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Life is about the ships we sail: A Thanksgiving reflection on gratitude, travel and belonging
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving 2026! 🍁⚓
After more than 35 years in the travel industry, I've developed a rather wonderful relationship with ships.
Big ships. Small ships. Expedition ships. River ships. Beautiful luxury yachts that make me weak in the knees. Give me a gorgeous sunset, a well-crafted cocktail and an endless ocean horizon, and I'm a very happy sailor indeed.
But as I sit down this Thanksgiving to reflect on what has been an extraordinary 2026, I've been thinking about a rather different fleet of ships.
The ones that don't appear on a cruise itinerary.
The ones that carry us through life.
“Life is about the ships we sail: relationships that ground us, friendships that sustain us, partnerships that strengthen us, kinships that connect us, and allyships that remind us nobody should have to navigate life's oceans alone.”
And goodness, have I been blessed with an extraordinary crew.
This Thanksgiving, I'm raising a glass to the people who have helped me navigate calm seas, challenging currents, unexpected detours and some truly spectacular adventures.
Because although I have the privilege of helping people discover the world, the greatest gift travel has given me is the remarkable collection of people who have become part of my life.
The fleet that really matters
We often measure a successful year by the places we've visited, the goals we've achieved or the milestones we've celebrated.
But what if we measured it by the ships we've built and the people we've welcomed aboard?
Relationships remind us that trust is something we earn and nurture.
Friendships carry us through the rough weather, celebrate our victories and occasionally encourage us to order another bottle of something fabulous.
Partnerships turn ambitious ideas into experiences we could never create alone.
Kinships connect us to our families, our histories and the families we choose along the way.
Then there's companionship, that wonderful comfort of sharing a sunset, an adventure or even a comfortable silence with someone whose presence makes the moment better.
Courtship reminds us to stay curious, to keep discovering one another and perhaps to fall in love with a new place, a new passion or an entirely new chapter of life.
And fellowship brings us together around shared interests, experiences and values, often transforming complete strangers into lifelong friends.
Of course, every fleet also needs mentorship, leadership, stewardship and allyship. These are the ships that help us grow, create opportunities for others and ensure we're leaving the waters a little better than we found them.
Even citizenship has a place in this fleet. It reminds us that belonging comes with responsibility, and that the communities we call home are shaped by how we treat one another.
What I've learned is that no ship remains strong simply because it was beautifully built. It requires attention, care, mutual respect and people willing to show up when the weather changes.
And the size of your fleet matters far less than the strength of the connections within it.
Honouring the lands, waters and people who came before us
Before reflecting on the extraordinary places I've explored this year, I want to acknowledge the place I am fortunate to call home.
I gratefully acknowledge that I live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands and waters of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).
I also honour the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Nation and its enduring relationship with the lands and waters of British Columbia's Interior.
Long before modern cruise ships traced the coastline of the Pacific Northwest, Indigenous peoples travelled these waterways and the rivers of the Interior. Their journeys connected communities through trade, kinship, cultural exchange and generations of knowledge.
These were much more than journeys of discovery. They were, and remain, expressions of relationships with lands, waters, families and communities.
As a travel advisor, I find that deeply meaningful.
Exploration is a privilege, but it also carries responsibility. We have an opportunity to learn from Indigenous knowledge, respect the sovereignty and cultures of the communities whose territories we visit, support Indigenous-led tourism and approach every destination with curiosity and humility.
For me, this is where stewardship begins.
Not with how far we travel, but with how thoughtfully we move through the world.
My 2026 travel logbook: So many places, so many beautiful people
If 2026 were a ship's logbook, the pages would be wonderfully well-worn, with passport stamps, treasured photographs, dinner invitations and more than a few fabulous memories tucked between them.
And I wouldn't change a thing.
January began with an Indian Ocean adventure aboard Azamara. There is something wonderfully liberating about starting a new year at sea, with fresh horizons and the delicious anticipation of not knowing exactly whom you'll meet or what memories you'll bring home.
February transported me to the tropical pleasures of Ko Samui, Thailand, where villa living offered a different kind of luxury. Sometimes the greatest pleasure of travel is simply having the time and space to enjoy the people you're with.
April brought a SkyIn educational journey through Kenya. Experiences like these remind me why I continue investing in first-hand destination knowledge. There is so much to learn from the people who know a destination intimately, particularly when it comes to wildlife, conservation, hospitality and the communities that make travel possible.
Then came May, and one of my favourite gatherings of the year: Ensemble Horizons in Las Vegas.
Conferences are always valuable for learning about new destinations, hotels, cruise ships and travel experiences. But for me, the true treasure is reconnecting with trusted partners, strengthening relationships and meeting people who share a commitment to exceptional service.
The conversations over coffee, the hugs between sessions and the generous exchange of knowledge are what stay with me.
My partnerships are not simply names in a contact database. They're real people around the world who help me look after my clients.
May also brought an unforgettable evening hosted by the wonderful Vicky and Ellen from PONANT Explorations, who gathered a group of us for a special client dinner.
What a journey that evening became!
We travelled through stories from the extraordinary polar regions to the magic of the Mediterranean and the beautiful islands of French Polynesia.
We felt the spirit and mana of Polynesia, marvelled at the wonders of the polar worlds and were absolutely captivated by Captain Patrick Marchesseau, captain of PONANT's remarkable Le Commandant Charcot, the world's only luxury expedition icebreaker with a Polar Class 2 hull.
His stories of navigating remote seas and confronting the power and beauty of polar ice had us hanging on every word.
For someone who has travelled extensively, it takes something special to leave me speechless. Captain Patrick came wonderfully close!
And once again, it wasn't simply the places being described. It was the people sharing their knowledge, passion and experiences that made the evening unforgettable.
Three weeks with Dad: A voyage I will treasure forever
Of all the beautiful journeys this year, June gave me one of my most precious gifts: three weeks travelling through Europe with my dad.
We experienced the beautiful hospitality of Crystal Cruises and explored Spain, Andorra, France, Italy, Morocco and Portugal.
What an adventure!
After so many years travelling professionally, I've developed my own way of experiencing the world. I notice the little details, the service, the history, the architecture and, naturally, where we might find an exceptional meal or cocktail.
But travelling with Dad allowed me to rediscover familiar pleasures through his eyes.
Seeing his excitement, sharing the discoveries, lingering over conversations and simply spending three uninterrupted weeks together was extraordinary.
There is something profoundly special about travelling with a parent as an adult.
You're no longer simply the child being shown the world. You have the privilege of sharing the world with someone who helped shape yours.
That is kinship and companionship at their finest.
And it's a reminder that some of the most luxurious gifts in life cannot be purchased.
Time together. Shared wonder. Memories that become family stories.
I'll treasure those three weeks for the rest of my life.
Wild encounters and the beautiful game
July brought me back to Canada's magnificent North, exploring the wild beauty of Churchill, Manitoba.
Beluga whales, polar bears and the remarkable blooms of the northern summer reminded me that Mother Nature remains the most extraordinary artist of all.
No two wildlife encounters are alike. You can have the finest camera equipment, the most experienced guides and the most carefully planned itinerary, but nature will always write her own script.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Meanwhile, back home, Vancouver had its own extraordinary adventure as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
What an electric summer!
The beautiful game brought people together from across the globe, filling our streets with different languages, team colours, celebrations and that wonderfully infectious excitement that comes with a major international gathering.
It took me straight back to the magic of Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, when I had the privilege of helping create the first Olympic Pride House.
Those experiences reinforced something I've believed for decades.
Sport, travel, food, music and culture have an extraordinary ability to bring people together.
But true belonging doesn't happen automatically when we gather a crowd.
We create it when we make a conscious decision to welcome one another.
And that brings me to a few very important ships.
Pride, allyship and the responsibility to leave no one behind 🏳️🌈
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary people advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, dignity and human rights.
From Olympic Pride House and Whistler Pride to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), I have seen what happens when people combine their voices, experiences and determination to create meaningful change.
And I've learned that some of our most important voyages are those we undertake together.
Allyship is the ship that reminds us nobody should have to navigate life's oceans alone.
It means standing beside people when their rights, dignity or safety are challenged. It means listening to experiences different from our own, making room for voices that have been overlooked and choosing compassion over judgement.
Fellowship is how we create communities where people feel welcome, connected and respected. For many LGBTQ+ people, those communities include chosen families, trusted friends and spaces where we can simply be ourselves.
Mentorship helps us share knowledge, build confidence and open doors for the next generation. I am enormously grateful to those who encouraged and guided me, and I believe we have a responsibility to extend that generosity to others.
Leadership asks us to turn good intentions into meaningful action.
And stewardship reminds us that the progress previous generations worked so hard to achieve deserves our care, protection and continued commitment.
There is joy, colour, music, laughter and, goodness knows, enough glitter to keep a cleaning crew employed for weeks!
But beneath the fabulousness is something much more enduring.
The right to be treated with dignity.
The freedom to love.
The opportunity to travel, work, participate and belong without having to hide who we are.
And an understanding that our LGBTQ+ communities are wonderfully diverse, with different histories, identities, cultures, experiences and needs.
In travel, that means taking inclusion seriously. It means asking our suppliers better questions, recommending welcoming environments, understanding destination-specific considerations and recognising that a traveller's sense of safety and belonging matters every bit as much as their hotel category.
I've written previously about why LGBTQ+ visibility must extend beyond Pride Month, and that commitment remains central to my work.
Because allyship is not a rainbow flag we hoist for 30 days before packing it away.
It's how we treat people the other 335 days of the year.
And as we gather this Thanksgiving, I hope we remember that diversity, equity and inclusion are responsibilities we share.
We may come from different backgrounds, hold different beliefs and see the world through very different eyes. We can still choose respect, compassion and love.
There is room aboard this ship for all of us.
And darling, a little extra sparkle on deck certainly won't hurt!
A year of recognition, made possible by an extraordinary crew
Now, I would be telling a rather spectacular fib if I said I didn't enjoy a little applause.
After all, who doesn't appreciate a fabulous awards night?
And 2026 has been especially generous.
At Ensemble Horizons, my agency, Personal Travel Management, received Ensemble's prestigious 2026 Member Excellence Award for Canada.
I was also honoured to be recognised by my agency as one of its top-producing travel advisors.
During Travel Agent Appreciation Month, Baxter Media's Travel Courier featured me among nine Canadian travel advisors recognised for their contributions to our profession.
And in September, I experienced one of the most meaningful moments of my career when my industry peers nominated me and the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) presented me with its 2026 Leisure Travel Advisor Award.
After more than 35 years in tourism, having my work recognised by people I respect and admire was incredibly moving.
I'll admit, there may have been a little moisture around the eyes.
And yes, the awards look rather lovely too!
But here's what these honours mean to me.
They belong to more than one person.
They reflect the clients who have trusted me with their holidays, celebrations, honeymoons, adventures and sometimes deeply personal journeys.
They reflect the suppliers who have taken my calls, answered difficult questions, solved problems and helped turn complicated plans into wonderful experiences.
They reflect the colleagues who have generously shared their wisdom, encouraged me to grow and stood beside me when the seas became choppy.
They reflect the leadership and fellowship of the team at Personal Travel Management and our partners at Ensemble.
And they reflect those who have walked alongside me through decades of advocacy, tourism development and community building.
I am proud of the recognition, but I am even more grateful for the relationships that made it possible.
If you're interested, I've shared more about Personal Travel Management's Ensemble award and what receiving ACTA's Leisure Travel Advisor Award meant to me.
What a remarkable crew I have been fortunate enough to sail with.
A world of adventures, thanks to my clients
Of course, one of my greatest sources of gratitude continues to be the wonderful people who entrust me with their travel dreams.
This year, my clients have explored some remarkable corners of the world.
From the green hills of Ireland and Scotland to the historic cities, coastlines and culinary pleasures of Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece.
From the wildlife and wilderness of Botswana and Rwanda to the cultural richness and hospitality of Thailand and Japan.
From the dramatic landscapes of Chile and Argentina to the extraordinary cultural heritage of Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
And onward to Iceland, Greenland, the polar regions and the sun-drenched Caribbean.
Every itinerary represents more than flights, hotels, cruise cabins and sightseeing.
It represents people making memories.
Couples celebrating love. Friends reconnecting. Families spending precious time together. Travellers discovering places they've dreamed about for years.
And sometimes people simply taking the time to experience life from a different perspective.
Whether it's an intimate expedition ship, a luxurious ocean voyage, a boutique hotel or a privately guided adventure, my greatest satisfaction comes from knowing I've helped create something meaningful.
To every client who has trusted me with your journey, recommended me to a friend or returned to plan your next adventure:
Thank you. Your trust is a gift I never take for granted.
Still more beautiful horizons ahead
And would you believe 2026 isn't finished with me yet?
September found me sailing aboard Oceania, travelling from Vancouver to Hawai'i via Alaska, crossing the North Pacific and enjoying everything I love about the pleasures of life at sea.
October's nautical chapter features the beautiful Emerald Kaia, sailing from Croatia towards Greece, including a passage through the remarkable Corinth Canal.
Then November brings something especially close to my heart: reconnecting with friends, colleagues and LGBTQ+ tourism leaders at the IGLTA Global Convention in Seville, Spain.
From there, it's onward to Cannes, France, for my first ILTM Cannes, the international luxury travel gathering that begins at the end of November.
More learning. More conversations. More opportunities to deepen existing partnerships and create new ones.
And if all goes according to plan, I'll round out the year with a Caribbean sailing aboard Celebrity Ascent.
Honestly, I may need to buy another suitcase.
But what excites me most about all these journeys is the prospect of the people I'll meet, the friendships I'll renew and the new connections waiting just beyond the horizon.
The magic of river and ocean cruising: Building your own fleet
Perhaps this is why I have such a special affection for cruising.
Some of my most treasured friendships and professional relationships began aboard ships.
There's something about sharing a journey that brings people together.
On an ocean cruise, you might meet someone over dinner, strike up a conversation during a shore excursion or discover a fellow traveller who shares your fascination with wildlife, history, food or culture.
A few days later, you're swapping stories over cocktails, sharing laughter on deck and perhaps planning another voyage together.
A river cruise offers its own intimate pleasures.
As your ship winds between historic towns, villages, vineyards and cultural landmarks, the smaller scale creates wonderful opportunities for conversation and shared discovery.
You might begin the journey as strangers and disembark with people you'll remain connected to for years.
Cruising provides the opportunity, but it's the people who create the memories.
And whether your preferred vessel carries a few dozen guests or several hundred, every voyage offers the possibility of adding another beautiful ship to your personal fleet.
A friendship. A partnership. A companionship. Perhaps even a courtship.
After all, who says romance and adventure have an age limit?
Certainly not me!
A Thanksgiving toast to the ships we sail
As I look back on the year and ahead to all that remains, I find myself feeling something much deeper than gratitude for another extraordinary collection of passport stamps.
I feel thankful for belonging.
For family, both the family we're born into and the family we choose.
For friendships that have survived years, kilometres, time zones and the occasional rough crossing.
For partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
For mentors who have guided me, colleagues who continue to inspire me and clients who allow me to be part of their stories.
For the people who stand up for inclusion and human rights, who extend kindness without expecting recognition and who understand that every person deserves dignity and respect.
And for the privilege of doing work that continues to connect me with our extraordinary world.
My wish this Thanksgiving is that we all take a moment to appreciate the ships that carry us.
Reach out to an old friend.
Thank a mentor.
Celebrate the people who have stood by your side.
Make room at your table for someone who may be searching for belonging.
And remember that small gestures of kindness can mean more than we sometimes imagine.
Life will always bring changing tides, unexpected weather and new destinations.
We cannot control every current.
But we can choose the people we sail alongside and the values that guide our course.
And if we navigate with respect, compassion, love and a generous spirit of adventure, I believe we can make the journey a little more beautiful for everyone.
So here's to our relationships, friendships, partnerships, kinships, companionships, fellowships, allyships and all the wonderful ships still waiting to set sail.
May your anchors hold when you need them, your sails catch the wind when you're ready, and your crew always know how much they mean to you.
From my heart to yours, wishing you, your loved ones and your chosen families a very safe, joyful and Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🥂🌈
With much gratitude, love and a little sparkle,
Dean Nelson (he/him), CTC, LL.D.Your award-winning travel advisor and enthusiastic collector of ships departuresXdean
Wherever life takes you, may you always find a welcoming port and wonderful people with whom to share the journey.
Ready to add a new ship to your fleet? Whether you're dreaming of an intimate river cruise, an extraordinary expedition or a luxurious ocean voyage, I'd love to help you find your next adventure. Visit departuresXdean to explore the possibilities and go beyond? Book your next adventure today. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.
departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt CPBC #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.
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About Dean Nelson
Dean Nelson is a Vancouver-based Certified Travel Advisor, LGBTQ+ tourism specialist and founder of departuresXdean, with more than 35 years of experience in tourism, hospitality and destination development. He has travelled to more than 145 countries across all seven continents and specializes in creating thoughtful luxury, expedition, cruise and LGBTQ+ travel experiences.
Dean's work at the intersection of tourism and LGBTQ+ inclusion has earned national and international recognition. His honours include Travel Gay Canada's LGBT Tourism Leader of the Year, the IGLTA Pioneer Award for his contributions to LGBTQ+ tourism, and recognition as a Distinguished Alumni recipient for his work in LGBTQ+ tourism and community leadership. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) in recognition of his work advancing LGBTQ+ human rights, inclusion and tourism.
Dean founded the 2010 Olympic Pride House, helped build and produce the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, and was a co-founder of Mr. Gay World. In 2026, his travel-industry peers further recognized his work when ACTA named him Canada's Leisure Travel Agent of the Year.
Through departuresXdean and Personal Travel Management, Dean combines decades of professional experience, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted global partnerships to help clients travel with confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of welcome.
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