Travelling for many is a great way to enjoy the world at its finest. Courtesy Photo
Just Say Yes! Destinations help ‘create memories that last a lifetime’
IROQUOIS – “Anyone that is planning a destination wedding, honeymoon, family getaway, business trip, vacation, or to cross a place off their travel bucket list, reach out to me,” Anita Milne, owner of Just Say Yes! Destinations, said.
Milne owns and operates the travel agency with once industry colleague and now business partner, Lisanne Roy Beauchamp. While Milne lives and works in Iroquois, Beauchamp works remotely from her home in North Bay.
“We met at a previous agency,” Milne said. “Our vision, ethics, and beliefs aligned. We both have a passion for travel and truly care about what is best for our clients.”
While the duo can service clients remotely, Just Say Yes! Destinations, formerly known as Dragonfly and Dreams, now has a storefront at 7 Plaza Drive in Iroquois. The travel agency shares the space with River Rat Treasures and Candy’s Hair Salon. Milne is in the office from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Wednesdays, when she closes at 3 p.m.
“Anyone in the Kingston, Ottawa, Cornwall, and St. Lawrence River area, I’m also happy to meet for a coffee or a glass of wine,” Milne said. “For those that live out of the area, I’m happy to connect over the phone, Zoom, or FaceTime at a date and time that works best for them. I have clients from the West Coast to the East Coast, so I’m happy to work with the difference in time zones. I’ve always made a point of keeping a flexible schedule to connect when it works best for my clients. This will not change.”
Milne has worked in the travel business for quite some time, but this new venture was born from a leap of faith taken during the heart of the pandemic.
“It was risky, but I was optimistic and remained positive that travel would come back,” Milne said.
Milne and Beauchamp have a new agency host, The Travel Agent Next Door. She said the company’s ethics, and virtues “perfectly align” with those of Just Say Yes! Destinations.
“The clients’ needs are our first priority,” she said. “We are honest, caring, and want what is best for our clients.”
Just Say Yes! Destinations services all types of travel, but romantic getaways remain a specialty. Milne, who is now an officiant, enjoys planning honeymoons. She offers a honeymoon registry where 100 per cent of the funds contributed by guests go toward the couple.
“I had 17 destination wedding groups that were cancelled in 2020, as a result of the pandemic. Some decided to postpone their destination wedding and many others decided to have a local ceremony. This is what motivated me to pivot and become an officiant,” she said. “For weddings, the officiant and honeymoon planner are generally two separate people; I can offer both. I love helping people create memories that last a lifetime.”
Just Say Yes! Destinations does more than just romance, however. The agency also organizes leisure and group travel, cruises, domestic travel within Canada, and more.
“I can send you wherever your heart desires,” Milne said. “I think more and more people are now seeing the benefits of having a travel agent. It doesn’t cost more. I offer the same prices that you see online, but the difference is that to me, you are a person. You can text me, message me, email me, or pick up the phone and call me. When you need advice navigating our new world, regulations, and restrictions, that’s what I’m here for. If something goes wrong or you need assistance, I’m available to assist and take over.”
For those unable or not looking to travel outside the province, Milne said she’s also working on arranging day trips to local events and venues. Whatever your travel needs, Just Say Yes! Destinations’ owners will do their best to make your dreams come true.
To learn more, visit the company’s website (justsayyesdestinations.ca). Milne can be reached by phone at her office (613-652-4891) or on her cell (613-340-5351).
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