Far & Away Adventures - Travel and Cruise

Fantastic experience: It is very rare those days to find the professionalism and friendly service which Normand and his staff provided.Normand did all of this and more.He made numerous arrangements for us ( some of them very difficult ) to our fullest satisfaction.Looking forward to our next travel plans,keep on doing the great work.

Negative experience: Ended up planning the trip ourselves. We had quite a bit of pressure to book into a pre made group tour which we declined as it was not the trip we envisioned. We were given a lot of attitude after we declined the group and correspondence became very lacking. We booked appointments via phone with this company to discuss the trip which nobody called at the appointment time so I ended up having to call them after 40 minutes.. not great when you have to take a break from work in order to make that specific time work. Took about a week unanswered before having to try to contact them again for a response. Needed a $200 deposit which was paid when agreeing to book through them, after this they disclosed they wouldn't book anything without an additional $500. None of this went towards the trip. If we were disclosed this beforehand we would have saved the $200 that went into their pocket. We spent awhile to be able to save up for this trip so having even just a $200 loss was substantial to us. No check ins, no call backs, nothing. They ended up not booking anything for us so we had to plan the whole trip ourselves. If we were to have done this again we would have saved the $200 and put it towards the trip we ended up planning anyways. I feel the proper thing would have been to refund at least $100 after saying they would not book anything further as we could not afford to give the additional deposit. They also quoted substantially higher for the whole trip than it was booking ourselves (around $2,000 more). I would not recommend this travel agency at all, and if you are on the fence about planning your trip yourself, I would not use them as they will not give you any assistance. The other high star reviews seem to be friends of the individual who owns the company so I would definitely tread carefully when booking with them unless you know the owner personally. I feel as though I had to give others this warning as they seem to take advantage of people. Thanks for your time and good luck with planning your trip.

Fantastic experience: We always book our company trips there, they are the best.

Fantastic experience: I came across Far and Away Adventures after a google search for a Canadian travel agent with a specialization in Fiji. I worked with Norm to plan the land portion of our honeymoon, including book all our transfers. Norm provided us with a couple options based on several factors and took all our requirements/must haves into account. Norm also responded to all my emails in a timely matter, which I appreciated. Our trip to Fiji was seamless, and we LOVED the island and resort Norm recommended. I am used to planning international trips, but it was so nice for a change not to spend hours doing trip research or worry about anything. I would recommend Far and Away Adventures, and look forward to utilizing Norm’s services again in the future for our next ‘big’ trip

Fantastic experience: Norman was incredibly helpful in finding information about flying our grandson as an Unaccompanied Minor from Geneva to Vancouver. He researched fares for the whole family which were cheaper than anything I could have found myself online. Many thanks, Norman!

Fantastic experience: Normand's flexible, patient approach in helping us plan our 3 generations trip to Costa Rica was impressive! He was more than generous with his time and was organized, prompt and skillful in handling bookings for us. In addition, he was very helpful in suggesting tours and accomodation appropriate for a group spanning the ages of 6 to 73...thank you!

Fantastic experience: Top Notch Service! Bob went above and beyond for our group booking, going to bat for us with Sunwing. He really took time to make sure everything was right, and worked late one night when we needed to modify our booking after a sudden illness in the family. Very patient and knows the system and ways to keep things affordable!

Fantastic experience: We used far and away for consultation and purchase of Covid-tests for travel and were very pleased with their professionalism. Normand especially was excellent.

Positive experience: I didn't have a great conversation with a phone representative of Fly & Away Adventure, but the owner called me and explained to me all the changes that took place in the last few months with travelling to Hawaii. He was very nice and thoroughly explained everything. He cared greatly about the situation and handled the situation very well.

Fantastic experience: Normand was so kind and helpful. I needed a very quick covid test for travel as my flight had been canceled and the window expired. This was easy, Normand was helpful, and I would call on him for any further travel services in the future. If not for Normand, I'd probably be stranded here for a few more days, and wind up paying quite a lot more for a lesser service.

Fantastic experience: They were able to help me on a last minute request… they were the only ones to do it on the victoria area. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Far and Away adventures helped us with our COVID 19 testing. They were very professional and were constant communication with us, including great follow up after our appointment. It is clear that they care a great deal about there customers. I would highly recommend them.

Fantastic experience: Easy to use and very close.

Fantastic experience: Easy to make an appointment for travel covid testing and the person working was very knowledgeable and helpful.

Fantastic experience: I arrived late due to the ferries not running on time, I was freaking out not sure if 20 min late they would allow me too have the covid test. He was awesome! Highly Recommend.

Fantastic experience: Normand Schafer the owner is a very comfortable, calm and informative presence. Great non-pressured environment in which to consider travel options. I have worked with him for several years now and he has done really excellent work with the groups that I've taken to Central America.

Fantastic experience: Norm arranged an incredible all inclusive getaway for our group to Mazatlan Mexico. Everything was seamless from the flights, to the hotel, and activity suggestions. Highly recommend his expert service and knowledge in finding the ideal vacation getaway!

Fantastic experience: We had 8 months to put together a 6 week trip to Australia and New Zealand when we first met Normand but unfortunately he was leaving for a 2 month teaching gig. We tried working with 3 other travel agents but they did not work out. We booked some of the pieces ouourselves but soon hit a road block or ran out of ideas. Two months later we stopped into Normands office and plunked pur 1/2 baked trip on his desk. Within hours we had had a plan. Over the next 2 weeks everything got finalized. We headed out on November 1st and everything ran like clockwork. And when the bushfires affected one of our tours, he was there in Sidney B.C. to help with alternate plans for us while we were in Syndey Australia. If you want a worry free, no hassle vacation see Normand first.

Fantastic experience: Normand Schafer , by arranging all the big and little details, allowed us to experience a wonderful vacation to French Polynesia. Our trip went smoothly, each excursion was seamless, and our time aboard the cruise ship Paul Gauguin exceeded our expectations. His personal attention to all our multiple details, questions, and his suggestions and local knowledge, were superb.His quick responses eased our minds completely. Thank you, Normand.

Fantastic experience: I just got back from an amazing Trip to Fiji and Tonga that was organized by Far and Away Adventures. My trip went so smoothly and was very well organized. Their recommendations for flights and hotels were spot on and we enjoyed every minute. I would definitely book your vacation or any travel needs with this company.

Fantastic experience: The original 3-star review was unintentional, and I highly recommend Far & Away Adventures as a way to book your travel arrangements right here in Sidney!

Fantastic experience: Took our kids on a fabulous cruise with Far & Away. They have great customer service. We have used them several times and will continue to use them in the future. Thanks, Norm.

Fantastic experience: Normand helped us find the best deals with the best services. Our vacation was a blast.

Fantastic experience: We've been using Far & Away for over ten years. Love the staff, love the company!

Fantastic experience: I went to Hawaii, and had an awesome experience where I didn't have to worry about a thing. Very personable guy and willing to listen and work with you.

Fantastic experience: Normand is a great guy,...he can help you with a great vacation...I recommend Nornand at Far and Away