Vanessa Ballard, Travel Agent in Sarasota, FL

Vanessa Ballard

Sarasota, FL Travel Agent

Vanessa Ballard

Sarasota, FL · 3 Years of Experience

The Journey Group, an independent agent with The Journey Group, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.9
(16)
100% Recommended
Great trip!! Vanessa was fantastic - made it so enjoyable and stress free. <br/>It really was the trip of a lifetime! Read More >
About
My Travel Specialties
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Africa, Europe, Peru, Alaska, India

Interests:

Adventure, European Culture, Safari, Cruises, Hiking & Backpacking

Suppliers:

AmaWaterways, Backroads, G Adventures, Classic Vacations, Intrepid Travel

About Me

Luxury and Adventure Travel

Hi! My name is Vanessa and over the past 3 decades I've either been traveling, planning trips for myself and others, or talking about travel! Whether you want an individualized trip with the details planned out for you, or a group type trip with like-minded travelers I have you covered! From Safaris to hiking Machu Picchu, to multi-city European trips and River cruises, I not only book travel and adventures for others but I've been doing it myself for decades. Who better to help you than someone like me with extensive first hand experience?

My Travel Specialties

Adventure and Luxury Travel Specialist

Adventure and Luxury Travel Specialist
Hi! My name is Vanessa and I have spent the last three decades of my life either traveling, reading about traveling, taking photos while traveling or planning vacations for myself/my family and many others. I have been to over 31 countries so far and have done everything from sleeping under the s...Read More ▶

Adventure Travel

Adventure Travel
Adventure Travel is a passion of mine that I've not only spent decades doing on my own, but have booked clients on adventures trips in multiple countries/continents with a variety of activities and focus.What is Adventure Travel??  Many people think adventure travel must involve an ag...Read More ▶

Africa specialist

Africa specialist
As an adventure specialist, one of the areas I really excel in is planning trips to Africa!  Not only have I spent time there myself, but I have extensive experience and connections with local suppliers to help plan the best trips to Africa possible!I've planned multiple trips to South Afri...Read More ▶

River cruise specialist

River cruise specialist
Having traveled extensively to Europe over the past few decades one of my favorite ways to see the undiscovered and authentic Europe is by river cruising!  Visiting the major European cities are a must, but river cruising is the only way to see the incredible and unique villages scattered along t...Read More ▶

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.9
16 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 16 reviews

The trip of a Lifetime
Reviewed By D McKechnie - Regina, Saskatchewan | Traveled to Europe
Great trip!! Vanessa was fantastic - made it so enjoyable and stress free.
It really was the trip of a lifetime!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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This trip was a dream come true.
Reviewed By Scooter - Frisco, Texas | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
It was great working with her on this trip. She was able work magic getting us what we wanted.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The most incredible adventure!
Reviewed By Wendi B - Saskatoon, Canada | Traveled to Peru ~ South America
Vanessa is exactly what I look for in a travel agent. Kind, efficient, knowledgeable, passionate, excellent communicator… the list goes on. Most importantly, she paid attention to the details we wanted in a vacation. We were a group of 5 people and everything was perfectly executed. Without Vanessa we wouldn’t have known where to start. Vanessa was spot on in recommending spending a few days in Cusco to adjust to the high altitude prior to hiking the Inca trail. Her hotel choice in Cusco was perfectly situated for exploring the city by foot and the hotel room and included breakfast were excellent. She recommended and booked g-travels tour company for our Sacred valley and 4 day/3 night trek on the Inca trail to Macchu Pichu. The exemplary service, food and knowledgeable guides far exceeded my expectations. Would highly recommend Vanessa and will definitely be booking with her again in the future!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Beautiful Amsterdam and Tulips
Reviewed By G - Sarasota, FA | Traveled to Amsterdam ~ Netherlands ~ Europe
Vanessa was amazing— everything was perfectly planned— every detail of our trip handled seamlessly! We could not be happier with our experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A fabulous 10 day trip to Italy!
Reviewed By Tess and Tom Magee - Olney, MD | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
Vanessa had great recommendations on restaurants, site seeing ideas and was able to accommodate all our suggestions into a very workable itinerary that provided lots of time to relax on our own as well.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.It is the world's largest association of travel professionals.Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc.Expand your world. Go with the pros.
Certified Active & Adventure Travel Specialist: During this certification program Travel Agents study several components including: Understanding the Active & Adventure Travel Customer, Destination Knowledge, Active & Adventure Travel Experiences, ATTA Travel Resources, Active & Adventure Preferred Suppliers, Case Studies and a Marketing Plan. This is a two-year study program.
Andbeyond luxury supplier specialist
Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions 360
Certified Journeys Specialist National Geographic
Backroads Insider Specialist
100% Pure New Zealand Specialist
Anchorage Wild Expert

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Travel Stories

Backroads Cycling Trip through the Danube

I had the pleasure of being on a Backroads Active and Adventure Tour in July cycling along the Danube. I've been traveling for decades through many countries and continents, and this was one of my favorite trips of all time.  Let me tell you why! - We were home based on a beautiful luxury river cruise ship for this trip, but many of their...
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