Stephen Joyce
Carpinteria, California Travel Agent
Ventura Travel Professionals, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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European, African and Australasian Specialist
With previous employments I have traveled extensively throughout the world and can draw upon this knowledge to best advise you on your travel plans. Since retiring in 1999 and settling permanently in the US, I decided to put this unique knowledge to good use and become a Travel Agent so that I can assist others who have not been so fortunate in their travel option, to plan their travel.
With the exception of Antartica (on my bucket list) I have visited all the continents and have also lived in Europe (England, Belgium, France, Germany and Spain) South Africa and Australia. I returned from South Africa to England overland as a guide and interpreter on a Trans African expedition.
Having children and grandchildren I am a dab hand at organising family vacations ( I do one every year and the most we have had was about 30 from all regions of the world for a Bahamian vacation. This year I am organizing one for about 30 people in Palm Springs, CA.
I have also organised destination weddings and Chambers of Commerce trips to Europe, China and USA.
I pride myself in working on both simple and complex (and very complex!) itineraries. I recently completed a comprehensive tour of US for a Belgian couple which involved many flights, hotels, tours and car rentals and crossed the country from NY to LA and back again.
I have also recently completed very complex itineraries for clients who have travelled to Europe and Africa. This included all aspects, flights, transfers, local tours, hotels, train trips, and rental cars,
I am a very active member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and am an Ambassador. I have been Ambassador of the Year for several years, but am now letting some of the young Turks have their moments of glory!
I speak French, German and Spanish, so if there is a local problem, there are not many times that I can not make local contact and try to sort out any problems that you may have incurred.
Attention to Detail
"Uber" of the Sahara
We pride ourselves on leaving no stone unturned to find you the best deal that fits not only your budget but the individual needs of each traveler.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
IATA
CLIA
A Wonderful Graduation Trip
Reviewed By Dena @ State Farm - Ventura, Ca | Traveled to Mexico City ~ Mexico D.F. ~ Mexico
It was extremely easy. He came to my office to meet with me to lay out the details and was prompt in providing options
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you, glad you and Austin had a great time and hope you managed to find some suitable future accommodation for him.
Thank you, glad you and Austin had a great time and hope you managed to find some suitable future accommodation for him.
20 of 29 people found this review helpful
Absolutely Best Romance Trip Ever!!
Reviewed By Sharon - Hollywood Beach California | Traveled to Sicily ~ Italy ~ Europe
Stephen was very knowledgeable and educated in the areas of interest. The entire process was simplistic and smooth all the way through.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you for taking the time out to give us a good review. Much appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time out to give us a good review. Much appreciated.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Matthew's best Birthday!
Reviewed By Bishop Adventures - Redmond, Oregon | Traveled to Loreto ~ Baja California Sur ~ Mexico
I reached out to Stephen about perhaps traveling to Loreto, Mexico. He did some research for us and we could not have been more pleased. The hotel in town was perfect! It was right on the water and was also walking distance to everything we wanted to do. The staff was amazing and every meal was delicious. We were greeted with friendly smiles throughout the hotel - in every restaurant, bar or at the pool.
The snorkeling trip was so beautiful. Our captain was very friendly and even offered to take us out a 2nd time later in the week with our friends who were coming in to join us.
The car rental was easy. We drove two hours north and explored some of the secluded beaches - enjoying fish tacos and beers on what seemed to be our private island. I'd definitely call Stephen again when planning a trip.
Check out some videos of the dolphins swimming around our boat.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUPtIAkxhiOzb8owsViRzwlQ&playnext=1&index=1
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much. In these difficult times it is much appreciated
Thank you very much. In these difficult times it is much appreciated
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Leave it to the Experts
Reviewed By JohnP - Ventura, CA | Traveled to Australia & New Zealand
Stephen and his travel services give me the price, convenience, and peace of mind I tried to get by doing this all my self (and never achieved). They make booking both my business and vacation travel a joy. Leave it to the experts. Great job!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
11 of 19 people found this review helpful
Honeymoon Booking
Reviewed By Dr. A - Ventura | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Very thorough. Very professional. Very Timely.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you Dr. A!
Thank you Dr. A!
18 of 33 people found this review helpful
Enjoyed
Reviewed By Dennis - Ventura California | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
I have known Stephen for years and worked with him an several occasions. He is always on top of his game and offers helpful information that I did not think to ask.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Maiden Solo Travel Voyage!
Reviewed By Marni - Ventura, CA | Traveled to Paris ~ France ~ Europe
Stephen is literally the most responsive, helpful travel agent I have ever worked with. His advice and guidance are spot on and he never disappoints! Highly recommend.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you Marni and Bon Voyage!
Thank you Marni and Bon Voyage!
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great Trip to Cancun
Reviewed By Michele - Prescott Valley | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
He was very helpful and informative. I would highly recommend him and we are planning on using him in the future. I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
So easy and absolutely wonderful service!
Reviewed By S Sipe - Ventua CA | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
Stephen and Linda are so easy to work with and always respond right away to any concerns or requests. Setting up travel arrangements was so much easier with people we trust and who really know the industry well!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
Thanksgiving Get Away
Reviewed By Dena R. - Ventura, CA | Traveled to New York City ~ New York ~ USA
Stephen, provided a stress free experience when I was ready to book a Thanksgiving trip. I gave him the parameters and he came up with a excellent flight and hotel selections. . He also offered ground transportation and sight seeing options. I often forget what a pleasure it is to have the services of a great travel professional at my disposal and Stephen certainly fits the bill.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you. I am glad it worked out to your satisfaction.
Thank you. I am glad it worked out to your satisfaction.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Mr Joyce is great!
Reviewed By Special Agent Joyce - Ventura,CA | Traveled to Israel ~ Middle East
Excellent communicator and knowledgable.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much and enjoy your trip
Thank you very much and enjoy your trip
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Had a great time!
Reviewed By Jessica - Albuquerque, NM | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
They did a wonderful job planning and executing our trip to Belize. All of our inner Belize flights booked, hotels booked and excursions booked.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great Trip!
Reviewed By Kenny - Santa Barbara, CA | Traveled to Cannes ~ France ~ Europe
Stephen was wonderful to work with! He was very responsive and helpful, especially when we had to change the date of our tickets last minute. All the travel went very smoothly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Stephen saves me money everytime!
Reviewed By Liam - Dubai, UAE | Traveled to India ~ Central Asia
I have been using Stephen for all of my business travel in order to cut my teams costs. Once our business travel coordinator has sourced quotes I always forward them on to Stephen and he always finds a way to get a better rate - whether it be for flights, rental cars or hotels. What I love is that 9 times out of 10 he has been to place I am travelling to and he always has a good local food or bar recommendation. I am planning my honeymoon soon and Stephen will be my first port of call.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
9 of 17 people found this review helpful
Trip scheduled for early 2024.
Reviewed By Jax - Ojai, CA | Traveled to Botswana ~ Africa
Stephen responded immediately to my inquiry, and has checked in with me to make sure I've got what I needed for the trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you. Have a great trip. Have safaried in Botswana and lived in RSA, so feel free to call for a chat.
Thank you. Have a great trip. Have safaried in Botswana and lived in RSA, so feel free to call for a chat.
The honeymoon of our dreams!
Reviewed By Madi - Ventura, CA | Traveled to Florence ~ Italy ~ Europe
He is so patient to helping us find exactly what we wanted for our honeymoon even though we changed our mind a few times!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
A fabulous vacation!
Reviewed By Trini - Ventura, California | Traveled to Italy ~ Europe
I have worked with Stephen for years and have always had a wonderful trip thanks to his knowledge and assistance in planning. He booked us in great hotels and bought our train tickets ahead of time, which saved us a lot of time.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Great Family Vacation
Reviewed By Carp Travelers - Carpinteria, CA | Traveled to Maui Island ~ Hawaii ~ USA
Stephen is very easy to work with and helpful when planning and executing our recent family trip. A few things came up in the planning phase and Stephen was prompt in addressing and resolving them. Our flights and lodging were wonderful. We recommend Stephen for your any of your travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much for your review. It means a lot to me that my clients have a good time and a hassle free vacation.
Thank you very much for your review. It means a lot to me that my clients have a good time and a hassle free vacation.
European whirlwind
Reviewed By Joseph - Carpinteria | Traveled to Europe
We had a month long trip with multiple stops, so a lot of intense planning and scheduling. Stephen was a tremendous help.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you for your nice review, much appreciated
Thank you for your nice review, much appreciated
flying to S. America on business in the 90s
Reviewed By jonathan - Oak View, CA. | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Based on his long experience, Stephen knows the airlines inside out, and how to get things done with them. He's particularly helped me deal with American Airlines, which was a great airline when I flew 2 million miles with them starting in the early 90s. Now they are extremely difficult to deal with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you, glad to be of service
Thank you, glad to be of service
Israel
Reviewed By John Doe - Ventura | Traveled to Tel Aviv ~ Israel ~ Middle East
Great
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great Job!
Reviewed By Tbone - Carpinteria, CA | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Stephen is very helpful, knowledgeable, and more than anything, he gets the job done. I've now had at least 5 successful trips coordinated by him, and they've all been awesome!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Terrific Time in Spain!
Reviewed By Trini - Ventura, California | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Stephen has planned 4 or 5 trips for me. From Buenos Aires to Africa, Paris and Spain, and they have all been wonderful! He is experienced and knowledgeable and all the trips have been fantastic. Kudos to Stephen for taking the headache out of planning all of my trips.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you, you are a pleasure to work with and look forward to planning your next trip
Thank you, you are a pleasure to work with and look forward to planning your next trip
10 of 20 people found this review helpful
Beautiful, so much to see and do
Reviewed By Loretta - Ventura, CA | Traveled to Vancouver ~ British Columbia ~ Canada
He was prompt to get back to me, was patient when I wasn't ready to make a decision. No hassle, easy to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you very much
Thank you very much
13 of 26 people found this review helpful
Your one stop place to send you to another place
Reviewed By Amber Lynn - Ventura Ca | Traveled to Ensenada ~ Baja California Norte ~ Mexico
Amazing, simple, and no hidden costs! You can not ask for more!!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you, it was a pleasure working with you
Thank you, it was a pleasure working with you
15 of 31 people found this review helpful
flights to/from UK
Reviewed By Jock - Oak View, CA. | Traveled to London ~ England ~ Europe
Super competent & super quick to get things done!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
RENCONTRE
Reviewed By edognin - France | Traveled to Senegal ~ Africa
oui
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Merci
Merci
6 of 14 people found this review helpful
Easy to fly even during a Pandemic
Reviewed By Loretta - Ventura, CA | Traveled to Boise ~ Idaho ~ USA
Stephen was helpful in booking plane tickets, then making revisions when the itinerary changed due to Covid. New flights from Santa Barbara worked well, and flights were on time and we felt safe.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Stephen Joyce responded:
Thank you
Thank you
4 of 11 people found this review helpful