TORONTO — New travel brand Passage Journeys may be based in the U.S., but its boutique portfolio of destinations is global, and GM Kristen Cash Dennison says Canadian travellers are more than welcome – and so are bookings from Canadian travel advisors.
The new company launched July 1 with just a handful of itineraries. The pared-down portfolio was a deliberate move, said Cash Dennison.
“We intentionally chose to launch with a carefully curated collection of five journeys because we wanted to ensure every experience reflects the standard we’re setting for the brand,” she told Travelweek.
Kristen Dennison, GM, Passage Journeys
“Starting with a focused portfolio allows us to be highly selective, maintain exceptional quality, and build a strong foundation before expanding into new destinations.”
The inaugural 2027 season showcases five destination experiences with 19 departures.
The trips based on collaborations with some big namesl, including writer Pico Iyer, who worked with Passage Journeys on the Japan itinerary, ‘The Soul of Japan – Living like a Local by Pico Iyer.’ The group includes five writers, historians, chefs and cultural experts who worked with Passage Journeys to elevate the tours with that little bit extra.
Small group touring is a very crowded and competitive field right now. It’s also a booming travel style. Demand isn’t likely to let up any time soon, as travellers seek like-minded travel companions and security and structure, without the overwhelming size and lack of flexibility of a bigger group. Cash Dennison said group size with Passage Journeys is approximately 24 guests per departure, with no more than 28.
Passage Journeys is the newest travel brand for Certares Management LLC. Certares is no stranger to the travel industry. Other travel-focused companies working with Certares currently or in the past include AmexGBT, Avoya Travel, G Adventures, AmaWaterways, Internova Travel Group (Travel Leaders Network, Nexion) and more.
FIVE ITINERARIES, 19 DEPARTURES IN 2027
The decision to incorporate input and insights from destination and niche interest experts was also a deliberate move by Passage Journeys.
“It’s one thing to visit a destination; it’s another to explore it through the lens of someone who has spent decades interpreting its stories, traditions and complexities. That depth of insight often becomes the most memorable and transformative part of the journey,” said Cash Dennison.
Here’s a look at the five itineraries for 2027 …
The Pursuit of Happiness in Bhutan by Eric Weiner
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Oct. 1, 11, 15 and 25
Curated with author Eric Weiner, the trip is an immersive travel experience designed to explore Bhutan’s unique philosophy of happiness and mindful living. It’s inspired by Weiner’s work on global happiness.
Bhutan
The Soul of Japan – Living like a Local by Pico Iyer
Duration: 13 days
Departures: March 29, Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and 11
The trip is in collaboration with essayist and novelist Iyer, one of the best-known and most respected voices on travel, culture and spirituality. Iyer is also a longtime resident of Japan.
History and Heroes of Normandy by David Eisenhower
Duration: 9 days
Departures: July 3 and Aug. 21
Centred in Normandy, this journey explores the events, decisions and stories surrounding D-Day and the Allied liberation of Europe during World War II, with visits to key battlefields, memorials and historic sites. Historian, educator and author of the Pulitzer Prize-finalist Eisenhower at War, 1943-1945, David Eisenhower is the grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
Normandy, France
The Living Provence by Joseph Rosendo
Duration: 9 days
Departures: April 6, Aug. 24 and 31, Sept. 21 and 28
This culturally immersive trip through France’s Provence region focuses on exploring historic towns like Aix-en-Provence and Arles, engaging with local traditions, enjoying Provençal cuisine, and discovering landscapes of vineyards, markets, and Mediterranean coastlines.
Provence, France
Florence at the Table by Carla Capalbo
Duration: 9 days
Departures: March 5, Oct. 22, Nov. 26, Dec. 3
Carla Capalbo, an award-winning writer, photographer and author and an authority on Italian food, wine and regional culture, has spent more than three decades documenting Italy’s culinary traditions and cultural landscapes. Her insider’s perspective brings another dimension to Italy, especially for return travellers.
“PASSAGE JOURNEYS WAS CREATED TO FILL THAT GAP”
The collaborations with Iyer, Weiner, Eisenhower, Rosendo and Capalbo figure significantly in how Passage Journeys plans to set itself apart from competitors.
“Small group travel has never been more popular, but many itineraries still focus on simply seeing more places rather than experiencing them more deeply. Passage Journeys was created to fill that gap,” Cash Dennison told Travelweek.
“Our goal isn’t simply to visit a destination. It’s to help travellers understand it.”
The trips will no doubt appeal to the luxury and ultra-high net worth travel sectors, also booming. “Our guests appreciate boutique hotels, exceptional local dining, expert insight and the ease that comes with traveling in a small group. They want to come home with a deeper understanding of the places they’ve visited, not just a collection of photographs. While many of our travellers enjoy premium travel experiences, what truly defines them is their curiosity,” said Cash Dennison.
“WE’RE COMMITTED TO BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS WITH TRAVEL ADVISORS”
Travel advisors are an important part of Passage Journeys’ growth strategy, she added. “We’re committed to building strong, long-term partnerships.”
She said the company welcomes partnerships with Canadian travel advisors with clients seeking the sort of meaningful, expert-curated travel experiences Passage Journeys has to offer.
Commission, like the trips, are curated too. “Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we encourage advisors to contact our team directly so we can discuss the program and determine the best fit for their business,” said Cash Dennison. “We offer a competitive commission structure and dedicated advisor support throughout the booking process.”
Reservations are now open for all 2027 departures. See PassageJourneys.com, call 1-877-572-5160 or email reservations@passagejourneys.
Lead image caption: Experiencing Japan with Passage Journeys
