What We Do
At TripDesigner we know that you can plan your own travel online, but it can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and stressful, you may have doubts about whether you made the right choice.
Your vacation time is precious, what if something goes wrong? Schedule changes, missed connections, border closures, overbooked hotels – that’s all up to you to sort out!
Now more than ever, our clients feel that leaving the planning to us gives them peace of mind, they can trust that everything is looked after, and are supported every step of the way. If they encounter any problems, they know they can reach out, and we are there to help.
Custom Travel Planning
Leave the planning to us! All you need to do is pack your bags and show up. We can create an itinerary with as much or as little detail as you like. Have each day planned out for you, from flights, accommodations and sightseeing tours to the smaller details like spa reservations, train reservations, tee-times, and dinner reservations. Or if you prefer a more flexible arrangement, with just the main components arranged, we can do that too, providing you with a guidebook that will help you make your own plans as you go.
Personalized Itineraries
Each custom trip includes a personalized itinerary with all the details in one place, this is available in print or in a digital interactive format.
À la Carte
We are also available to book single services like flights, pre-packaged holidays, cruises, and travel insurance. Ask about our Cancel For Any Reason Coverage.
How Does It Work?
LET’S CHAT
Schedule a free consultation with me. We will chat and discuss your travel dreams. As your TripDesigner I will spend the time to get to know your travel style and expectations, so that we can work together to create an unforgettable experience.
DETAILS
I will gather some information from you and we will define the scope of the project. At this time, we will take care of my planning fee. I will let you know how much time I will need to put together some options for you to consider.
PLAN
I will dive deep into the research specific to your experience. I will create an itinerary (or two) and share it with you. We will discuss the plans and make the adjustments where needed. Once we have everything exactly how you want it, I will make the required reservations and provide you with the details regarding terms and conditions, deposits, and final payments.
GET READY
You will receive all the required documents in either paper format or electronically, as well as a detailed itinerary that will include everything you need to know, a guidebook(s) with all the insider information you need, and anything else related to this journey.
GO!
Enjoy your travels! and remember that I am here and accessible via phone, email, text, and WhatsApp if you need any assistance while you are away. Take lots of pictures, and I look forward to hearing about your trip when you get home.
Marlain Wietzes
I am a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC), with more than 35 years in the travel industry, and am a member in good standing with the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). I have operated my own agency in affiliation with Travel Professionals International (TPI) since 2004. As an entrepreneur myself, I can relate to the challenges of trying to balance your business and personal life, especially when it comes to travel. Whether you can disconnect entirely while on vacation, or you are looking to balance emails and projects with the need for some personal time, I understand.
Our itineraries are designed with busy professionals in mind.
Some Fun Facts About Me
- I developed an interest in travel watching my grandfather’s slides from his travels to Africa, which is number 1 on my bucket list.
- I went to an all-girls private school – Bishop Strachan School, and studied French and Spanish for 5 years.
- I am a huge Formula One racing fan and would love to go to Monte Carlo to watch the Monaco Grand Prix.
- Just one trip highlight for me was eating dinner in the Eiffel Tower restaurant.
- I live in a contemporary log house in the woods.
- While guiding a group of 200 people on a cruise ship, I arranged an impromptu wedding at sea.
- I used to coordinate travel for the few hundred Canadian participants in the Japan Exchange Teachers program and spoke at the Japanese Embassy in Ottawa a few times.
- I once set off an alarm in a Tokyo train station because I did not know I was supposed to insert my ticket in the turnstile.
See what our clients have to say.
Marlain was first introduced to me via phone while I was waiting to check into a flight that was delayed due to a blizzard and she re-routed me faster than the agent at the airport. This began our long-standing relationship. Marlain has researched, advised, consulted and recommended numerous destinations, countries, resorts, activities, hotels, etc… the list is endless. Our friends, family, and other travellers continually ask for her contact information because they can’t believe the service and attention to detail that Marlain provides to us.
Michele Bailey
“Are you kidding me Marlain??? That was an unbelievable experience. The boat was top-notch, clean, food variety amazing, but as usual way more than necessary. I am sure I gained weight, even though the day was filled with activities. The staff on the boat knew our names within one day, were helpful, and always let us just be in the moment. Our guide was a drop-dead gorgeous young Obama look-alike, a Galapagos-born lad swam without a snorkel amongst the seals, rays, and sharks. I felt like a five yr old while snorkeling… in awe at all the creatures below. Quito was also amazing, didn’t know what to expect, but felt safe and found it very interesting.”
Lucille W.
“Hola, Marlain! I am back and had a fantastic time! That resort was just as I would imagine Shangrila would be! So completely relaxing (except the Aquasize class I participated in daily at noon…very fun!) and the service, food accommodations were beautiful! it is a wonderful place to stay… we walked down the beach a long way and saw other hotels nothing like the one we stayed in! I would highly recommend Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla to anyone who was looking forward to the best in treatment! Thank you so much!!!”
Cynthia K.
“After getting stuck in Mexico due to issues with my PR card Trip Designer went above and beyond the call of duty to help me get back into Canada as fast as possible. While remaining in contact with me, they contacted the Canadian Embassy on my behalf, looked for alternative airlines when I was unable to make mine and helped me to remain calm and enjoy my first vacation. I will be using their services again in the near future!”
Kimberley
“I have used Tripdesigner for years. Marlain tunes into her client’s dream trips and delivers. She also makes travel super easy, fun and works within your budget.”
Julie Cass
“I have worked with Marlain for the last 8 years. In a world that one could easily book online, I find that exceptional service, timeliness, accuracy and professionalism can and does have a place. Marlain embodies these attributes. She is quick to respond to my requests and works hard to get the best pricing, convenience and quality. I would recommend Marlain to assist you in your travel plans.”
Christine Magee
We are aligned with the best in the business.
TripDesigner has been affiliated with Travel Professionals International (TPI) since 2004. A forward-thinking, customer focussed company that provides us with the best support, ongoing training and behind the scenes technology.
When it comes to experiencing the best of the best in travel, it is about who you know. As part of the Virtuoso network, we have the best portfolio of travel brands, whether luxury boutique hotels, high-end adventure travel outfitters, renowned cruise lines or elite safari specialists. We have access to terrific travel perks which could include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, free wi-fi and exclusive excursions.