Curating Lifestyle Travel Experiences since 1989

Originally from a small town in The Netherlands, Jacob moved to Canada with his family at the age of 5. Since then, he's had the passion for travel and has built up over 20 years' experience in the industry and visited over 40 countries. 

Having a wide spectrum of experience in this industry, from creating customized Student Travel groups, working for an Airline and a Cruise line, as well as many years managing leading Travel Agencies across Canada. 

When he is not traveling, Jacob enjoys cycling and photography. 

Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (at that time) he grew up and went to school mostly abroad – Rome, Cairo & Washington D.C. After finishing high school in the U.S. he studied Tourism at the University of Belgrade. After working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Yugoslavia he worked for some of the bigger travel agencies & tour operators in the country, working with travelers from around the world, setting up tours for groups and individual travelers.

Pedja moved to Canada in 1994 and joined Special Travel International where he can apply his knowledge and European experience, working on the special interest groups the company is setting up to various parts of the world.

Coming from Colombia, Tatiana completed her bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering before venturing to Canada. Fueled by a passion for combining numbers with exploration, she found her calling in Hospitality Management, discovering a deep love for the dynamic world of tourism and travel. Tatiana brings a unique mix of analytical skills and a love for adventure, ready to add her special touch to creating unforgettable travel experiences.

In addition to her academic journey, Tatiana's Colombian roots instilled in her a profound appreciation for rich cultural heritage, while her experiences in Canada expanded her perspectives. With an eagerness to contribute to her diverse background, Tatiana looks forward to sharing her story in the lively world of the travel industry.

Having grown up in Austria and being exposed to many cultures, the love for travel was born early. A summer job, guiding North American students throughout Europe at the age of 21, turned into a career that brought him via California to Canada. Vancouver is home since 1987 and in 1989 Special Travel International became the platform for specialized group tours. The experience of being a tour guide translates into the perfect background for setting up tours that work. No matter, if it is Europe, the Americas, Asia or Africa, the basic love for travel and other cultures translates into special tours. And ethical travel, trying to interact with people from around the world rather than just “observing without getting involved” are the ideas he tries to relay to fellow travelers.

He accompanies or guides still a number of our tours, being always in touch with what is going on in the world. Maintaining a high standard and love for important details, working with group organizers and simply getting to know many wonderful travelers are a big part of his life.

Rick opened an independent travel office in the town of Beaumont, Alberta in 1987. He later merged his business with a large Travel franchise in 1990.  In 2000 as Partner – Director of Marketing & Groups, Rick developed a groups department with a strong emphasis on customized experiences. Rick and his team of group specialists managed several hundred groups annually and received numerous awards and accolades from the top tour operators, resorts, and airlines in Canada.  

Rick founded the Network Travel Group in 2020 and recruited industry professionals that share the same passion and enthusiasm for creating lifestyle experiences. With a team of industry leaders the Network Travel group is well positioned to be a leader in groups and customized experiences.  

In his spare time Rick enjoys golfing and supporting charities.

Donna earned her Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta in 1996. She followed her passion and later continued her studies earning her Graphic Design Diploma at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). 

She joins our team as Graphic Design Specialist. She is involved with the custom brochures for our groups as well as our digital registration forms and graphics design. She also manages the design of our customized group itineraries and promotional content. In her spare time Donna enjoys arts and crafts, travel and she volunteers for disability advocacy.

 A native of Calgary, AB, Shannon has spent the last 25+ years enjoying the milder winters on the West Coast.  Shannon is our number cruncher who has a passion for organization and productivity books, Apps, YouTubers, you name it.  Shannon's favourite travel experiences include spending time in the Dominican Republic, Australia, Paris, Italy and The Cotswolds, UK.  Next on the list is a Covid-thwarted trip to New Zealand for her husband to rediscover his roots.  But Italy is where her true travel dreams lie.... whose doesn't?