VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // BAREFOOT TRAVEL
In the whirlwind of wedding planning, finding the perfect partner to assist you in crafting an unforgettable honeymoon or destination wedding can be daunting. Enter Barefoot Travel — a beacon of personalized travel excellence. With over two decades of experience, Barefoot Travel is dedicated to creating bespoke travel experiences that transcend the ordinary. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a couple dreaming of a perfect honeymoon escape, or a planner curating an idyllic destination wedding, Barefoot Travel ensures every itinerary is uniquely tailored to reflect your personal style and desires. From luxurious getaways to cherished family vacations, this travel agency transforms dream journeys into seamless realities, promising a travel experience as unique as your love story.
We can’t wait for you to get to know Sarah, the owner and travel expert at Barefoot Travel!
A short description of what you do: Barefoot Travel, we specialize in crafting personalized travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. With over a decade of expertise in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients turn their dream vacations into reality. From curated honeymoon getaways and family adventures to group trips and luxurious escapes, I take great pride in understanding my clients’ unique needs and desires, ensuring each journey is both seamless and memorable.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? For the past 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of booking honeymoons and destination weddings, helping couples begin their new journey with an adventure tailored to their unique vision. Whether it’s a romantic getaway to a secluded island or an elaborate wedding abroad, I ensure every detail is perfect, from start to finish.
What makes your business unique? Our personalized approach to travel planning. At Barefoot Travel, we believe that every journey should be as unique as the traveler, which is why we take the time to understand our clients’ individual needs, desires, and travel goals. This level of customization ensures that each trip is a reflection of our clients’ personal style, whether it’s a honeymoon, destination wedding, or a family vacation.
Favourite part of your business? I love the personal connections I form with my clients. Each time I craft an itinerary, it’s tailored to the unique experiences and interests of the individuals I’m working with. From the excitement of discussing their travel goals to the satisfaction of hearing how much they enjoyed their trip, being a part of these special moments is what fuels my passion.
What inspires you? The joy of seeing clients’ happiness and knowing that I’ve played a part in creating those moments that truly makes my business so fulfilling.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? (your own industry or the Niagara wedding industry) I’ve always taken a very independent path in my career. I haven’t had a mentor in the traditional sense; instead, I’ve relied on my own determination, intuition, and hard-earned experience to build my business. Every challenge I’ve faced, every lesson I’ve learned, has come from being hands-on and figuring things out as I go. While guidance from others can be invaluable, my journey has been about trusting myself, adapting, and growing through personal and professional challenges.
On your day off, where would we find you? I have a deep love for travel, but in my downtime, I naturally gravitate toward the outdoors. There’s something grounding about being in nature barefoot in the grass, surrounded by fresh air and open space. It’s where I find peace and recharge after the excitement of exploring the world.
If you weren’t a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? If I weren’t working in the travel industry, which is truly my dream job, I would have loved to open a retreat up north. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about the idea of creating a peaceful space surrounded by nature, where people could disconnect, recharge, and find balance in the quiet beauty of the outdoors.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? For 2024, destination weddings are seeing exciting trends that reflect a mix of adventure, sustainability, and personalization. Couples are moving beyond the traditional beach venues and embracing unique locations such as national parks, ancient castles, or private villas, allowing for more intimate and memorable settings. Adventure weddings are gaining traction, where activities like hiking, zip-lining, or scuba diving are integrated into the celebrations to offer guests an exhilarating experience.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? When planning a destination wedding, start early to secure venues and vendors, and visit the location if possible. Understand the legal requirements for marriage in your destination, and consider hiring a local wedding planner for smoother logistics. Keep your guests informed well in advance, and budget for extra costs. Finally, be mindful of the weather when choosing your wedding date, and plan accordingly.
