Gene Jochen
Whitby, Ontario Travel Agent
B Smart Travel, an independent agent with Nexion, CA, a TL Network Affiliate Agency
Years of Experience: 7
Caribbean All Inclusive and Group Travel Expert
Leave nothing but your footprints...
Traveling and exploring the world has always been my passion. I have had the fortune of exploring most of the US and Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico and Central America.
But it's the Caribbean Islands that offers everything one could want in an exotic vacation and they are where I love to escape to my paradise. Destinations like Aruba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Saint Lucia are some of my favourite islands. From relaxing tropical beaches to action-packed outdoor adventures, there’s something to satisfy every desire the Caribbean. Let me help plan family or group All Inclusive perfect paradise vacation.
My passion for traveling to new and exotic places is what motivates me to fulfill your travel dreams!
My Areas of Expertise
LANGUAGES
English
English
Tico Certification Reg # 1549342
Manulife Travel Insurance
Disney College of Knowledge
European Rail Expert
Certified Luxury Specialist
one of the best trips ever - very memorable.
Reviewed By Wendy - Toronto | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Excellent and very prompt. Pleasant to deal with and always very efficient and helpful.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you. I appreciate your support!
Thank you. I appreciate your support!
63 of 113 people found this review helpful
Our first all inclusive vacation
Reviewed By Dina and Doug - Mississauga | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Gene was most helpful. We had never been to an all inclusive resort and he was bang on with his suggestions.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for your comments. So happy to know that you enjoyed your first all-inclusive and thank you for booking with us. Hope to book you again soon!
Thank you for your comments. So happy to know that you enjoyed your first all-inclusive and thank you for booking with us. Hope to book you again soon!
61 of 109 people found this review helpful
Great trip!
Reviewed By Mary - New York | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Gene is very easy to work with. He listens to where/how you want to travel and provides great ideas and input.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you! We work hard to help our clients enjoy the perfect vacation or trip. Always appreciate your business.
Thank you! We work hard to help our clients enjoy the perfect vacation or trip. Always appreciate your business.
49 of 89 people found this review helpful
Special birthday celebration ??
Reviewed By WC - Whitby, Ontario | Traveled to Amber Cove ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Gene was helpful from the very first time I made contact with him for my birthday vacation.. I procrastinated and waited the last minute but Gene kept working with me on choices and kept me calm . With his professional and caring attitude he made my making a decision easier to make keeping in mind my budget . Thank you Gene and am looking forward to working with you again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for your feedback. I know how challenging it is to decide on the right trip and keeping it within budget. Glad you all had a great time!
Thank you for your feedback. I know how challenging it is to decide on the right trip and keeping it within budget. Glad you all had a great time!
59 of 110 people found this review helpful
THE BEST TRIP OF OUR LIVES...REALLY!
Reviewed By 3BOYSMOM - Courtice, Ontario, Canada | Traveled to Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
Gene looked after our 10 day trip to Barcelona (flights, hotels, trains, etc.) and our 7 day Mediterranean Cruise. He responded immediately to any questions/concerns I had, offered suggestions, which were most helpful and put my mind at ease knowing we were being looked after. I would highly recommend Gene to anyone needing assistance with their travel needs.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed helping you plan your "trip of a lifetime" to Barcelona and beyond! I really enjoyed following you on Facebook while you were traveling and of course, making sure that everything was going smoothly. Looking forward to planning your next trip.
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed helping you plan your "trip of a lifetime" to Barcelona and beyond! I really enjoyed following you on Facebook while you were traveling and of course, making sure that everything was going smoothly. Looking forward to planning your next trip.
48 of 89 people found this review helpful
The trip of a lifetime!!!
Reviewed By Kathy - New York | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
He was thorough during the booking process. Gene was patient with every decision that had to be made and he planned the most spectacular trip of a lifetime to Ireland.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you Kathy! Glad that you had such a spectacular time. Looking forward to booking your next holiday.
Thank you Kathy! Glad that you had such a spectacular time. Looking forward to booking your next holiday.
49 of 93 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Service
Reviewed By Jplaus - Oshawa, On | Traveled to Florida ~ USA
Gene was amazing. Told him what I was looking for and he got it exactly. He was quick to get me information and handled all of the bookings and made my life easy. Our trip was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you so much Gene
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you, our pleasure to help of course!
Thank you, our pleasure to help of course!
65 of 125 people found this review helpful
This was the ultimate family resort
Reviewed By Brooke - Whitby | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Gene was on the ball. Every time I emailed him questions or requested information, he got back to me very quickly.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
53 of 102 people found this review helpful
Great family trip!
Reviewed By Ashley - Oshawa | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
We have booked many trips with Gene and he always makes our travel experience so easy and stress free! We recently travelled to Dominican with our family and we ran into a few issues upon arrival. By the next morning, Gene was in contact with our hotel to help resolve all of our issues making the rest of our stay amazing! He is always so friendly to communicate with and has a ton of personal travelling experience that he is always willing to share or make recommendations. We will never book a trip without going through Gene!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much Ashley for your support as always and so happy I was able to assist with your issues upon arrival. I know they were very important to you and your family to get rectified immediately. The staff at your resort also went above and beyond and they were able to turn your vacation around. All the best and I look forward to helping you with your next family vacation.
Thank you so much Ashley for your support as always and so happy I was able to assist with your issues upon arrival. I know they were very important to you and your family to get rectified immediately. The staff at your resort also went above and beyond and they were able to turn your vacation around. All the best and I look forward to helping you with your next family vacation.
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
Awesome 25th Celebration with friends
Reviewed By Butter Chicken - Peterborough Ont | Traveled to Curacao ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
Professional service. No question too small. Very accommodating when plans changed.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you again for booking with us. Looking forward to helping with your next travel plans.
Thank you again for booking with us. Looking forward to helping with your next travel plans.
56 of 110 people found this review helpful
Great trip!
Reviewed By MC - New York | Traveled to Spain ~ Europe
Gene took care of everything. He was a pleasure to work with.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thanks so much for the accolades, looking forward to helping you with your next trip!
Thanks so much for the accolades, looking forward to helping you with your next trip!
48 of 94 people found this review helpful
Thank-you Costa Rica We Love You !
Reviewed By DCL - Oshawa, ON | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
I met with Gene to plan a 25th Anniversary trip with my Wife to Costa Rica without any knowledge what so ever of the Country and destinations. We knew we just wanted to see Costa Rica. After an initial consult with Gene to determine our needs, he presented 3 different resort options all with different pros & cons. We met again and reviewed each resort together before landing on Dreams Las Mereas.
Turned out to be best trip ever !!! The resort was the best we have ever stayed at and the entire trip was everything we hoped for in Costa Rica.
Upon our return Gene requested a post mortem over a coffee to better understand our experience and ensure we were completely satisfied with the trip overall. Great follow-up ! We will definitely be planning our next trip with Gene at Be Smart Travel !
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! So glad we could help find the perfect vacation/anniversary trip for you both. I'm truly humbled. Looking forward to topping this with your next trip.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! So glad we could help find the perfect vacation/anniversary trip for you both. I'm truly humbled. Looking forward to topping this with your next trip.
63 of 126 people found this review helpful
We had Fantastic trip
Reviewed By Jersey Jim - Collingwood Ontario | Traveled to Varadero ~ Cuba ~ Caribbean
I found Gene is great to work with. Gene did a great job booking our trip
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for the review. And we greatly appreciate your business.
Thank you for the review. And we greatly appreciate your business.
32 of 65 people found this review helpful
Best trip ever
Reviewed By Dave - Oshawa | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
Very friendly and quick with anything you need..
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
37 of 75 people found this review helpful
Beaches were beautiful!
Reviewed By Sam - Newmarket | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Awesome, would definitely book through Gene again.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
54 of 110 people found this review helpful
Outstanding vacations using Gene.
Reviewed By Patrick - Peterborough Ontario | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Professional. Knowledgeable. Excellent service.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
55 of 112 people found this review helpful
Worst trip, turned to best trip
Reviewed By Mlibbey - Cana | Traveled to Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Absolute pleasure working with Gene, would never use anyone else! So prompt and efficient. We had MASSIVE issues with the hotel when we got there and Gene fixed every single one of them within hours of me asking if he could help in any way. Gene is the absolute best of the best!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Much needed escape!
Reviewed By Nicolle - Whitby Ontario | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean
Working with Gene was lovely. He was positive and prompt in his responses and easy to speak with. We changed our minds a few times as we had a big family to accommodate and passport issues etc... but he was receptive, helpful at each step. It was a pleasure working with Gene and will be calling to book future trips with him.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much for your feedback and choosing B Smart Travel for your vacation. It was a pleasure looking after you and glad I could help with sorting out your pre-travel issues. I look forward to helping you and your family on your next vacation.
Thank you so much for your feedback and choosing B Smart Travel for your vacation. It was a pleasure looking after you and glad I could help with sorting out your pre-travel issues. I look forward to helping you and your family on your next vacation.
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
An amazing and wonderful trip!
Reviewed By The two J's - Toronto, Ontario | Traveled to Madeira ~ Portugal ~ Europe
My friend and I were planning a trip to Madeira, a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that is part of Portugal. The way to get there seemed very complicated to us trying to figure our best connecting flights, with little lay over, and best airlines that were also economical. Gene made this transition very smooth, and helped us through the whole process. It was a great comfort to us knowing that Gene was on standby should something go wrong. He also provided great insurance coverage and perfect hotel suggestions. This made our trip one of the best we have been on.Jane Taylor
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
France Booking
Reviewed By Les - Peterborough, ON | Traveled to France ~ Europe
I have nothing but positive comments for the service that Gene has provided.He gets the best value for the booking and does it in a very timely fashion.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for your sentiments. We work hard to book our clients as soon as possible to make sure we get the best price and value available.
Thank you for your sentiments. We work hard to book our clients as soon as possible to make sure we get the best price and value available.
43 of 90 people found this review helpful
Great trip!
Reviewed By GCMulti - Whitby, ON | Traveled to Churchill ~ Manitoba ~ Canada
Awesome to deal with, quick response when we needed to change our flights.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for your feedback! We work hard to respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your feedback! We work hard to respond as quickly as possible.
51 of 106 people found this review helpful
Great time in the Big Easy
Reviewed By GCMulti - Whitby, ON | Traveled to New Orleans ~ Louisiana ~ USA
Gene is awesome, did a great job for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
42 of 88 people found this review helpful
Irish Gold Tour... Hit the jackpot with Gene!
Reviewed By Comrade - Massapequa, New York | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Gene was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, thorough and considered all aspects of our travel experience.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
35 of 75 people found this review helpful
Best trip - best destination
Reviewed By Simone - Kingston, ON | Traveled to Mexico
Gene is amazing. Quick to answer questions and provide advice and assistance. Amazing service
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much. I really enjoy helping our clients find the best possible trip!
Thank you so much. I really enjoy helping our clients find the best possible trip!
44 of 93 people found this review helpful
Mexico
Reviewed By Queen B - Kingston | Traveled to Puerto Vallarta ~ Jalisco ~ Mexico
Gene is the most informative and knowledgeable agent, he also is very attentive to clients needs and wants and is very good at getting back to clients as soon as he can with all the information we need. He also takes care if all your travel needs all around including hotels prior to flights etc. He is awesome! And I’m constantly recommending him to all my friends and family. Thank you Gene, so glad we met!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you so much for the review and kind words. I care about all of my clients and enjoy hearing feedback after someone has traveled. I'm glad we met also. And thank you for all the referral business. I won't disappoint!
Thank you so much for the review and kind words. I care about all of my clients and enjoy hearing feedback after someone has traveled. I'm glad we met also. And thank you for all the referral business. I won't disappoint!
61 of 127 people found this review helpful
Once in a lifetime experience
Reviewed By Mike & Laurie - Massapequa New York | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Gene was a wonderful travel advisor. He went out of his way to make sure we were happy with all of our accomodations. Every detail of our trip was planned perfectly and it made two people, who do not travel that often, feel at ease with every place we visited. My husband & I had a terrific time. We can't wait for another vacation with Gene.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you both! It was also a pleasure traveling with you and I look forward to another group trip together soon!
Thank you both! It was also a pleasure traveling with you and I look forward to another group trip together soon!
44 of 94 people found this review helpful
Seamless Experience!
Reviewed By Crisstalle - Oshawa | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Gene was very professional and accommodating throughout the entire process.He gave me his honest opinion and suggestions as I was green to booking my travel with an agent.
He made me feel very confident and secure while booking my trip.
Last but not least, I LOVED THE RESORT!!! It was perfect in every way and I have ZERO complaints.
I will book with Gene again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you. It was my pleasure! So glad you had an amazing experience.
Thank you. It was my pleasure! So glad you had an amazing experience.
56 of 118 people found this review helpful
Group trip 2019
Reviewed By Sarah M - Oshawa | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
We had been planning this trip for a few months and Gene was always available no matter the time to answer any questions we had. He made sure all paperwork was in order all deposits collected on time and even added another person less than a week before our trip. We started with group 9 and ended up with 16. Everything went smoothly and we just returned back from the most amazing vacation. We can’t wait to plan our next vacation with Gene!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
41 of 89 people found this review helpful
Fun and Interesting.
Reviewed By Joanie/Victoria - Watertown, NY | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Gene was very knowledgeable about our trip. Gene was very quick to respond to any questions. Gene made sure we were all having a good time!! Great CRAIC
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
39 of 85 people found this review helpful
Great Cuba vacation
Reviewed By Ted - Peterborough, Ontario | Traveled to Cuba ~ Caribbean
Take time to explain . Give good info about vacation that you purchase, as well for insurance available. I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Glad you had a great vacation. And purchasing insurance adds piece of mind. Thank you.
Glad you had a great vacation. And purchasing insurance adds piece of mind. Thank you.
51 of 109 people found this review helpful
Another great trip by Gene!
Reviewed By Mary - New York | Traveled to Norway ~ Europe
Gene arranged a pre-tour and 5 day tour with a British travel group to Norway. He made sure every detail was taken care of before we even thought of it! Great trip.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
37 of 82 people found this review helpful
First ever cruise Dutch Antilles Celebrity Summit
Reviewed By Mell - Peterborough | Traveled to San Juan ~ Puerto Rico ~ Caribbean
Easy to work with, informative, knowledgeable. Gave us lots of good pointers on what to expect, what to do or not do.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
34 of 77 people found this review helpful
AWESOME TRIP! OLE!
Reviewed By Schultzie - Long Island, NY | Traveled to Seville ~ Spain ~ Europe
He's extremely personable. Does his research to offer you the best options, as well as listening to your suggestions. Provides updates. Keeps in contact with you while traveling and follows up
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thanks so much Mary! Glad you had a great trip to England and Spain. Keep us in mind for your next big trip!
Thanks so much Mary! Glad you had a great trip to England and Spain. Keep us in mind for your next big trip!
47 of 104 people found this review helpful
AMAZING Vacation
Reviewed By Athena - Oshawa, Ontario | Traveled to Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
Just wanted to give a big thanks for booking my first trip to the Dominican. Gene was very quick in accommodating my vacation request. Recommending me their top 3 resorts and suggestions. I had an amazing time. Thank you both, looking forward to booking my next vacation with you.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you Athena, so glad you had a great trip!
Thank you Athena, so glad you had a great trip!
51 of 113 people found this review helpful
Great Way To Experience Cuba!
Reviewed By CAM - Massapequa, New York | Traveled to Cuba ~ Caribbean
Gene made planning our first time visit to Cuba seamless! His knowledge of Cuba, the Cruise line (Celestyal), and the "Authentic Cuban Experience" we had on board was exceptional. Gene was able to secure timely and reasonable flight prices and arranged for us to stay in a hotel the night before the ship sailed that was close to both the airport and the cruise terminal . This was a wonderful way to begin our trip. Gene made sure he spoke to us before sailing to review documents and answer any questions we had. Our trip was memorable from start to finish thanks to Gene's fine efforts.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you for your review. So glad you had a wonderful and memorable trip. I'd love to help others see Cuba for the first time as well. Spread the word!
Thank you for your review. So glad you had a wonderful and memorable trip. I'd love to help others see Cuba for the first time as well. Spread the word!
45 of 102 people found this review helpful
Robillard Anniversary Celebration
Reviewed By MAR - Peterborough , on | Traveled to Curacao ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
It was a pleasure working with Gene! Sunwing through us a curve ball .... Gene got a home run getting us set up with Air Canada
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
44 of 102 people found this review helpful
Trip of a lifetime
Reviewed By Shannon - Ottawa, Ont | Traveled to Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Gene was amazing to deal with. He was able to provide the flights we needed and accommodate our payment option.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you kindly! Glad you were able to have a wonderful vacation.
Thank you kindly! Glad you were able to have a wonderful vacation.
41 of 96 people found this review helpful
Must I truly enjoyed Celebrating my 50th
Reviewed By Pink - Liberia | Traveled to Costa Rica ~ Central America
I’ve traveled quite a bit as I must say Gene is awesome, took care of all our needs, thanks Gene as there will be more to come
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
42 of 99 people found this review helpful
Fabulous Trip!
Reviewed By Schultzie - Westbury, New York | Traveled to Ireland ~ Europe
Gene was AWESOME! He's has a great personality, addresses any concerns in a timely fashion, very experienced in his field. He treats his clients like family. We were fortunate to travel with him.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
And it was a pleasure traveling with you as well! Thank you and can't wait for the next group trip.
And it was a pleasure traveling with you as well! Thank you and can't wait for the next group trip.
31 of 77 people found this review helpful
Excellent experence
Reviewed By Dude - Pickerng, Ontario | Traveled to India ~ Central Asia
Quick, organized ,efficient and knowledgeable
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
50 of 116 people found this review helpful
Solid service
Reviewed By Golfpro94 - Kingston, ON | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA
Great work, fast replies, good follow up after the sale
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
My pleasure! Follow up after is as important as the pre-work to make sure that everything has gone well and follow up on any issues that might have occurred. Part of the job!
My pleasure! Follow up after is as important as the pre-work to make sure that everything has gone well and follow up on any issues that might have occurred. Part of the job!
46 of 111 people found this review helpful
Might sound cliche, but this was the best trip eve
Reviewed By Coops - Whitby | Traveled to Trinidad & Tobago ~ Caribbean
Meticulous attention to detail.Personal contact throughout the whole booking/ flight confirmation process.
Followed up on my return to find out about my vacation.
Exceeded my expectations as a travel agent.
Amy concerns escalated were addressed in a timely manner.
I felt that all I had to do was pack my luggage and leave everything else in Gene's capable hands. I wasn't disappointed!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Thank you! It's always fun helping my clients find the perfect vacation. And I love hearing all about it after.
Thank you! It's always fun helping my clients find the perfect vacation. And I love hearing all about it after.
45 of 112 people found this review helpful
He planned our trip exactly what we wanted & very knowledgeable.
Reviewed By LynnJ - Arizona | Traveled to
Gene planned our trip with exactly what we wanted & he was very knowledgeable. He takes the time to be sure we are getting the best deal for what we want. He made planning everything so easy & fun for us to have an amazing vacation! I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to have an amazing vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Gene Jochen responded:
Appreciate the feedback. So glad that you had a great vacation!
Appreciate the feedback. So glad that you had a great vacation!
44 of 111 people found this review helpful