Travel specialists Jakki Prince of Prince Adventures and Leah Holt of Go Travel with Leah talk dream travel destinations, underrated gems and much more
To start, can you tell us a little about yourself and what you specialize in?
JP: I have a passion for exploring the world, its places of natural beauty as much as cultural experiences and history. Since joining the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2019 I’ve come to specialize in experiential travel – adventure, safari, expedition and seem to sell quite a bit of custom planned holidays of this nature. I am a serial entrepreneur and this is my fourth business! I’m proudly married to my husband Jamie and together we have no kids and no pets, which makes travelling all the more easy and spontaneous. I never used to think of us as being open to last minute travel, but I’m embracing it like many of my clients seem to be recently too.
LH: I’ve been an agent for over 11 years. I’m a mother of three grown children and just found out I’m going to be a grandma in Jan. 2027! I’m based in Edson, Alberta but my clientele are scattered across Canada and the U.S. I specialize in Europe and river cruising, and I host three to four group trips every year. This year, my 50th birthday group trip is one of them — in September to Sicily. Next year, 2027, I’m hosting a group to Scotland, Portugal and a Danube River Cruise from Romania to Budapest.
What destinations are at the top of your clients’ dream travel lists these days?
JP: Dream travel for my younger clients includes exploring the UK and Ireland, Japan, and Italy. My more seasoned travellers are asking for Scandinavia, Antarctica and their once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences.
LH: Africa is at the top of the list. Also, countries like Egypt, Jordan and Israel.
What travel trends are you noticing right now?
JP: Right now, I’ve seen a high uptick in requests for last minute travel, within three months, which has provided some business challenges and has slightly changed my approach to business and marketing.
LH: 1) Small Group and Hosted Travel for travellers 50+. They love the idea of having someone organize everything, which provides built-in safety and confidence. A total stress free experience and making social connections with like minded travellers
2) Off Season Travel in Europe. Instead of choosing July and August, my clients are choosing April-May, October-November. The benefits of this are lower prices, fewer crowds and better weather
3) River Cruising for 50+. Clients love the smaller ships, elevated dining, included excursions and unpacking once.
If you could board a flight to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
JP: Immediately I’d hop on a flight to New Zealand – I dream of spending a month there exploring every corner of both islands. I’ve only spent a few days in New Zealand on a cruise in 2025 and that was the taste I needed to know I want to soon rush back! I love the vibe of being here, the natural beauty, the food and wine culture of the islands and want time to explore the trails, fjords and beaches.
LH: I would choose South Africa! This past January I fell in love with Kenya and Tanzania so South Africa is next! I’d love to experience another safari but in a different destination.
What destination do you think is underrated and why?
JP: I believe many people are sleeping on travel to South America! It’s an eclectic continent for travellers from North America to explore beyond the obvious popular spots like Peru and Brazil. I love suggesting destinations to open-minded folks and look forward to sharing my personal experiences and expertise with travellers about destinations like Colombia, Argentina, Chile.
LH: Colombia. It’s a country that surprises you with lush coffee plantations, colourful colonial towns, Caribbean beaches, and some of the warmest, most welcoming people. Colombia offers everything Costa Rica does but is more affordable and has a culture that’s rich in music, food, and history.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for other travel advisors when it comes to planning memorable vacations?
JP: The most memorable vacations are designed around their own travel style. Really ask a lot of questions of your client. I don’t plan trips without a phone call or virtual meeting – so I have the opportunity to speak and hear their vision and goals.
LH: When putting together your proposal, don’t be afraid to show the client what they could experience for a price that is slightly above their budget. I give two choices, one being above budget and 95% of the time, the client chooses the higher priced option. Clients are willing to spend more but they want value, so I prioritize private transfers, unique experiences and better hotels.
Do you have anything to add?
JP: I am an advocate for leaning into sustainable and regenerative aspects of travel. I hope advisors continue to learn about the elements they can highlight for their travellers with regards to sustainability. I believe there is demand growing for sustainable travel and we can be ambassadors of that positive change!
