Cowichan’s trusted travel team voted Best Travel Agency for 2025

Cowichan’s trusted travel team voted Best Travel Agency for 2025

Published 6:00 am Monday, December 8, 2025

Seasoned Cowichan team with over 20 years of collective knowledge helps travellers plan with confidence.

Step through the doors of Expedia Cruises in Duncan and you’ll find more than two decades of combined travel knowledge – the sort of easy expertise that shows up in small details and personalized travel tips. 

The team, it seems, can’t help themselves; they genuinely love talking travel!

That enthusiasm, paired with the loyalty of Cowichan travellers, helped earn them the title of Best Travel Agency in the Cowichan Valley for 2025.

“We’re so honoured to have been voted the best agency in town by our loyal guests,” says Kirsten Carlos. “We love what we do and are so grateful to have received this local recognition.”

Their experience stretches across nearly every type of trip you can imagine: weekend escapes, cruises, multi-country rail itineraries, family reunions, European wanderings and the sort of once-in-a-lifetime journeys people map out long before they book. 

They’re equally comfortable planning budget-wise travel, helping guests build trips that feel special without tipping past what’s reasonable.

But what often stands out most to their guests is how well the team operates together. 

It might seem a small thing, but it plays a big role in ensuring impactful, smooth-running trips for guests. 

“I love the process of matching our guests to their perfect vacation,” says Kirsten Carlos, who works across a broad range of travel styles. “And honestly, hearing what a wonderful time they had when they return – that’s the best part!”

For agent Katrina Scott, she was inspired to become a travel agent by her own passion for the industry and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with her guests. She delights in crafting seamless journeys and is always overjoyed when her guests return from their travels eager to start planning their next adventure. 

Recently Katrina has expanded her travel services to include school group tours. 

“I’m looking forward to putting together overseas class trips for graduating and senior students from schools in the Cowichan Valley,” she says, noting how often these journeys become defining high-school memories.

Talks about Africa is where Kelsey Janssen lights up, having led eight small-group tours there over the past decade. 

“Visiting Africa is a very special trip – often a bucket list item that is planned years in advance,” Kelsey says. “And it’s even more meaningful when you share it with others. Together we experience beautiful landscapes, wildlife, history, culture – all of it.”

For travellers who prefer a slower, more grounded rhythm, Francis organizes the walking and cycling vacations. “Walking and cycling holidays are an ideal way to enjoy slow travel,” she says, “and to experience a destination at a human pace.”

Expedia Cruises in Duncan has also become known for its community-minded travel talks – casual events where Valley residents gather to hear guest speakers, swap stories and spark new ideas. 

“Keep an eye out for some very exciting travel talks over the coming year,” Francis says, hinting at new voices and fresh insider tips.

The mix of experience, collaboration and genuine excitement for where a trip might lead has shaped countless Cowichan vacations over the years. 

Start planning your next vacation and book a consultation online at expediacruises.ca/en-CA/101032 or by phone at 250-746-8088. Follow them on Facebook for details on upcoming travel talks and current promotions.