Your Passport to Global Adventures

Our Story

At Guide Me Away, we believe travel transforms lives. It’s more than just seeing new places; it’s about gaining fresh perspectives, finding inspiration, and connecting deeply with the world. Founded by travel enthusiast and CEO Lia Hershkovitz, we simplify the travel process, making every journey exciting from the start.

Our team, united by a passion for exploration, has traveled far and wide, uncovering incredible destinations, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. We work closely with you, using our expertise to design trips that are uniquely yours. Plus, with our exclusive network of global partners, we unlock VIP perks, upgrades, and insider insights that make each trip even more special.

Best of Vancouver
Best of Vancouver

Our travel experts stand out from the rest.

Our Team

Our dedicated team, driven by a shared love for exploration, has ventured across the globe, discovering transformative destinations and unforgettable experiences. We bring this wealth of expertise and passion to every journey we plan – from hidden gems to must-see attractions; we ensure you make the most of every destination. You’ll also gain access to exclusive insights and recommendations from our extensive network of global travel partners and experts.

Lia Hershkovitz

Founder & CEO

Lia Hershkovitz
(she/her)

English, Hebrew

Charlene Johnston

Travel Expert

Charlene Johnston (she/her)

English

Jason Wu

Travel Expert

Jason Wu
(he/him)

English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Travel Expert

Shelly Shpanya (she/her)

English, Hebrew

Shayna Goldberg

Travel Concierge

Shayna Goldberg
(she/her)

English

Our Values and Mission

Our missions is to inspire happiness and connection through transformative, personalized travel experiences worldwide.

Authenticity

We create genuine, immersive travel experiences that connect you to places and cultures.

Personalized Excellence

Your journey is unique; we tailor every detail to exceed expectations.

Integrity

We prioritize trust and transparency, ensuring a worry-free travel experience

Exploration

Fueled by discovery, we bring insider knowledge to every journey.

Travel Careers

Turn your passion for travel, problem-solving attitude and love for sales into a career! Join Guide Me Away’s team of Travel Experts and gain a community of support while doing what you love. Want to learn more?

Technology

Tern Travel

At Guide Me Away, we use cutting-edge technology to make travel planning seamless and personalized. Partnering with Tern, an innovative platform for travel professionals, we streamline operations, create stunning itineraries, and automate tasks like approvals and payments. This ensures efficient, stress-free planning and exceptional, tailored service for every journey.

By embracing advances in the travel industry, we are committed to innovating and bringing the most up to date and modern travel tools to our clients while providing exceptional, personalized service.

Tern Travel

What Our Customers Say...

Stories to remember

I never imagined I would ever use a travel agent -- but I can 100% recommend it! I gave Guide me away a sketchy brief (we want a winter break somewhere sunny, but we're not beach people) and a couple of questions (is there a hotel option with a bit more character?), and she absolutely nailed it. We're off to Havana after Christmas! Total time investment, less than an hour. I will never waste hours in the endless mirror-world of lookalike travel sites again.

Pam Sykes
Pam Sykes

I cannot say enough good things about Guide me away! They arranged my flights and accomodations throughout my time in SE Asia. Working with them was easy, comfortable and they responded to my questions super quickly before and while traveling! I would definitely work with them again and recommend them to anyone looking to book their next trip.

Robyn Reekie
Robyn Reekie

I had the pleasure of working with Guide me away in booking our family's trip to Europe. They were incredibly efficient and knowledgeable throughout the entire booking process. They were also able to book our tickets for hundreds of dollars less than we had expected, which was a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend Guide me away to anyone looking for a travel agent who truly cares about their clients' experiences.

Boaz Y. Saffer
Boaz Y. Saffer

I have booked an all inclusive vacation with Guide me away recently. They were super helpful and patient with me, as I was totally new to this area. Guide me away helped me to find the best vacation that matches my budget and my needs, answered my last minute questions without letting me feel like I bothering them. They even called me afterwards to check that everything was fine. I highly recommend her service, and would definitely use it again ♥️

Goldie Zohar
Goldie Zohar

Guide Me Away is a great place if you're looking for a tourist agency that helps you to plan and book the right flight/vacation for you and your family. They were very supportive and, in less than one hour (!), had found the perfect set of flights we wanted to have for our multi-way booking. I wholeheartedly recommend Guide Me Away!

Neer Ilin
Neer Ilin

I highly recommend Guide me away! Just got back from an amazing family vacation in Mexico, Cancun. I had a lot of concerns as it was my first time traveling to Mexico and they were just amazing. Super fast to respond, took the pain of searching for the best deal away, finding us the best option matching our budget and needs. Will definitely book my next vacation with Guide me away again!

Maxim Drabkin
Maxim Drabkin

GMA's Preferred Suppliers

In the travel industry, strong partnerships are essential for delivering exceptional service and exclusive benefits to clients. At Guide Me Away, our long-standing relationships with major suppliers give us access to exclusive pricing, VIP treatment, and bespoke experiences that aren’t available to the general public. While perks like upgrades are always a welcome bonus, the true value of these partnerships lies in our direct connections with key contacts, allowing us to quickly resolve issues and ensure your vacation goes off without a hitch. We’re not just about offering great deals—we’re here to make your travel experience seamless and stress-free every step of the way.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Travel to any corner of the world, without going around in circles.

Lia Hershkovitz

Lia Hershkovitz (she/her)

CEO / Travel Expert

Bilingual English / Hebrew

Hello there, I’m Lia! With a passion for travel and 20 years of industry know-how, I’m all about turning your vacations into unforgettable adventures.

I’m not just about business; I’m about people. At Guide Me Away, we’ve got a culture that values our incredible team and, of course, you—the adventurer seeking something extraordinary. I started Guide Me Away in 2016 with the goal of bridging cultural gaps and making safe travel accessible for all. This mission stands today through an ultra-personalized approach to travel planning. At Guide Me Away, we understand an amazing trip starts with a deep understanding of the person taking it. We take great care in each vacation we book, valuing the connections that are cultivated along the way.

Known for my dynamic approach, I’ve led Guide Me Away to new heights. We’ve snagged some accolades for excellence, and we’re not slowing down any time soon. I’m not just a CEO; I’m a travel aficionado on a mission. Throughout my career, I’ve woven together innovation and a deep commitment to making your travel dreams a reality.

Beyond the office, I’m all about giving back. I actively support initiatives that make a positive impact on the communities we visit, and I’m a strong advocate for sustainable travel practices.

I bring both book smarts and real-world experience to the table, keeping Guide Me Away at the forefront of industry trends.

  • Licensed travel agent from Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA)
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) certified
  • Travel Health Insurance Certified

So, join me and the fantastic team at Guide Me Away for a journey beyond the ordinary. Let’s turn every trip into a story waiting to be written!

Charlene Johnston

Charlene Johnston (she/her)

Travel Expert

Language(s): English

As an avid traveler, I love to help both new and experienced travelers navigate the world and create memorable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach or an exotic adventure, as a travel consultant, I personally take the time to understand your travel preferences to create a Spectacular Vacation Experience at Guide Me Away.

My personal travel has included cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific Coastal and Trans-Pacific crossing as well all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. As a travel agent, there are so many corners of the world that I can help you to discover, including hidden gems in Asia, exhilarating experiences in Central America, and the fascinating culture of French Polynesia. On my personal bucket list you’ll find Egypt, The Azore Islands, and the geothermal baths in Iceland!

Very proud mother of a 29 year daughter, an OB-GYN Resident Doctor, when her schedule allows her to spend time with me, I take full advantage. My mother, 75, is my cruising partner and we are making as many travel memories that we can!

Jason Wu

Jason Wu (she/her)

Travel Expert

Language(s): English, Cantonese, Mandarin

Born and raised in beautiful British Columbia, I grew up eating my way through life and as I got older, I got bit with the travel bug and have been travelling since.

Whenever I had the chance, I would sample local cuisines around the world. Some notable examples include pig brain soup in Hong Kong, octopus sashimi in Japan, and whole roasted boar head in Prague.

I have over 20 years of experience, providing exceptional experiences. From working in restaurants to advancing in the tech industry, I have learned to take great care and attention to everyone I help. I love trying to help each other live our best lives.

My secret talents – I can play ice hockey and am a big home chef. Want to talk or exchange recipes, I’m also your guy!

Next up on the bucket list – finding time to visit Costa Rica, Iceland and Turkey.

Shelly Shpanya (she/her)

Travel Expert

Language(s): English / Hebrew

With over 10 years of experience in customer service and sales, and 4 years specializing in the travel industry, I focus on creating exceptional all-inclusive travel experiences. My background in Marketing and Legal Studies, along with certifications in Public Relations and as an IATA Travel Agent member, enables me to provide expert guidance and personalized service to every client.

I take pride in helping clients plan seamless vacations that transform their travel dreams into lasting memories. From luxurious escapes to family adventures, to destination weddings, I am committed to designing trips that are stress-free, enjoyable, and tailored to your unique preferences.

Outside of my work, I’m an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, learning about different cultures, and sampling local cuisines. In my downtime, I enjoy hiking, camping, and discovering hidden restaurant gems, as well as spending quality time with family and friends.

Let’s start planning your next unforgettable adventure!

Shayna Goldberg

Shayna Goldberg (she/her)

Travel Expert

Language(s): English

Shayna grew up in Toronto, Ontario, but after moving to Vancouver over a decade ago, she fully embraced the West Coast lifestyle. Surrounded by mountains and ocean, she loves the city’s natural beauty and relaxed pace, finding it the perfect place to call home.

An avid traveler, Shayna delights in exploring new destinations and immersing herself in their histories and cultures. For her, travel is about more than sightseeing—it’s about connecting with people, traditions, and experiences that broaden her perspective.

Shayna’s love for the arts and food fuels her curiosity, leading her to uncover hidden gems, from galleries to local eateries. A natural planner, she enjoys seeking out unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that make every adventure unforgettable.