Not long ago, friends of mine booked a vacation package, complete with flights, accommodations, and activities.
But as the trip approached, things started to unravel. Flights were delayed, the hotel was overbooked, and the activities they had looked forward to were suddenly unavailable.
Watching them navigate this stressful experience made me realize just how crucial it is to choose the right vacation package.
Determined to ensure others don’t face the same fate, I rallied the rest of The Best Calgary team for some serious research. We looked into different travel companies to uncover the top vacation packages in the city that guarantee a stress-free getaway.
So, if you’re dreaming of a vacation, we’ve got you covered with our curated list!
Table of Contents
1. Ciao Tours
Address: 909 17 Ave SW #400
Contact details:+1 403-686-6887
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Ciao Tours is a great choice for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal.
We contacted their customer service to potentially book an Italian trip, and it was reassuring to find the team available 24/7 to answer our questions.
Many travellers enjoyed the bike rides through the Tuscan countryside and, of course, all the local wines they got to try.
Their Greek island-hopping tour allows travellers to soak in the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches.
Meanwhile, in Spain and Portugal, many people loved exploring the country’s rich history. This was especially true for those who took part in culinary classes where they learned to make traditional paella and more.
No matter the location, Ciao Tours works with handpicked, highly-rated suppliers. This ensures unique adventures across renowned tourist spots and hidden gems.
However, a few travellers expressed concerns about the slow communication regarding their tour information.
Customer Reviews
Made our dream Italy trip a reality
“Ciao Tours made our dream Italy trip a reality! We were referred to them from dear friends of our’s who engaged Ciao Tours on one of their past trips. We are grateful that the Ciao team listened to what we saw as our trip in the planning stages, and they provided great suggestions and plans that met our budget and the time we wanted to spend at each location. Their team in Calgary was amazing to work with. They allowed us to be led and they allowed us to have the right amount of time to explore at our leisure and pace. Thank you team! A big shout out to Laura in Italy who was our key Ciao Tours contact who met us in Rome, stayed in contact with us daily, and always asked how we liked the events and guides + operators they had in place for us. Thank you Laura! The guides that we had for booked tours were so engaging and allowed us to experience the sites better than any audio-headset or doing it by ourselves – it was not rushed, it was fun, they were great. It was the family trip we always wanted and we tell people that who are interested in going to Italy all the time. Consider Ciao Tours – you will not be disappointed. Thanks again to all the Ciao Tours people we connected with in Calgary and in Italy!”
— Doug Little, Google Reviews
A trip of a lifetime with Ciao Tours
“Our family of four recently embarked on a trip of a lifetime with Ciao Tours, and we were absolutely thrilled with the experience! This was our second time using Ciao Tours, and once again, they lived up to their amazing reputation and surpassed our expectations. Our kids, aged 16 and 18, had a fantastic time, and so did we. We cannot recommend Ciao Tours highly enough, and we will definitely be using them again in the future!”
— Raylene Charron, Google Reviews
2. Canada Rail Vacations
Address: 1400 Kensington Rd NW #206
Contact details: +1 (888) 589-3777
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
If you’re considering a rail journey through the stunning Canadian Rockies, give Canada Rail Vacations a call. They have over 28 years of experience in creating train vacation packages for all sorts of travellers.
When we reached out to their team of vacation planners, we were met with friendly and knowledgeable representatives eager to help us design a railway vacation worth taking time off for.
They patiently answered all our questions and gave us a list of all the best stops to see along the Rockies. We could tell we’d be in good hands from start to finish.
Travellers we interviewed described their trip on the Rocky Mountaineer as nothing short of magical. They opted for the GoldLeaf Service, which allowed them to enjoy panoramic views and gourmet meals as they travelled from Vancouver to Banff.
Others raved about the private tours with hosts who narrated the journey and shared stories about the region’s history and wildlife.
That said, everyone mentioned one downside: the lack of internet service on the train.
Customer Reviews
The Rocky Mountaineer is an exceptional train trip
“The Rocky Mountaineer is an exceptional train trip. The staff is amazing. The accommodations excellent and the food is the best. Harrison, our guide, was informative and super accommodating along with the rest of our cabin’s staff. The scenery is Beautiful.”
— Ken Fritz, Google Reviews
The train ride was through exquisite countryside
“We were pampered from the very beginning by s very professional staff. The train ride was through exquisite countryside al the while we were being fed every few hours. We even had the honor of being met by the owner in Calgary who presented us with our tickets for the Stampede. The seats were excellent. The bus tours we were on we excellent and again a remarkable staff. This was our best travel experience in many years.”
— Judy Kahler, Google Reviews
3. Boulevard Travel
Address: 7005 Fairmount Dr SE Unit #5124
Contact details:+1 403-237-6233
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Boulevard Travel offers a diverse range of vacation packages tailored for corporate, team, wedding, and personal travel.
We connected with their staff, who took the time to understand our preferences and guide us through their offerings. Their friendly and professional approach made everything stress-free on our end.
One standout package they offer is the Unforgettable Pickleball Adventure in Puerto Vallarta. This active vacation promises not only thrilling pickleball matches but also a stay at the stunning Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa.
Many people raved about the spacious double occupancy suites and mentioned how the beachfront views and access to the resort’s facilities made their vacation feel like a true escape.
Travellers who opted for the yoga retreat at Paradisus Los Cabos shared an equally blissful experience. With airfare and transportation included, many felt relaxed from the moment they arrived.
Others loved the combination of morning yoga sessions, afternoon activities, and sunset cocktails.
That said, we heard some people encountered delays with payment invoices.
Customer Reviews
All around the trip was wonderful
“There are no words to describe how happy we are with the service provided to us from our travel agent, Terri. She made some fabulous recommendations with lots of choices but not too much to be overwhelming. We just got back from our trip to Secrets Huatulco and we are engaged! All around the trip was wonderful! We are now planning a destination wedding and will definitely be using Terri again! Thanks for all your hard work!!”
— Miranda Swientach, Google Reviews
Everything was so well-organized
“Yolanda Tkachuk is a gem. She organized a bucket list trip to Greece and was a pleasure to work with. All the stress of travel vanished. Everything was so well organized and we were so well taken care of during the entire trip. I am so impressed with her knowledge, service, and can’t thank her enough for organizing such a wonderful trip.”
— Kim H, Google Reviews
4. West Travel Ltd
Address: 7 Westwinds Crescent NE #230
Contact details: +1 (403) 475-9194
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 4 PM
West Travel Ltd. specializes in crafting unique itineraries for trips to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They’re also known for their 24/7 customer service team.
We personally reached out to their support team with a few questions about a potential trip to Bangladesh and were pleasantly surprised by their prompt and informative responses.
They provided insights into the best times to visit, local customs, and even tips on avoiding common travel pitfalls. And the best part — they helped us find low rates for flights!
Others we interviewed raved about their trips to India. Many were particularly impressed by the personalized itineraries that included everything from the bustling streets of Delhi to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.
We also connected with several people who travelled to Pakistan. They highlighted how the agency’s 24/7 customer service was invaluable during their trip.
When they encountered a minor flight delay, the staff rebooked their flights swiftly and kept them informed throughout the process.
However, some travellers reported that while the packages were well-structured, they felt a bit rushed at times, especially during sightseeing tours.
Customer Reviews
Incredibly responsive and attentive to my travel needs
“If you’re looking for a travel agency that’s professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to giving you the best experience possible, I highly recommend west travel Ltd. I will definitely be using their services for future trips. incredibly responsive and attentive to my travel needs. They took the time to understand my preferences, budget, and what I was looking for in a vacation. Their suggestions were spot-on, and they provided a range of options that fit perfectly.”
— Gurinder Kaur, Google Reviews
Expert destination knowledge
“Amazing customer service, Efficient and reliable booking process, Top-notch communication, Excellent itinerary planning, Prompt response to inquiries, Competitive pricing without compromising quality, Expert destination knowledge, Seamless coordination, Flexible and accommodating, A trustworthy partner in travel.”
— Shahzeb Ahmad, Google Reviews
5. Downunder Travel Ltd
Address: 3907 3a St NE #114
Contact details:+1 403-270-4414
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Downunder Travel takes you to Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and beyond. Their destination specialists not only curate exceptional packages but also regularly visit these locations to ensure that everything they provide is top-notch.
We witnessed this knowledge firsthand when we called about a potential vacation. They connected us with major airlines and listed tourism boards.
This expertise ensures we have access to the best airfare and accommodations.
In addition to their knowledgeable support, Downunder Travel also has a fantastic array of vacation packages.
Many who embarked on the 4-day Fiji Cruise Stopover recounted lounging on pristine beaches and enjoying the crystal-clear waters while being pampered on the cruise.
Others who participated in the 6-day Tanzania Camping Safari couldn’t stop raving about their exhilarating close-up view of elephants and lions.
For those interested in Asia, the Vietnam & Cambodia 14-Day Vacation received great feedback as well. Travellers loved the opportunity to explore Hanoi and Siem Reap, engage in local cooking classes, and more.
The only complaint we heard from some travellers revolved around slight delays in customer support responses.
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable, friendly, experienced
“We recently returned from a six week vacation in Fiji and New Zealand. Jason at Downunder surpassed our expectations. He is knowledgeable, friendly, experienced and was very responsive to our individual itinerary needs. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jason and Downunder Travel. We would definitely use them again for a future trip.”
— Andy Kinmonth, Google Reviews
Had a wonderful travel experience
“We had a wonderful travel experience in New Zealand and Australia. Jason from Downunder Travel Ltd. is a great communicator, a great listener and very knowledgeable. He was able to put together an itinerary that fit our needs and budget.”
— Gayle Piecharka, Google Reviews
