Don Renshaw Jr.
CEO & Owner
“Round the World” & Luxury Travel Specialist
drenshaw@renshawtravel.com
Don Renshaw Jr. is the CEO of Renshaw Travel & Cruise Concepts. Don has nearly 40 years experience in the travel industry and is an expert in all fields of travel. He has been to all corners of the world and some of his favourite destination spots include India, China, South Africa, Hawaii, Australia and the South Pacific Islands. As a Virtuoso Travel Specialist, Don’s expertise lays in luxury, tailor-made packages, in addition to “Round the World Fares” and “Circle Pacific Fares”. Don is a wealth of knowledge and enjoys sending people to experience all the wonders of the world. To learn more about the Renshaw family, click here
David Lowy
President - Luxury Travel Specialist
dlowy@renshawtravel.com
Biography pending.
For more information, please contact David Lowy's Associate, Christa Craig at christa@renshawtravel.com.
Travel Specialists
Michele Cohen
Adventure Travel Specialist
mcohen@renshawtravel.com
Michele's passion for adventure travel was fuelled when she gave up the world of high finance in London for the high mountains in the Himalayas. She decided to learn Spanish and explore Latin America, where she spent 18 months discovering the continent, from Guatemala down to Patagonia, working for a charity, leading trekking groups, hiking through the Andes, watching the wild-life, and tripping over people whilst learning to salsa. From there, she knew the only job for her was in travel. In 1999, Michele became a tour leader for a UK adventure tour operator, spending eight years leading trekking holidays across www.wanderingheights.com
Emily Hayes
Asia, Visa, Mexico & Caribbean Travel Specialist
emily@renshawtravel.com
It was traveling in Southeast Asia when Vancouverite Emily Hayes realized that her passion was to combine both work and travel. Since then, Emily has shared her knowledge and experience as an Asia and Mexico-Caribbean Travel Specialist. Having travelled to and experienced many of Asia’s wonders, Emily is naturally Renshaw Travel’s expert in organizing tours to Asia, and more importantly, acquiring Visas to Vietnam and China. In addition, Emily is familiar with many of Mexico’s most revered destination spots, such as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. To view Emily's travel blog covering her latest trip to Malaysia and Borneo, please click here.
Julia Kostina
F.I.T. Europe, Luxury Hotels Specialist
julia@renshawtravel.com
Julia Kostina has over 16 years experience working in the travel industry. Julia was born in Russia and holds a degree in Architecture. In 1994, Julia changed career paths and began working as a professional travel consultant in Russia, where she owned her own travel agency before she came to Canada. It is no surprise that her architectural background influences her life and everything that she does in tourism. Name anywhere in Europe and Julia has been there! As a Virtuoso Travel Specialist, Julia is part of the most exclusive travel network in the world, which has helped her to develop valuable connections with some of Europe’s most lavish high-end hotels. She is particularly a fan of Italy! For more information, please visit Julia’s website at www.604bc.ca
Mylen Gagnon
Wedding and Honeymoon Destination Specialist
mylen@renshawtravel.com
Originally from Quebec, Mylen left her home town, at age 17, to discover the world. She first came to British Columbia where she instantly fell in love with the mountains and came back to establish in Vancouver in 2004. Meanwhile, her enthusiasm for exploring new places, for new cultural encounters has been growing with each experience. Her passion for traveling led her through over 15 different countries where she became, in addition to her French, fluent in English and Spanish. Mylen enjoys planning luxury vacations and romantic gateways. She specializes in Wedding and Honeymoon Destinations.
Andrew Mortimer-Lamb
Luxury Travel Advisor - Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent
andrew@renshawtravel.com
Andrew Mortimer-Lamb joined Renshaw Travel in November 2009 and ‘launched’ his career in the travel business by becoming one of 80 Accredited Space Agents worldwide for Sir Richard Branson’s space tourism company, Virgin Galactic. Andrew moved back to Vancouver two years ago from California after over 12 years in the luxury automobile market where he was instrumental in building one of the largest dealerships of its kind in the world. He achieved this success by providing his clients with exceptional customer service and the best value for their luxury investment. In his new role, Andrew promises continued dedication to his clients who will benefit from his experience from traveling in over 40 countries. If you are looking to maximize your ‘return on life’, Andrew’s mission is to provide the best opportunities for the most memorable travel experiences. For more information about space travel, click here
Nadia Serry
Health Tourism Specialist
Nadia was born in Giza, the ancient home of the Pyramids in Egypt. She lived, worked and travelled throughout four continents and she speaks four languages. Nadia developed a passion for Health Tourism, and with creativity she tailors a fusion of wellness and travel. Besides her knowledge of the travel industry, Nadia dedicated the past 15 years to become a holistic wellness consultant. She realized that health tourism has great therapeutic effect on conditions as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, stress related symptoms and some types of muscular pain. In Canada, Nadia presented wellness and tourism workshops in places such as Capilano College, Toronto school Boards, and community centres. Internationally, she presented in Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt. In leading her Health and Tourism trips and workshops, Nadia brings joy and wonder to the groups she interacts with.
Izumi Ogawa
Japan Travel Specialist
izumi@renshawtravel.com
A native of Tokyo, Japan, Izumi Ogawa immigrated to Vancouver in 2007. Prior to coming to Canada, Izumi worked as an Executive Assistant in the financial industry in Tokyo. One of her main responsibilities was to arrange the business trips for the high level executives in her firm. It is here that Izumi cultivated her passion for arranging travel for others. As a frequent traveler herself, she has discovered the key components to what makes a vacation enjoyable. Her intimate knowledge of Japan, its’ cities, culture and transportation will prove invaluable to ensuring your excursion to Japan will provide you with memories for a lifetime. Izumi looks forward to assisting you in discovering her home country of Japan and sharing her love for her homeland with you.
Brenda Farrell
Turkey & Lifestyle Travel Specialist
brenda@renshawtravel.com
Born of an Italian mother and an English father, Brenda spent long, family-oriented summers in Italy from a young age, where she developed a love of travel that continues to this day. Before entereing the travel industry, Brenda established a successful market research firm, where she developed keen listening and communication skills that have helped this vibrant, Italian-speaking Brit to easily transition from buisnness executive to travel specialist. Being intimately familiar with Turkey, Brenda is ideally suited to her busy role as Turkey Travel Specialist at Renshaw Travel. She has recently expanded her services to address the growing interest in lifestyle travel. Wherever your dreams take you, Brenda will work closely with you to ensure that your trip matches your interests, budget, and those dreams. To find out more, visit Brenda's website at www.brendafarrell.com
Pam Bell
Africa, Family, Adventure & Club Med Travel Specialist
pbell@renshawtravel.com
At the age of 22, Pam left her Ontario hometown to embark on a journey of a lifetime. She first went to South Pacific and eventually made her way via cargo ships and banana boats to Australia, where she found herself with no ticket home and only $50 to her name. Since then, Pam has been traveling all over the world. With nearly two decades of experience in the travel industry, Pam has enjoyed some of the greatest adventures this world has to offer: taking her family on bicycle trips through Vietnam, safaris in Africa and hikes in Peru. This Adventure Specialist is also very familiar with Africa; particularly, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. So, if you prefer something out of the ordinary, Pam is the Travel Specialist for you.
David Balzarini
New York, Italy & England Specialist
david@renshawtravel.com
David Balzarini is a retired physics professor from the University of British Columbia, who likens mapping out travel plans to solving a physics problem. His care-free approach makes him a beloved travel agent. If you are interested in special air and hotel deals, David is your guy. If need be, David will stay up all night to secure you the best deal. He is full of great tips, especially when it comes to the best places to eat in New York, having lived in the Big Apple for a number of years while in graduate school at Columbia University. He also knows where to get half-price deals for some of the City’s most popular shows! This travel encyclopedia also knows a thing-or-two about Italy, having worked at the University of Padova for a year and at the University of Rome. He also spent time at the University of Sheffield in England. His UBC colleagues claim that before airlines abandoned the requirement of a Saturday night stay for a cheap fare, he would attend Ottawa meetings by travelling to Ottawa via London for the same price. This allowed visiting
in London for the weekend instead of having to spend Saturday and Sunday night in
Ottawa!
Joadey Caldwell
Europe & Group Travel Specialist
jcaldwell@renshawtravel.com
This seasoned travel expert from England knew she wanted to work in travel from an early age. Joadey started in travel with the largest tour operator in the North of England as a travel specialist and went on to become a successful tour guide in Spain for several years. After many years in management, she qualified for her diploma as a respected Member of the Travel Agents Institute (MTAI). Eventually, Joadey came to Canada, and even after 40 years under her belt, Joadey’s passion is still to travel, see the world and to help others plan their own trips. In 2001, Joadey joined the Renshaw Travel team, bringing to the agency her knowledge of European and North American travel markets, personal attention to detail, and her aim for client satisfaction. More recently, Joadey enjoys organizing and spending leisure time on luxury spa, golf, and cruise vacations.
Read Joadey's travel blog here.
Karen Morrow
Corporate Travel Specialist
kmorrow@renshawtravel.com
After a six-year adventure full of sailing the waters of Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean, Karen returned to Canada with a desire to sell travel. This travel veteran has since acquired over 20 years in the travel industry. Today, Karen is strictly a Corporate Travel Specialist, whose clientele primarily consists of some of the movie industry’s most gifted “movers and shakers” and high-profile celebrities. Karen will forever be a traveler and it is most evident when she speaks of Spain; in her own words, “Spain has my heart, the East coast in particular with its fresh seafood…we made a point to try the prawns in every city along the coast and what a neat and delicious treat that was”.
Santiago Nemirovsky
South America, Luxury Cruise & Yacht Specialist
santiago@renshawtravel.com
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Santiago holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and post-graduate studies in Travel and Hospitality Management. He is not only fluent in Spanish, but English, French, Italian and Portuguese as well. With such skill, Santiago has travelled widely and comfortably within North & South America, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Africa and Asia. For over 10 years now, Santiago has perfected his extensive travel knowledge through designing and personally escorting small-group luxury tours throughout Spain, Portugal, Morocco, India, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. Santiago’s personal service, individual care and expertise suit the most discerning travelers. His name opens doors, and guarantees value and access to unparalleled alliances throughout the world.
Walter Konkin
European, Corporate & Inbound Travel Specialist
walter@renshawtravel.com
Originally from Nelson, B.C., Walter established himself as a European and Corporate Travel Specialist with Renshaw Travel. After 12 years, Walter returned to the interior by relocating with his family to Kimberley, B.C., and is now one of the agency’s outside agents. Walter also specializes in local and inbound travel packages including ski vacations, wine tours, golfing getaways, fishing and family trips! If you are interested in experiencing what this beautiful province has to offer or need to get away for any reason, contact Walter.
Back to top
Harry Harris
Cruise & Group Travel Specialist
hharris@renshawtravel.com
A native of Vancouver, Harry has been involved in the travel business for 14 years, specializing in luxury cruising. He is an experienced group escort, having escorted groups for Virtuoso in the Mediterranean, Alaska and the South Pacific. A veteran of over 30 cruises on itineraries as diverse as New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Alaska, Panama Canal, Caribbean, South America, Russia and the Mediterranean, Harry has also branched out to soft adventure travel with Safaris to Kenya and Tanzania, and tours to the Galapagos and Machu Piccu. More recently, European river cruising has become an integral part of his business. His strength is in customizing your travel needs. Whether it is a Safari in Africa, a Villa in Tuscany, or a luxury cruise to exotic ports, Harry will be pleased to bring it together to make your dream adventure a reality.
Linda Sim
Cruise & Group Travel Specialist
lsim@renshawtravel.com
Linda’s impressive cruising and travel experiences have taken her to the Northern Baltic regions, down-under to Australia and New Zealand, over to Tahiti, Mexico, through the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. She is a firm believer in the value of cruising and her motto is: “There is something for everybody on a cruise and it is all about having the right guest on the right ship”. Regardless of whether you want to snorkel in the gorgeous waters of Tahiti, get close to wildlife in the Galapagos, or simply desire a getaway to entertain each and every family member (grandparents, parents, children and all) on a family reunion cruise, Linda’s versatility in creating enjoyable vacations is second-to-none! Linda currently partners with David Tarrant (UBC Botanical Gardens, CBC Television’s “Canadian Gardener”) to organize Garden Cruise Tours and Land Tours to view some of the world’s most exclusive, unique and marvelous gardens.
Shane Maddaford
Cruise & Rail Europe Specialist
shane@renshawtravel.com
From an early age, Shane had an itch to see the world. This Saskatchewan-native finally got his wish during a high-school trip to Europe. It was this trip that motivated Shane to move to Holland, where he not only developed practical travel experience, but an even greater urge to travel. Upon returning to Canada, Shane enrolled into Canadian Tourism College. Soon after graduation, Shane embarked on a six-year journey working on luxury cruise ships in The Boutiques On-board. Five of these years were spent with Princess Cruises! Shane’s experience on-board and especially in Ports of Call – throughout North & South America, Europe and the South Pacific – make him one of Renshaw Travel’s most knowledgeable Cruise Specialists. Utilizing his first-hand experience living in Europe, Shane is also the agency’s Rail Europe Specialist.
Dave & Bev Knoblauch
Cruise & Land Package Travel Specialists
DBKnoblauch@renshawtravel.com
Dave and Bev have been working in the travel industry for over 10 years. They initially started up as travel consultants in Abbotsford, where they soon became known for their great attention to detail and their knack for getting good deals. Through a family connection, Dave and Bev joined the Renshaw Travel team in 1999. Since then, this power couple has been making yearly cruising pilgrimages to the Caribbean to escort selected groups of government workers. Whether you are interested in a cruise, an all-inclusive land package or a tailor-made vacation, Dave and Bev can help you as they truly are all-round travel experts.
Danielle Lacamell
Disney & Corporate Travel Specialist
lacamell@telus.net
Danielle and travel are like two peas in a pod. Was it having a father as a Canadian Airlines Captain that influenced Danielle to work in the travel industry or was it learning how to walk on a plane that did it? Whichever the reason, Danielle’s passion for travel is undeniable! Danielle has been working at Renshaw Travel for over 20 years, of which she has been the agency’s certified Disney Specialist for 13. She has extensive knowledge of all-things Disney and loves to bring families together to enjoy some fun and adventure. Another positive aspect to this travel expert is that she works from home, which is a great advantage for emergency bookings and changes, making her ideal for corporate travel too.
Back to top
Accounting & Administration
Dianne Renshaw
Financial Accountant
dmrenshaw@renshawtravel.com
Dianne is a native Vancouverite and thoroughly enjoys sharing her local knowledge any chance she gets. She has been part of the Renshaw family for over 25 years and a member of the Renshaw Travel family since 1993. Dianne spent her early working career in the ski industry including the development of the world famous Whistler/Blackcomb Resort. She then moved on to advertising where she worked at several agencies over an eleven-year span and after that combined staying at home raising two daughters with work at Renshaw Travel. Dianne’s family travels include cruising to Alaska several times, Central America, Sea of Cortez, Mexican Riviera and throughout the Caribbean. Now that their daughters are grown, Dianne and Don hope to focus more on walking tours and cruises in Europe, North and South America, and other locations around the world.
Larry Hoad
Chief Financial Accountant
lhoad@renshawtravel.com
A native of Winnipeg, Larry graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Mathematics. After his studies, Larry stumbled onto a great opportunity and established his own accounting services for travel agencies in Vancouver – a niche-market waiting to be tapped into. By the late 1980s, increase in technology and the creation of self-help programs revolutionized the world of travel, making external accounting services no longer necessary. However, this was not the case for small, local travel businesses! Larry has been the agency’s Financial Manager since 1989. Larry’s favourite places to visit are Australia, the South of France, and the Caribbean!
Lee-Anna Sigmund
Reception
sales@renshawtravel.com
After growing up in Parksville on Vancouver Island, Lee-Anna decided she wanted a change and moved to Vancouver in 2000. With her background at the Travel Info Centre and education in tourism at North Island College, Lee-Anna knew she wanted to continue working in the travel industry. Knowing this, a good friend recommended that she apply for a job at Renshaw Travel. Sure enough, this Islander – fresh off the boat – landed the reception position and has been a wonderful addition to the Renshaw Travel ever since with her undeniably sweet personality and great work ethic. To view Lee-Anna's travel blog covering her latest trip to Europe, please click here.
Back to top