Chatting with Dan Sullivan, Collette Vacations' CEO

Meet Collette’s Executive Team: Part I

Dan Sullivan in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics

I recently sat down with Dan Sullivan, Collette’s traveling CEO (and, incidentally, my dad) – to give you insight into his travel wishes, favorites and philosophies. Here’s a glimpse of what he talked about:

Most Interesting Recent Travel Experience: I recently went to Vancouver during the Olympics (pictured, above). It was such a cool experience – the energy there was infectious. But beyond that, seeing travelers from all over the world devouring the sights and beauty of Vancouver was just great; it’s an amazing city, and definitely a favorite.

All-Time Favorite Destination: That is a tough question; I love them all! I love the turn of the century charm of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. I love the scenic train journey through the Alps of Switzerland and the Southern Alps of New Zealand and I love the rugged coast of Newfoundland where you can see icebergs from shore and whales breeching.

Favorite Pastime: Baseball, basketball, football… any sport really. And of course music, all kinds… but Springsteen is my favorite. I’ve seen the boss in concert as far away as Barcelona!

Favorite food experience while traveling? Food is such a big part of travel. I guess I’d say the pasta in Italy is always a favorite. I love the food in China, too - I can’t have enough dumpling dinners and Peking duck. I’ve also enjoyed the great cuisine of Southern France.

Best adventure? In February 2008, my wife Kathy and I embarked on a trip to Antarctica that marked our 7th continent! The sights on the White Continent are unimaginable—snow covered mountains, glacial bays, massive icebergs and seeing wildlife like penguins, seals and breeching whales was an adventure I won’t soon forget.

Best View? There are so many it is tough to decide but standing in front of the Kremlin in Moscow has to be right up there along with sipping tea at the Chateau Lake Louise while overlooking the lake and Victoria Glacier.

What’s on your bucket list? Right now, Cambodia and Vietnam are on my bucket list as well as spending a week in Napa Valley to enjoy the wine country. Okay – actually I will be in Napa Valley in about five days with my whole family, so that dream is almost a reality!

Why do I love my job? When you find a job you love, you never have to work the rest of your life. I get to work with some truly amazing people; I get to experience the world. I consider our partners and customers as friends, each one part of Collette’s extended family. This job IS the dream job. I’m a lucky, lucky man.

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