle lets my husband and I book several trips that we are interested in taking so we have choices. That helps us capture promotions and make good decisions based on our health. Thank you, Gayle, for all your wonderful help!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    113 of 194 people found this review helpful
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  • The Best Travel Advisor!

    Reviewed By John W. - Minneapolis | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle, though physically far distant from us, has become a good friend and I can’t envision consulting with anyone else when a cruising bug calls. She’s thorough about covering all bases for each trip we’ve considered. Really enjoy working with her.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    110 of 188 people found this review helpful
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  • Opinion

    Reviewed By Leon - Fredericksburg | Traveled to Greece
    Very knowledgeable and helpful.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    105 of 178 people found this review helpful
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  • Best friend a trraveler could every have

    Reviewed By Gladis - Ocala | Traveled to South America
    Gayle went far beyond what one would expect of an agent, especially when it came to getting our Indian Visas! Remarkable person, we feel we've know her all out lives.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    119 of 207 people found this review helpful
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  • Alaskan Cruise

    Reviewed By David - Boston | Traveled to Alaska
    Gayle is exceptionally good.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    108 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent Service!

    Reviewed By Jan - Radcliff | Traveled to Caribbean
    Very good Easy to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 168 people found this review helpful
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  • Regent Cruise

    Reviewed By Stacey - Bloomington | Traveled to Europe
    She is knowledgeable and has good advise about trips and ships. She is highly organized and knows how to get the best deal. She is readily available - I have given her name to several cruise passengers on various trips we have taken.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    111 of 198 people found this review helpful
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  • Trip to Scandinavia

    Reviewed By Gunther - El Segundo | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Gayle is a great trip consultant, she was very helpful in getting me all the information I needed. Thanks a lot!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    111 of 198 people found this review helpful
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  • Caribbean cruise with Celebrity

    Reviewed By Alan - Pompano Beach | Traveled to Mediterranean
    As always she has the best advice and keeps things easy
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    102 of 181 people found this review helpful
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  • September river cruise

    Reviewed By Elizabeth - Paramus | Traveled to Douro River
    She was easily available to answer any question and always returned my phone calls.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    105 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Thomas B. - Nokomis | Traveled to World Cruise
    We have booked 12 cruises with Gayle. Her service is superb!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    112 of 202 people found this review helpful
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  • Silver Muse March cruise

    Reviewed By Robert - Prescott, AZ | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Handled all in an extremely efficient and friendly manner.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    104 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Viking river cruise

    Reviewed By Elizabeth - Boynton Beach | Traveled to Rhine River
    She is very diligent about returning phone calls within a day
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 173 people found this review helpful
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  • Perfect Trip

    Reviewed By Janet S. - Radcliff | Traveled to Antartica
    High attention to detail and very knowledgeable. I will absolutely use Gayle again
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    100 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • 14 Day Alaska voyage

    Reviewed By Charlene - Frederic | Traveled to Alaska
    Gayle is always professional and pleasant to work with
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    102 of 186 people found this review helpful
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  • What’s this?

    Reviewed By Rick - Layfayette | Traveled to Caribbean
    Gayle is Best! We’ve recommended her to our friends, all of whom think Gayle I s great. Helpful, quick to respond and very knowledgeable.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    100 of 182 people found this review helpful
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  • PANAMÁ CANAL CRUISE

    Reviewed By James N. - Ormond Beach | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Five star a real pro.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    94 of 171 people found this review helpful
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  • good travel agent

    Reviewed By Jerry - Long Beach | Traveled to Douro River
    nice, friendly, effective
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • Tales of the South Pacific

    Reviewed By Josephine - Aurora, IL | Traveled to South Pacific
    Excellent. She took very good care of me and got us a great cabin. It was ideally located on a lower deck, near the elevators and one deck above the tenders and the exit. She worked hard behind the scenes to get us extra perks like beverage cards.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • Our Superb Travel Advisor

    Reviewed By Loretta - Liberty | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gayle has helped us with nine cruises with Oceania Cruises. She is outstanding! Her suggestions, travel knowledge, perfect and prompt execution of all the many details of trip planning and sense of humor are very special. We do not want to plan a cruises without her!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    100 of 185 people found this review helpful
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  • Mexico cruise

    Reviewed By Frankie - Spokane | Traveled to Mexico
    Gayle did a great job.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 171 people found this review helpful
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  • Great Travel Agent

    Reviewed By Judy - Lakewood | Traveled to World Cruise
    From the beginning of the planning stage to the last minute details before leaving, Gayle was responsive to all our needs. She either answered or found answers to all our questions and made sure that everything was confirmed.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    107 of 199 people found this review helpful
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  • Lets go!

    Reviewed By Theodore - Wilmington | Traveled to Rhine River
    Fantastic to work with and always there for you
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 181 people found this review helpful
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  • CanadaNew England Cruise Silvllersea

    Reviewed By Joan - Scottsdale | Traveled to Canada
    Just wonderful. She is so very helpful and is on top of everything. And such a delight to work with. So pleasant and patient with some of my silly questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 180 people found this review helpful
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  • Best and most efficient agent ever!

    Reviewed By Patrick - Florence | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle is probably the most perfect Travel Agent I have ever had the opportunity to work with. She answers ever question promptly. Her ability to find and answer all inquires is fast and always complete. I can't imagine working with anyone else! She makes our cruise planning a pleasure.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • Best Agent

    Reviewed By Roger K. - Tiburon, CA | Traveled to New Zealand
    Wonderful as usual
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • The BEST !

    Reviewed By Gene - Boulder, CO | Traveled to South America
    Gayle provides excellent customer service which we have come to expect. We let her know our thoughts and potential plans and leave it up to her to finalize. She is the BEST!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • World Cruise

    Reviewed By Renee - Austin | Traveled to World Cruise
    Very easy to work with, has been my agent for years and knows my likes and dislikes. Highly recommend. Top notch.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Around the Mediterranean and across the pond

    Reviewed By Josephine - Nordelta-Buenos Aire | Traveled to Mediterranean
    She did a great job getting a good fare and sweetened it with the best perks. She was easy to reach when I had questions.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Gina - Seattle | Traveled to World Cruise ~ Other
    I first met Gayle in 2007 : Gayle Takashima has been my Travel Advisor since 2007 and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is always happy, takes all the time necessary to answer questions and make any and all necessary arrangements, and at the same time being very professional. Since I first started cruising with Holland America and, albeit from a distance, I have come to think of Gayle as a friend who I can always rely on to help with all my travel needs and special requests. Many Thanks Gayle - Gina
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Knowledgeable and Helpful

    Reviewed By Charles - Little Neck | Traveled to South Pacific
    Gayle is a joy to work with. She is patient and friendly. She has a lot of knowledge herself as well as colleagues to consult with. I met her (and her husband) when she was a host on a Paul Gauguin cruise. I started using her for trips after that cruise.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 182 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Mary Beth - Lake Wales | Traveled to Panama Canal
    Gayle is always helpful and gives good advice.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • Working with Gayle

    Reviewed By Fred - Coventary | Traveled to Tahiti
    Always a pleasure
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    99 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Seabourn Cruise Review

    Reviewed By Larry S. - New York | Traveled to Europe
    As usual the best. She is responsive Tony requests for reservations and always provides excellent service
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    86 of 163 people found this review helpful
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  • Review

    Reviewed By Loretta - Miami Beach | Traveled to World Cruise
    Very, very good.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    94 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Gina - San Diego | Traveled to World Cruise
    I first met Gayle in 2007 : Gayle Takashima has been my Travel Advisor since 2007 and I cannot say enough good things about her. She is always happy, takes all the time necessary to answer questions and make any and all necessary arrangements, and at the same time being very professional. Since I first started cruising with Holland America and, albeit from a distance, I have come to think of Gayle as a friend who I can always rely on to help with all my travel needs and special requests. Many Thanks Gayle - Gina
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    97 of 185 people found this review helpful
    Was this review helpful to you? YES | NO

  • Cruising Agent

    Reviewed By James - Miami Beach | Traveled to World Cruise
    When I was able to visit with Gayle, she was very helpful and answered all my questions. Enjoyed our conversations. She is very busy, so at times it was not as convenient to talk with her assistants. I guess the reason she is so busy is because she is good. I will definitely use her again. : )
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    106 of 204 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Terry - Jupiter, FL | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    excellent, very helpful
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 189 people found this review helpful
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  • Perfect Travel Planner

    Reviewed By Patrick S. - Bella Vista | Traveled to Mediterranean
    So relaxing to have GAYLE TAKASHIMA handle our travel arrangements. She is always available to contact with all questions or clarification of anything. We can’t imagine that we would ever need another agent!!! Highly recommend her.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 180 people found this review helpful
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  • Excellent Service, Extremely Knowlegeable

    Reviewed By Rodney - Atlanta | Traveled to Alaska
    Always helpful and ready to solve any challenge.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 187 people found this review helpful
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  • Voyage of the Mid Night Sun

    Reviewed By Rick - San Diego | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Once again, Gayle was great to work with. This trip was made complicated by some last minute medical issues and Gayle went out of her way to adjust our travel schedule. We are truly appreciative of her efforts.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    85 of 165 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle

    Reviewed By Patricia - Aliso View | Traveled to Trans-Atlantic
    Gayle was terrific to work with!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    92 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • Gayle Takashima is a Gem!

    Reviewed By Margaret - Park City | Traveled to World Cruise
    We enjoy working with Gayle to help plan our cruises. She is competent, knowledgeable, kind, patient, reasonable, and understanding. Her advise has been extremely helpful in assisting us when making various decisions. The title says it all -- Gayle Takashima is a Gem!
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 182 people found this review helpful
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  • Great vacation

    Reviewed By Thomas - Lake Stevens | Traveled to Mexico
    Working with Gail is always great. She will always look to get us the best rates. I will email her about specials I saw on our upcoming cruise and she will make sure we get those deals
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    91 of 179 people found this review helpful
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  • Regent Cruise

    Reviewed By Bill - Saint Petersburg | Traveled to Scandinavia
    Great service always available.....
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    86 of 169 people found this review helpful
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  • A Trustworthy Friend

    Reviewed By Thomas - Ocala | Traveled to World Cruise
    We’ve been working with Gayle for many years for our personal tours, group tours, college reunions/ anniversaries, family vacations and many more. We have recommended her to our classmates, relatives and friends. She is a dedicated, knowledgeable, honest, efficient , courteous, flexible, reliable, dependable, up to date with travel issues, quick to respond to our concerns and very pleasant to talk to. We are very pleased for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    93 of 183 people found this review helpful
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  • It starts with Gayle!

    Reviewed By Janet - Pomona | Traveled to Greenland
    The fun of each cruise begins with the first call to Gayle! She is always a joy to work with.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    96 of 190 people found this review helpful
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  • Wonderful Cruise

    Reviewed By Fred - Miami | Traveled to Mediterranean
    Gayle is fantastic! She is so responsive, knowledgeable and personable; able to research and answer all questions when she isn’t sure about something.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    95 of 191 people found this review helpful
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  • Booking

    Reviewed By Roger - Moyock | Traveled to Australia
    Gayle was good, efficient, helped us get decent air. Oceania wanted us to take flights with 50 minute connection after 15 hour international flight. If we missed connection it would be impossible to get to ship and we would have missed first 4 days of trip. Had to pay extra but Gayle made changes happen.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    98 of 197 people found this review helpful
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  • Cruise on October 13, 2018

    Reviewed By Donald - Bremerton | Traveled to World Cruise
    She was very competent and we want to thank her for the various gifts we received while on the ship.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    87 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • 10 stars

    Reviewed By Jean - Woodinville | Traveled to Japan
    It was a pleasure working with Gayle. She is very professional and well informed.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    86 of 177 people found this review helpful
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  • Once again, a great trip!!

    Reviewed By Rod - Duluth | Traveled to Europe
    Gayle is always helpful and keeps up with my weird travel itineraries. This trip involved 4 cruises and 3 train trips and everything went smoothly and without a hitch. The documents for the last cruise were issued long after my departure from the US and Gayle made sure all the documents I needed got to me in plenty of time. We have been working with Gayle for years and every experience has always been first-rate.
    I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
    89 of 184 people found this review helpful
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My Travel Experience

Places I’ve personally traveled to or destinations I’ve booked for my clients.