Reviews of Brightspark (Travel Agency)

Jeannie McCarroll

Fantastic tours for our school over many years! Very customized to the particular needs/wants with great recommendations for things we didn't think or know about. The guides who accompanied our groups were also fantastic - great positive energy with the students and their local knowledge really added extra opportunities between the booked activities and flexibility to navigate any unexpected issues (eg changing times of activities to account for local unplanned disruptions etc). Highly Recommend for School Trips!

Arjuna Kadawathage

Sara was very professional. Very helpful team. Whenever we had issues the team helps to resovle the problems.

Lynn Gallant

Our grade eight students have used Brightspark for our annual class trip for many years now. We have travelled to New York City, Quebec City, Montreal and Niagara Falls with Brightspark and have always had a well-run and exciting trip. Our contact, Scott, is always professional and accomodating to our school's individual needs and helps us plan a great trip. The Brightspark leaders on the trips are knowledgeable and engaging with the students. We rarely have any issues, but on the odd occassion when something goes awry, Brightspark has always been quick to respond and make adjustments in order to make things right! Highly recommend this tour company!!

Trixie Vasilakos [Staff]

For the past 8 years, River Oaks Public School has used Brightspark as our company to take our Grade 8 students on their Graduation Trip in June. We have always had a very positive experience with the company and the tour leaders. Our rep, Jennifer Holden, has always been organized and punctual in her presentations at our Parent Information Night and has gone above and beyond to get us the ultimate in our touring experiences.

Andrew Costello

I have used Brightspark for the past 12 years to organize numerous high school trips to Boston, Washington DC and New York City. They have always been great. I strongly recommend them.

Fraser Haig

It has always been a pleasure planning our school trips with Carla Pessoa at Brightspark. She is exceptionally professional and always works her hardest to ensure that the students have an amazing and safe experience.

Kelley Kemic [Staff]

I had an incredible experience using Brightspark to help me organize my Grade 8 school overnight trips. Their support was top notch right from the beginning. My consultant was always available by phone, email or even in person to help me to best plan our adventure. I was given many options for activities and accommodations that would best suit the needs of my students. On each of our trips we had about 115 students. Brightspark was able to meet our needs in terms of finding opportunities that would be able to support such a large group. They were also sensitive to any students with special requirements. Our tour leaders were engaging to the students and always professional in their behaviour. Thank you to Brightspark....I can't wait to go on more trips!!!

Sean Hall

Jennifer Holden has always been super-helpful in answering questions and supporting teachers and families in the planning and tour process. She is a reflection of Brightspark's solid programming.

Chad Wilson

I have personally used Brightspark well over 10 years now. My initial contact was Andrew. I have worked annually with Andrew ever since. I have been extremely satisfied by the professionalism and energy he has provided during our journy. Andrew has gone above and beyond to create an engaging itinerary. Certain barriers on our end have created changes and alterations of itineraries. Andrew, with patience and excellent organization and time management skills was able to meet the needs of the group with a short period of time. Andrew and his supporting staff have been welcoming, helpful, flexible and genuine throughout the entire process whether it be to Ottawa, Toronto, or Niagara Falls. With this very unique tool, I felt it was necessary to give a huge shout to Andrew and the Brightspark organization. Please continue to meet those high standards. Keep up the great work!

Matthew Brennan

I have been using Brightspark for as long as they have been in existence. I was once helped by Peter, until his retirement and was ever so graciously and seamlessly moved over to Scott. In all the years I have used them I have never been let down. They consistently make us feel like we are the only school they are working with and have us as their number one priority. Even while on tour, they have problem solved for us and got us what we needed in a timely manner. The kids love the tour that we have collaborated on and we have never received complaints from the students. They are kind, competent, respectful, knowledgeable and very efficient. If you are looking for a tour group for your school Brightspark goes above and beyond to make sure your trip is worth remembering!

James Hilts

Brightspark has been my number travel company to use when taking my concert band on many long trips, especially when travelling to the states. Their staff are very friendly and they put together a really nice group tour.

Jiyang Xie Official

Try change a rule please guys. Some schools have the privilege to bring phones on trips to Quebec. Unfortunately, my school did not :(. It is true that phone may be a distraction but we must realize how not all kids have cameras and a major part of going on vacation includes taking photos and videos. If you think deeper, having memories is important. Oh right, we couldn't bring a phone without a SIM Card either. We spent the amount of money and if we can't even take a photo for family and memories. Try to suggest to schools if you agree and if I don't have this chance, its not a REALLY big deal but try let other kids have this chance and of course with conditions. Not blaming anyone, just suggesting, and thank you for these cool school trips!

Vince Galea

I have worked with Bright Spark as a teacher, VP and Principal and have always had positive experiences. The trips, both day trips (to Niagara, for example) and overnights (Ottawa, Quebec City) were well organized and good value. The planners have always been flexible to work with budgets and the interests of our students, customizing events, locations, etc. Certainly COVID has disrupted our plans last year and this year, but I would be happy to work with this company again.

Katia Perez

Since the trip to Quebec was cancelled for my son grade 7. The Company did not response for the money back. We are urge the money back. I emailed them a lot of time and they did not respond it. Also, the phone number is no available to talk with some one else. The email they offer by phone is no available it always returned to me.

Elzbieta Chmiel - Applewood Heights SS (2152)

We loved our trip to France with Brightspark! We decided on a History/French trip and travelled to the north of France and Paris. We discovered the historical WWI sites, marvelled at the beauty of the Étretat Cliffs, climbed all the steps at Mont St-Michel and then spent four magical days in Paris! The staff at Brightspark made the planning so easy and our tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable. Thank you Brightspark for an incredible learning experience that our students and teachers will never forget!

Jen McKay

Brightspark is easy to work with. We have used them to plan our Grade 8 Graduation trips for many years. They manage all the planning, registration, payment, parent presentations, bookings (hotel, dining, attractions, bussing), and provide a tour guide. The take feedback well and improve on the experience each year. Highly recommend!

Ilona Onodi

I have personally had the pleasure of working with Michelle, at Brightspark, for the past five years. The commitment to quality student travel and personal attention to every detail helped make our students’ travel experience a success. A huge bonus is her ability to adjust the schedule to the needs of our staff and students. The tour leaders were knowledgeable, accommodating, enthusiastic and professional. During the lengthy bus rides we were given useful and interesting information and played fun educational games in teams. The students had a great time and the tour leaders always did an excellent job. We loved our attractions, hotels, food and the incredible assistance we received from everyone. We will absolutely continue to plan our Grade 7 trips with Brightspark and Michelle! Ilona Onodi Guy B. Brown HWDSB

Leslie Gandza

Our school has traveled with Brightspark for many years. Attention to details from the planning stages to the fruition of the trip has always been exceptional. Our trip coordinator, Sara ensures that all of our needs have been addressed both before the trip, and throughout our excursion. I have recommended their services to other teachers, and will continue to use Brightspark in the future when we are able to travel safely once again.

Eric Rus [Staff]

Very professional staff all around. They prepared an excellent agenda that made the trip as enjoyable as possible. Highly recommend this tour group to any school looking to plan an overnight trip.

Seran Kirubakaran

Selfish company. They cancelled the trip and didn't give back our money during the hard financial Times. I would give this a 0 star if possible.

Jenn X

I've been contacted by Brightspark that they'll not be refunding me the $600 for my son's school trip that was prepaid even though the current Covid-19 situation is the reason for the cancellation. You should be ashamed of yourself for taking advantage of parents, some of whom have lost their jobs, and you're profiting from this situation. I'll be contacting the Peel board and the school to launch a complaint at the earliest opportunity. I hope all parents that read this email will do the same to get our money back.

Katrien Thorne Reed

I have travelled exclusively with Brightspark for the past 10 years with my students. The trips are wonderfully planned, creating an experience for both teacher and students that is virtually worry free. Brightspark also is so open to tailoring trips to specific needs.

Enza Clarino

Terrible service-would not reverse a mistake I made.

Teresa Ansdell

Excellent itineraries and organization. Brightspark was a pleasure to deal with, especially during emergency situations (ice storm, covid-19).

Gina Christakis

I have been organizing trips for my schools for the past 15 years with Brightspark and have never been disappointed with the quality of service I have received. From the organization phase to the actual trip, our students have benefitted from an incredible program that has given our students and staff many memorable moments. The Brightspark leaders have been incredibly professional, friendly and knowledgeable over the years. It has been a pleasure learning something new from our Brightspark leaders every time I have escorted our students to Ottawa and Montreal. We were very saddened to have to cancel our trip last year due to COVID-19 and look forward to traveling with Brightspark again very soon!!! GC-Cottingham P.S

Andrea Slater

We have been using Brightspark for the past 5 years to plan our grade 8 trips to Quebec and Ottawa. Our rep, Stacey, has been very helpful in planning each trip within our budget and responds to questions and concerns promptly. All trips have been well organized, fun and educational. I recommend Brightspark for any future school travel.

Rachel Seaver

I have been using Brightspark for years to take over 100 students and parents at a time to Québec City. Using my criteria, they have created both educational and entertaining tours. Their staff is always super friendly and accommodating every step along the way. They have also been very helpful in meeting any special needs our students may have. Merci Brightspark! I hope we can travel together again soon.

Hany Mokhtar

Worst company ever to deal with. My son school cancelled the trip for the COVID19, We been in contact with that UNPROFESSIONAL company to return our money due to nation status and they refused. DON'T EVER DEAL WITH COMPANY DOESN'T BELONY AND APPRECIATE OUR COMMUNITY PROBLEMS

708267 Sandalwood Heights SS

where do I put my code from school

Deborah Pollice [Staff]

I have used Brightspark for an end of the year school trip. Right from the start, the company was very helpful, very accommodating and very professional. They came to our school to do a presentation for parents and explained everything in great details. Throughout the year, we kept in touch and discussed the itinerary. On the day of the trip, our main contact even came to see us off and make sure that everything was good to go. She also kept in contact via phone regularly to ensure that everything was ok. We also had a ground representative there to touch base with us regularly. Our guides were very polite, cheerful, knowledgeable and accommodating. Teenagers will always keep you on your toes! Unfortunately, our trip last school year was cancelled due to Covid. Our representative worked endlessly to make sure that the refund process went as smoothly as possible. I will continue to use Brighspark for as long as I continue to do school trips. :)

justin

Terrible travel company. If I could I would give them 0 stars. School trip got canceled because of Covid-19. I payed $500 for the trip but they only gave back $400. They don’t realize that there are families out here that are in financial trouble to pay the rent. They think people are okay with losing $100 during this crisis pandemic!

Joshua

Recently went to Quebec with Bright spark and it was the best expeirence yet

David Giaschi

Brightspark, and Carla specifically, have treated us very well these past 4 years. Always available, flexible and accommodating. Their attention to detail is spectacular. I have done over 15 tours with different companies, and I foresee using Brightpark going forward as we are very happy with their service ! Dave

M Haynes

Over priced terrible with refunds doesnt return calls give you the run around dont recommend it at all. Too bad so many schools use them for the trips

Mike Rumleski

Our rep was on top of all aspects of planning our trips, over 9 years. It made our end of the planning very easy. All questions and inquiries were dealt with quickly and to our satisfaction. I highly recommend Brightspark to any school group planning a trip.

Bryan Beauchamp

Brightspark has always been excellent in providing an amazing experience for our school trip to Quebec City. The service we receive from Scott is unbelievable as he is super friendly and easy to deal with and always available to answer any questions. He and his team work effortlessly to provide a memorable experience for all involved. They ensure that students are engaged from the time they wake up to the time the go to sleep. The tour guides provide informative, fun tours and are pros and making sure everyone has a smile on their face from the beginning to end. We have used Brightspark for more than a decade and have never been disappointed with them.

Francesca Zito

I'm always satisfied with the professionalism, knowledge and expertise the Brightspark staff share with me when planning and executing a group tour for students. I have used this company for student travel to Quebec City for over 15 years and they have always put student safety, fun and immersive language experiences at the top of any priority list. Many great memories shared by students and staff alike! Thank you, Brightspark! I continue to look forward to working with you again in the future!

Jie Chao

It seems to me that all measures are taken to make the refund as difficult as possible. While I appreciate everyone is dealing with the pandemic situation, I believe the company should take future business prospect into consideration when exhibiting traits of acting in bad faith. I would not recommend other schools or parents to consider Brightspark. It is not that bright.

Tom Huggon

I booked a soccer tour to the UK through Brightspark. They were fabulous! Our representative Scott was very professional as were the backroom staff. All my inquiries were dealt with expediently and with grace. Owing to Covid we had a few cancellations of events while in the UK. Brightspark found other things to do within hours of the cancellations. There were no problems in getting any refunds and when some of the people on our tour had to change their flights, Brightspark worked overtime and through the night to accommodate these requests. I would definitely use Scott and Brightspark again for any future tours we may embark on.

Kelly Erratt Archer

Brightspark is a wonderful company to deal with. I would 100% recommend taking group tours with them. Jennifer was able to provide us with several options for our school trip. She went above and beyond. Looking forward to working with her once again.

St. Marguerite d'Youville

I have worked with Scott and his team for 7. years. They are professional and worked with our school and the group we had each year to tailor our trip and program to match the needs of the specific group of students. The pricing is very competitive and the company offered some unique destinations not offered by other companies. I highly recommend working with Scott and his team at Brightspark!

Melissa Tavares

Wont do anything to help parents get their refunds back for cancelled grad trip from Travel Guard

Rob Pretty

We have been using Brightspark for our annual band trips and I have nothing but praise for this company. I have dealt with many other travel agencies over the years, however, Brightspark is the best by far. Carla ALWAYS goes above and beyond with the planning, development of the itinerary, and so much more. At one point during our trip, I realized that we didn't pack enough music stands. Carla went out of her way to bring music stands to our accommodations so we had enough during our performance that day. She always goes that extra mile to ensure that our trips are as enriching, and run as smoothly, as possible. Unfortunately, our trip this past year was cancelled due to the pandemic. We were all incredibly disappointed. Our school board called for the cancellation of all fieldtrips for the safety of the students. I had ensured that all of my families had purchased the TravelGuard insurance before our departure so that everyone would be reimbursed. Brightspark explicitly stated that the deposit was non-refundable, and the $40 fee for the optional insurance would also not be refunded since it will be used as a deductible to make an insurance claim with TravelGuard. TravelGuard and Brightspark were obviously inundated with claims all at the same time with every school trip being cancelled across Ontario. Yes, it took a while for all of my students to receive their refunds, but Brightspark were there during the process giving constant updates and ensuring that my families did receive their refunds, which they did. In saying this, I highly recommend Brightspark for your travel and exploratory needs in the future!! Carla and the team at Brightspark will take good care of you!

Vince Pugliese

My schools have been travelling with Brightspark for over 10 years. They are the only company with which I will travel. They're tours are well planned and organized, they're prices are very competitive and they provide a host of options. If there are any issues, they are there to solve them immediately. The Brightspark staff are amazing! Customer service is next to none.

Alick Shi

A money grabbing company with no decency, the true color showed during pandemic. They first forced each school to cancel the trip, so they will not be contractually obligated to pay the refund. Then even if school had no choice to cancel the trip, they "showed" their consideration to ask parents to claim travel insurance (of course, they pocket the profit and plus other business will suffer). They encourage parents who didn't buy travel insurance to call their credit company. And most of parents didn't buy travel insurance, and to be honest, this situation isn't technically covered by travel insurance. We shouldn't promote business who practice such crooked value system. If you are tour organizers, try to take a bit more effort to look elsewhere, this company doesn't deserve your trust and payment.

Wade Baikie [Staff]

Our school has used Brightspark for the last 10 years to help organize our grade 8 trip to Ottawa. They have been great, very professional and easy to work with. Our students always have an amazing time and they cannot say enough about how much they love the trip that Brightspark provides.

Michael Loschiavo

As an Intermedate teacher with well over thirty years experience, Brightspark is a very professional organization with value for your money, a very caring staff (Michelle) being fantastic to work with and student safety always first! I had the privilege of working with Michelle in planning our Gr Eight Grad trip to Ottawa two years ago. Michelle and Brightspark were fantastic in putting the package together in a format that was easy to explain to my students, parents, fellow staff and most ,administration ????. Paperwork and collection of funds for the trip was straightforward. Due to the pandemic and subsequent school closures this past March, our Grad eight trip to Quebec City was cancelled. Brightspark and Michelle worked very hard under challenging conditions to refund the money to the students and parents. They kept the communication lines open to answer any questions. I have no reservations in recommending Brightspark to handle student trips. Thanks again to Michelle for all of her hard work. Mike LoSchiavo Ancaster Meadow School 2005-2020.

Sandy Santos

Thanks Brightspark. My daughter had a fabulous time on her trip to Quebec City with her class. She loved her tour guide Liz!

Marie

Called and asked if they provide advice for startups. The guy who picked up said no, we are venture capitalists. I asked what do venture capitalists do. He just said thank you and bye and then hung up on me. Very rude.

K. Xiao

This is shocking that the school trip is cancelled due to COVID-19, and they refuse to refund the money. This is totally unacceptable. Do NOT book another trip through school with Brightspark!!

Mandy Hammond

This just related to dealing with the company directly. Not taking a tour. My child had to pull out of her class tour due to personal reasons. Knowing this might happen, I purchased the travel insurance. I was promised a refund... it turns out I will see no money back, there was all sorts of small print, I was unaware of, that makes it totally legal for them to do this... If you are that unwilling to honor your word, I am actually quite glad my child is not going anywhere with them. If their word cannot be trusted, how can I trust them with my child?

M M

Terrible staff.

Carmelo Nanfara

We have been using Brightspark for a number of years. The service has been excellent. They go above and beyond to provide the necessary accommodations to ensure that all needs are met. Stacey, our rep, takes the time to schedule all details and answer all questions. I highly recommend Brightspark for any future group travel. Carmelo Nanfara (Principal)

Catherine van Honsen

My child’s school organized a graduation trip through Brightspark this June and the trip had to be cancelled due to COVID. Brightspark not only informed all families that they will not be returning the deposit everyone paid for, but they also have not returned any of the money to the families. We requested the refund in April, and now it is July. The response Brightspark keeps providing is that they will not be able to provide a refund until later. Please do not do any business with this company. Despicable, short-sighted and unprofessional treatment of their customers and the unfortunate situation.

Suzanne Dobson

I was so impressed with the Music trip to Cleveland, that I went with Brightspark again for the Music trip to Montreal. For both trips, the tour guide/host was incredible, knowledgeable, well-spoken, mixed well with the students - interested in them, their latest songs, school, etc. The bus drivers were great. The people at the hotels were wonderful - no issues, everything covered. The tours themselves were fantastic. When I requested an all music itinerary, I got one. Every minute we could see a venue, get into a performance, go for a tour, etc., we did. Both bus rides home were very quiet :) I am looking forward to another trip with Brightspark. It's a company that surely does meet requested needs: Even allergies were high on the priority list, getting the most for the money. Money is always an issue with students and the value of both the trips I went on was well worth every penny.

Mel L

Greedy company. My son's trip was cancelled by COVID-19. Because technically the trip was cancelled by the school, we are not entitled to any refund from Brightspark. This is terrible business practice and REALLY disappointing that they won't refund a portion of the money.

We Teach

Our school has had nothing but good experiences with Brightspark over the years, and more specifically with Melissa and her team. Itineraries are always packed with activities and modified to fit our needs. Solutions are found for special requests. Tour guides have been engaging, professional, and knowledgeable. Perhaps most importantly, communication with Brightspark has always been smooth and emails/phone calls are returned promptly. We would highly recommend them for any school trips or group travel needs!

Dave Millar

We have been trusting Brightspark with our student trips to Quebec and Ottawa for many years and have had consistently excellent experiences with them. From the planning stages and detailed parent information sessions with Jennifer to the trips themselves, we have found Brightspark to be very reliable and supportive before and during our trips. The trip leaders are highly-trained and engaging with the students and I can always trust that we are in very good hands with them. The Brightspark staff demonstrate logistical agility when required, navigating unforeseen circumstances quickly and finding alternatives that suit the group's needs. I would highly recommend Brightspark for any student trips!

Gabi flores

I can't believe that during this pandemic, since everything is being cancelled (including kids graduation trips) and everyone is doing the right thing this company has the audacity to keep deposits that so many parents paid for. the TDSB should definitely reconsider terms that they agree for the rest of us. This is not the time to be greedy like this company is but to do the right thing for hundreds of families that are already struggling.

Scott Trotter

Not wheelchair accessible through main entrance.

Natalie D'Elia

Our school has been traveling with Brightspark to Quebec City for over 15 years. My sales representative is Jennifer Holden and she is always so professional. Her parent information presentation to the parents is always thorough and she emphasizes the quality of the tour program and the safety measures that are implemented for our staff and students. Jennifer Holden has always been accessible every step of the way from the planning of the trip, while on the trip and after the trip for feedback to enhance our trip for the following year. She works effortlessly to ensure that our students' needs are met and that the trip will be memorable for all of our students. The staff at Brightspark always helps our school plan a safe, educational, engaging and exceptional experience for all of our students. They help us to ensure that every student has access to the trip. The tour guides are highly-trained, professional and engaging. Thank you to Jennifer and her team at Brightspark. Merci.