Adventure Travel

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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
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Africa, Europe, Peru, Alaska, Canada

Interests:

Adventure, Hiking & Backpacking, Safari, Skiing & Winter Sports, Yacht Charter

Suppliers:

G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, National Geographic Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent

About Me

HIking in Kananaskis, Alberta Canada
HIking in Kananaskis, Alberta Canada

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 aggressive physical activity like hiking or skiing.
Well it definitely can, but Adventure Travel is a much broader term that includes a lot more than you probably think.

The Adventure Travel Trade Association(ATTA) defines adventure tourism as a trip that includes atleast two of the following three elements: physical activity,natural environment, and cultural immersion.  
You could be hiking Machu Picchu in Peru, going on Safari in South Africa, or travelling to Greece and learing about ancient Greek culture and customs. 

You do not have to be an athlete, or in a certain physical shape to participate in Adventure Travel.  You need a curious mind and adventurous spirit! 

There are so many places to go and so many companies to go with, it can be difficult to know where to start.  That's where I come in!  I can not only help you decide on a destination to go to if you don't have an idea, but more importantly what company/suppliers to work with and how to put it all together!  

I'd love to talk Adventure Travel with you!!

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.
Anchorage Wild Expert
Lindblad/National Geographic Expeditions 360
Certified Journeys Specialist National Geographic
Backroads Insider Specialist
100% Pure New Zealand Specialist

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.
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