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Target Tours Christmas Blog 2020

Target Tours Christmas Blog 2020

Christmas 2020 is fast approaching, and we would like to give you an update on how we are doing. 

After deciding to pause the business in May, we all made the difficult decision to find work elsewhere. We are pleased to report that all our team have found meaningful employment. This includes Lynn and myself with Lynn finding employment at a local accounting firm and myself having had a stint at a metal roof manufacturer and most recently at my brother’s high end kitchen cabinet business. With travel being non-existent, it is nice to get up every day with a sense of purpose.  

The events of the past year have certainly humbled us. It has also helped us appreciate the gifts that are all around us. Connection to family and friends, good food, our home and going for a walk outdoors. All have played their part to help get us through this difficult time.

We would also like to show our appreciation for our Chief Health Officers and our government leaders in Atlantic Canada. They made difficult decisions every day to keep us safe. When you look at the Covid-19 cases outside our region and around the world, you can’t help but feel lucky we live where we do. 

Looking ahead, we do see some hope with the vaccines being distributed. We are encouraged that we will be travelling again in the future, but we are also aware that it will take some time for travel to return to previous levels. Where we travel and how we travel will be a new normal. Initially, travel will be close to home before we venture out internationally. We have so much to learn about what the travel environment will look like but we will return when we can safely do so. I will be getting geared up in the new year to look at out our product line-up for the next couple of years.

On a personal note, we did celebrate a special occasion in October with the arrival of our first grandchild. We would like to introduce Lillian (Lily) Sarah Garnhum, new addition of our daughter Sarah and her husband Ben. Nana and Grampy are smitten and cherish the Lily cuddles as much as we can. Christmas will be a special time for us this year.

We also have a new four-legged member of the family. Flirt, an Alaskan Malamute, joined us in June coming from PolarBreeze Alaskan Malamutes in Thunder Bay. Flirt is 3-years-old and in some ways is still a puppy. She like long walks, eating and lots of belly scratches. Now that our business is back in our home, she will be our official greeter taking over from Taz who passed away in 2018.

This Christmas season will be much different than in the past. Our Christmas message to you is to make sure you take care of yourself and your loved ones. It has been an extremely tough year on everyone but we are hopeful for a brighter future. We encourage you to find something to be grateful for no matter how big or small. Check in on family and friends to make sure they are doing OK. Heed the advice of the medical professionals. Wash your hands, wear a mask and keep 6 feet apart. And most of all, be kind to each other. Stay safe. 

 

Merry Christmas

John and Lynn

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As I’m sure most know by now, Katlyn is our Tour Administrator, and is the first person you connect with when you reach out to Target Tours. Katlyn was born and raised in Morell, PE and is a Holland College graduate with a certificate in Business Administration. Katlyn has a passion for travel, and building client relationships starting at the very first point of contact or inquiry. She pays close attention to the little details, and goes above and beyond to ensure everything is taken care of prior to departure.
In her spare time you can find her visiting with her friends and family, reading on the couch with her cat, or playing outside with her dog.

Justin MacPhee - Tour Operations Manager

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to help make other’s travel dreams a reality.”

Justin was originally part of the Target Tours team as a Tour Coordinator/Planner from 2014 to 2020 and, after a brief hiatus, he rejoined the team in 2024 as Tour Operations Manager. Justin graduated from UPEI with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology and brings with him many years of experience in customer and client service. He has a love for travel, planning, and working to ensure details are taken care of.
Justin was born and raised in Montague but now resides in Charlottetown with his wife Miranda. In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors by the water.

Lynn Dunphy

“There are many things in life to be thankful for, being able to live our dream is one that I hold close to my heart. We’ve been blessed with wonderful family and friends and the opportunity to see what lies beyond our front door.”

Lynn is the financial wizard for Target Tours. A born and bred islander, she is a Holland College graduate with Records of Achievement in Accounting Technology and Programmer/Analyst.
While Lynn keeps the finances for Target Tours in check, she also enjoys teaming up with John to host group tours on an assortment of fun-filled adventures. She really enjoys getting to know the Target Tours passengers and ensuring everyone is having a wonderful time.
As a career bookkeeper, her role in the beginning with Target Tours was a weekend job. She has spent over 35 years doing books in public and private business. In 2017 her dream became a reality, and she joined John full time in the business. This is where she belonged.
When Lynn is not adding numbers, she enjoys her golf outings, fitness, cooking and reading.
Lynn and John have two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Lindsay, son-in-law, Ben and their treasured granddaughter, Lily.

John Dunphy

“For me, watching the smiles on the faces of our passengers when they see their travel dreams come true is the biggest I am in the travel business.”

John has spent over three decades in the travel industry starting at The Travel Store (Island Travel). In 2009, he and Lynn created Target Tours from the basement of the family home in Morell, PE and built on his passion for motor coaches.

From simple day tours on PEI to more extensive tours to Europe, attention to detail and
organization combine for a memorable travel experience. John will act as Tour Director
for some of his favourite tours such as river cruises and Europe.

As well as planning tours, John sometimes travels with the group as a Tour Host making
sure all the little details are being taken care of.

John and Lynn have two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Lindsay, son-in-law, Ben and
their treasured granddaughter, Lily.