Luxury Escapes & First TIme Adventures
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Charlene Johnston
Vancouver, BC Travel Agent· 3 Years of Experience
KVI Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(5)
100% Recommended
We had a truly great experience booking our family vacation with Charlene Johnston. Charlene provided us with lots of travel options based on the information we... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Quintana Roo, Puerto Vallarta, BahamasInterests:
Cruises, Luxury Cruises, River Cruises, Bucket List, Beach VacationsSuppliers:
Marriott Hotels, AmaWaterways, Celebrity Cruises, Globus, Royal CaribbeanAbout Me
Barcelona - Park Guell
After a successful first career in communications, I transitioned into travel consulting to follow my lifelong passion for exploring the world. Now with Guide Me Away, I help both first-time and seasoned travelers create meaningful, well-planned vacations. Whether it’s a luxury cruise, a European getaway, or an exotic adventure I am here to find the perfect trip.
I’ve completed certifications including Marriott Hotel Excellence!, Virgin Voyages Sea Academy (Gold Level) and Royal Caribbean Bachelor of Adventure, and I use that training, along with my personal experience, to match each client with the perfect trip. My own travels have included over a dozen cruises through the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific Coast, and Trans-Pacific, as well as all-inclusive stays in Mexico.
I especially enjoy working with retired couples, families planning milestone trips, and new cruisers ready to set sail for the first time. My goal is to make the process seamless, enjoyable, and tailored just for you.
When I’m not planning travel, I’m spending time with my daughter, a busy OB-GYN resident doctor, or looking after her lovable dachshund, Daisy. My favorite travel companion is my mother, creating memories one cruise at a time.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Quintana Roo, Puerto Vallarta, BahamasInterests:
Cruises, Luxury Cruises, River Cruises, Bucket List, Beach VacationsSuppliers:
Marriott Hotels, AmaWaterways, Celebrity Cruises, Globus, Royal CaribbeanREVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
5 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 5 reviews
Family Trip to Cancun
Reviewed By T806585 - Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico | Traveled to Cancun | Quintana Roo | Mexico
We had a truly great experience booking our family vacation with Charlene Johnston. Charlene provided us with lots of travel options based on the information we provided for a family all-inclusive trip to Mexico and arranged everything we needed. When we were concerned about recent events in Mexico and reviews posted online about the resort Charlene addressed them immediately and put our minds at ease. Charlene has followed up at every step of our vacation from planning to following up on our return and I would not hesitate to recommend or book another trip with her again. Thankyou for helping us with a really great vacation Charlene !
Charlene Johnston responded
"Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure helping your family plan this family trip to Mexico. I’m so glad everything came together smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the process, that’s always my goal. I really appreciate your trust and recommendation, and I would be delighted to help with your next adventure whenever you’re ready! "
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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3 country Asia trip
Reviewed By Hosh family - Burnaby, BC Canada | Traveled to Vietnam | East and Southeast Asia
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specific experiences and events we wanted to be part of our travels. Charlene worked with us in all of our plans and helped us achieve our travel goals. Not only that but she arranged for us to meet people like our guide in Vietnam and the host family for the cooking class we took in Hanoi, that were amazing people that we will never forget, truly remarkable. Charlene accomodated for us when we needed flexibility and when things changed over our planning period and was very responsive to all of our questions and needs. Thank you Charlene for making our travels more than just travels but a journey that will be embedded in our family for years to come.
Charlene Johnston responded
"Thank you so much for your kind review. I was a pleasure to have helped plan this amazing trip for your family. I was so touched by the experiences you shared about the trip and the people you met along the way.
Thank you for choosing Guide Me Away!!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Mazatlán trip
Reviewed By Harpreet - Vancouver | Traveled to Mexico
It was my first time using Guide me away. I was kind of scared as well but the way Charlene explained everything and took care of our trip it was fantastic.
She is so helpful and such a nice person to talk to .
I would give her 5 ?? . Really enjoyed our trip and do it again.
Charlene Johnston responded
"Thank you for your kind words and so happy that you enjoyed your week in Mazatlan. I am here when you are ready to travel again!!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Super complicated series of business trips
Reviewed By Rob from Spring - Canada | Traveled to Canada
Charlene was my go-to last October for a series of trips to obscure small towns in Canada while shooting a corporate documentary. If it weren't for her skills, professionalism, agility and responsiveness I would have been lost. My problems were always met with friendly, fast and workable solutions. When it comes to travel, Charlene is my super power.
Charlene Johnston responded
"Thank you Rob for your kind words. I am happy to help and I am here when you're heading off to the next filming shoot!!"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The Best Travel Booking Experience
Reviewed By Aman - punta mita | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta | Jalisco | Mexico
We had an amazing experience working with Charlene to plan both our Mexico getaway and our Europe trip. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to every detail, making what could have been a stressful planning process completely seamless. From finding great value options to tailoring the itinerary exactly to what we wanted, everything was handled professionally and thoughtfully. We felt supported every step of the way and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend to anyone planning a trip, big or small!
Charlene Johnston responded
"Thank you Aman for such an amazing review. Working with you on both of your vacations has been a pleasure. I am excited for your upcoming Europe trip as we are putting the final touches in place.
I am here to make your travels as seamless as possible!!
"
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards
AMA Academy
AmaWaterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
Princess Commodore Certified
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
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.
Tokyo, Japan, East and Southeast Asia
Booked It
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Imperial Palace and Tokyo Skytree/Tokyo Tower
Seoul, South Korea, East and Southeast Asia
Booked It
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Dongdaemum General Market, Lotte World
Hanoi, Vietnam, East and Southeast Asia
Booked It
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Cooking class with a Master Chef; Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
London, England, Europe
Booked It 3 Times
Been There
It was my first time using Guide me away. I was ki...
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Must Do:
Tower Bridge and Hyde Park
Cannes, France, Europe
Been There
We had an amazing experience working with Charlene...
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Must Do:
stroll Boulevard de la Croisette
Nice, France, Europe
Been There
Charlene was my go-to last October for a series of...
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Must Do:
stroll the Promenade des Anglais
Paris, France, Europe
Booked It
Been There
We had an amazing experience working with Charlene...
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Must Do:
Eiffel Tower and Louvre
Sete, France, Europe
Been There
We had an amazing experience working with Charlene...
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Must Do:
Mont Saint-Clair
Versailles, France, Europe
Booked It 2 Times
Been There
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Palace of Versailles and Gardens
Civitavecchia, Italy, Europe
Booked It
Been There
It was my first time using Guide me away. I was ki...
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Rome, Italy, Europe
Booked It 3 Times
Been There 2 Times
We had a truly great experience booking our family...
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Edinburgh, Scotland, Europe
Been There
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle
Barcelona, Spain, Europe
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
We had a truly great experience booking our family...
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Must Do:
La Familia Sagrada, Mercat de la Boqueria
New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
We went to 3 countries in Asia and had some specif...
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Must Do:
Time Square, Statue of Liberty
Bronx, New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
Charlene was my go-to last October for a series of...
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Must Do:
Go to a Yankees game
Brooklyn, New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
Charlene was my go-to last October for a series of...
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Must Do:
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO + Brooklyn Bridge Park
New York (La Guardia), New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
We had an amazing experience working with Charlene...
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Must Do:
Walk or relax at Socrates Sculpture Park / Gantry Plaza area
New York City, New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
It was my first time using Guide me away. I was ki...
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Must Do:
Central Park, World Trade Center Memorial
Niagara Falls, New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
Charlene was my go-to last October for a series of...
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Must Do:
Take the Maid of the Mist (boat) OR Cave of the Winds
Queens, New York, USA
Booked It
Been There 2 Times
We had a truly great experience booking our family...
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Must Do:
Eat your way through Flushing (authentic pan-Asian food crawl)
Client Testimonials
Beach Holidays
I can’t say enough about how incredible Charlene has been in planning unforgettable trips for me! From the vibrant streets of Cuba to breathtaking European cruises, relaxing Caribbean getaways, and the stunning beaches of Puerto Vallarta, every detail was perfectly handled.
Charlene took all the stress out of planning, offering expert recommendations, seamless arrangements, and a personal touch that made each trip extra special. Whether it was finding the best excursions, securing the perfect accommodations, or making sure everything ran smoothly, Charlene truly went above and beyond.
If you’re looking for someone who is passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to creating amazing travel experiences, I highly recommend Charlene! I can’t wait for my next adventure! My bucket lit I getting shorter and shorter as I tick off my wonderful adventure that Charlene has carefully crafted for me so I that i have the very best experiences of my life.
Laraine A., Vancouver, BC
Greece Cruise + more adventures
We cannot thank Charlene enough for planning the most incredible trip for us! From start to finish, she made our cruise and travels through Greece, Rome, and Barcelona absolutely seamless. Her deep knowledge of Rome and Barcelona truly enhanced our sightseeing experience—we felt like we captured the best of both cities without missing a thing.
Charlene found hotels that perfectly matched our budget while still providing comfort and convenience. She also gave us the flexibility we wanted in our itinerary, ensuring we had the perfect balance of structured plans and free time to explore on our own. Her expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to making our trip unforgettable truly set her apart.
If you're looking for a travel agent who goes above and beyond, we highly recommend Charlene. We will definitely be reaching out to her for our future adventures!
Marilyn M., Brampton, Ont
Europe Vacation
Charlene was so wonderful with helping us plan our Europe vacation. She found us lovely hotels that felt safe and were clean, and in areas that were accessible to lots of sites. She helped make something that would be stressful, to something we could just enjoy and not worry! Thank you so much for all your help and making our trip so memorable!
Hayley M., Vancouver, BC