As the co-owner of our Sidney location, I’m a Cruise and Vacation Specialist with 35 years of experience in the industry. I grew up in the tourism and hospitality world, and as a teenager, I worked to save everything I could to make money to travel.

I loved my career working in hotel management, where I met my husband of 30+ years, raised a family and traveled...a lot! After 35 years I decided I needed a change, and the travel industry was top of mind. Ten years into the business, Cathy Scott and I met and opened our beautiful agency in Sidney, BC. I love the people, the travel and even the challenges that come up. I recognize that my experiences and customer service skills translate to creative travel experiences for you that are memorable, authentic, inspirational and life changing.

As for my own travel adventures, I love anywhere that I can be in the warm water and snorkel...Tahiti and Hawaii being at the top of the list! I love everything about Europe - the history, art, architecture and people. Ocean and river cruising are my favourite ways to travel. Unpack once, have a wonderful bed and beautiful meals with a different city each day. I still have many locations on my list of dream destinations--I’ve always wanted to go to Israel, India and Africa.

Like me, my clients enjoy life and see travel as more than a stamp in their passport. I always want to know them well and find the best experience for them. This is part of what makes Departures a truly special boutique travel agency. We plan every vacation as if it were our own!

Cathy Larsen