Monday Minute: Teena Dowd of Vacations for Canadians

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers of Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com!

Name: Teena Dowd

Name of business: Vacations for Canadians

Where do you live? Ancaster, Ontario

How long have you been a travel advisor?

I've been a travel advisor for nine years.

What is your specialty?

Cruising is my passion and our specialty, but we’ve recently expanded into land tours and Disney and Universal vacations based on client demand and our team’s expertise.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor?

I’m an accountant by trade, but I’ve always been passionate about travel. One day, my husband challenged me to find a way to travel more and make a career out of it. I think he was half-joking, but it sparked something in me. I started researching what it would take to become a travel advisor and realized I already had what I needed: a love of travel, business management skills, financial know-how and the full support of my family to make the leap.

I started as an independent advisor, and as the business grew, so did the team. Today, we have a team of expert advisors, along with dedicated admin and marketing staff. It’s been an incredible journey from that one conversation to building something I’m truly proud of.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

I have vivid memories of family road trips where my siblings and I would fight in the backseat, but maybe my first “adult” trip is a better place to start. It was a short trip to Las Vegas, and I remember taking the bus all over the city to take it all in. At the time, I thought I was seeing the world, but looking back, I had no idea how much more was out there. That trip planted a seed. It made me curious about what else I was missing.

What travel trends are you seeing these days?

I’m happy to say that cruise travel continues to grow. It has really made a comeback post-COVID. What’s changed is how people are approaching it. Travellers are being much more intentional about where they go and why. With the current political climate, we’re seeing more clients interested in departing from non-U.S. ports, which has opened up incredible opportunities for European itineraries and broader global exploration.

There has also been significant growth in small-ship, river and expedition cruising. People aren’t just looking to check boxes anymore. They want meaningful experiences. Those with the time and resources are finally tackling the bucket-list journeys they’ve been putting off, and they’re doing it with purpose.

Our sweet spot is couples and multigenerational families looking for that blend of relaxation, adventure and genuine quality time together, whether that’s an Alaska cruise, a Mediterranean journey or an all-inclusive Caribbean escape.

I also think that in today’s world of automation and AI, people are craving real connection. They want someone who knows them, understands what matters to them and can craft experiences that align with their values. Our agents build those kinds of relationships, and it makes all the difference.

Of all the bookings you’ve made, which itinerary or travel package are you most proud of?

All of them. That happy feeling of making someone’s vacation dreams come true never gets old.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

There are so many, I could never name just one. Memorable moments have ranged from snorkelling between tectonic plates in Iceland to the quiet reverence of receiving a blessing from a monk in Cambodia, to floating in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti at sunrise, to swimming alongside hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos, to the explosive energy of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Completely different experiences, but equally powerful.

The truth is, the best travel experiences aren’t just about the destination. They’re about connection — to a place, to people and to yourself. That’s what transforms a trip into something you carry with you forever.

Where do you see your business one year from now? 

We have big goals. This year is all about refining and growing what we’ve built, taking everything we’ve learned and doing it even better. We’re committed to staying focused on what we’re truly passionate about, rather than chasing every trend just to boost revenue. I think that’s what sets us apart: deep expertise, exceptional service and the trust that comes from genuinely caring about our clients’ experiences.

As the team grows, my role is shifting more toward management and business operations, but I’m not stepping away completely. I still keep my fingers on the pulse and work directly with a small group of clients. That keeps me grounded in what we do and why it matters.

What’s one new skill you’ve acquired recently?

I’m constantly learning new things and finding ways to make the business more efficient, but the big one lately has been learning how to use AI to streamline our processes. Technology is evolving so rapidly, and I want to make sure we’re using these tools in ways that genuinely benefit our business, our team and, most importantly, our clients.

What’s one thing you would change about the travel industry?

I’d love to see more transparency and consistency across the board, especially when it comes to pricing and policies. The industry can feel overwhelming for consumers, and I think we’d all benefit from clearer communication about what’s included, what fees actually mean, and how changes or cancellations work. When people understand what they’re paying for and feel confident in the process, they trust us more and enjoy their travel experience more. A little less fine print and a lot more straightforward honesty would go a long way.

What’s the secret to being successful in this business?

For me, it’s authenticity. It’s about being honest with people, truly listening to what they want and caring about their experience as much as they do. And that doesn’t just apply to clients. It’s how I work with my team too. When people know you genuinely have their best interests at heart, everything else falls into place.

What is your motto?

Travel connects us to the world and to ourselves. It’s what I believe at my core. Every trip has the potential to change how we see things, and I get to be part of making that happen.

What is your number one piece of advice to other travel advisors?

Find your passion. Don’t just sell to sell. When you genuinely love what you’re recommending, the job becomes so much easier and more fulfilling. Your clients can feel the difference between someone going through the motions and someone who is truly excited about what they do. They’ll appreciate not just your expertise, but your authentic enthusiasm for travel.

Where are you travelling next?

I have an incredible year of travel ahead. I’m heading to Peru, Morocco and the Canary Islands, then French Polynesia, and of course squeezing in some Caribbean sailings to escape the brutal Canadian winter.

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