Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Dale.
Hi Steph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been an avid traveler for as long as I can remember. When I began planning my transition out of Corporate America, I knew I wanted to help others discover the joy of exploring the world. After my ex-husband and I divorced more than 23 years ago, my son was only three years old. Traveling with him not only deepened my own love of travel, but it also inspired me to show him how blessed we are by experiencing different cultures, places, and people around the globe.
In 2017, I purchased my travel agency and I have never looked back. I support corporate clients and associations with their corporate and client incentive trips, and I help individuals with all their travel needs—land, sea, air, rail, transfers, destination weddings, and more. Best of all, there is no additional cost to companies or consumers, as my commissions are already built into the products and services they would book anyway. My travel agency is Carte Blanche Vacations, Inc. and I have a newly formed travel club called Around the World Adventures (AWA) Travel Club.
A year later, I launched Jacksonville’s only full-time tour company, Go Tuk’n. Founded in 2018, Go Tuk’n offers tours, private transportation, and mobile bar/bartending services right in downtown Jacksonville. My passion for travel sparked this creative venture, allowing more people to discover the history, architecture, art, cuisine, and hidden gems our city has to offer. Today, we are proud to provide more than 17 unique tours throughout Jacksonville, and our transportation services support guests across Duval County and the surrounding areas.
Both my travel agency and Go Tuk’n share the same purpose: helping locals and visitors explore Jacksonville and beyond, creating unforgettable experiences and magical memories every step of the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism industry, the aftermath of COVID-19 brought significant challenges to both my travel agency and Go Tuk’n. Travel halted, tours stopped overnight, and uncertainty became the norm. Those were some of the darkest moments of my journey—watching two businesses I poured my heart into face obstacles I could never have predicted.
But adversity also sparked resilience. We adapted, stayed connected with our clients and community, and focused on rebuilding step by step. I am incredibly grateful that both businesses not only survived but came back stronger than ever. The support of loyal customers, dedicated partners, and our amazing team made all the difference. Today, we are thriving—proof that even the toughest seasons can lead to new growth and renewed purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Carte Blanche Vacations, Inc. dba/ Cruise Planners – Steph Dale and Go Tuk’n, Inc. ?
Carte Blanche Vacations is a full-service travel agency with a strong focus on group travel. I specialize in supporting corporate and association incentive trips as well as consumer-based group experiences such as destination weddings, girls’ getaways, family group travel, and more. What truly sets me apart is my 25+ years in the hospitality industry, specifically working with groups and managing the complex details required to execute them seamlessly.
I also created the AWA Travel Club, which allows individuals to take advantage of group pricing without needing to organize a group themselves. Each year, I curate at least two group trips designed for club members, and I personally travel with them. This not only ensures I’m there to assist if any unexpected issues arise, but it also lets me share unforgettable experiences with others who are passionate about exploring the world.
Go Tuk’n, founded in 2018, is Jacksonville’s only full-time tour company, and I’m incredibly proud of the community impact it has made. We employ more than 15 drivers and tour guides—many of whom have been with me for four years or longer, with several having been part of the team since day one. Supporting local jobs and helping our team thrive is something that means a great deal to me.
Go Tuk’n offers more than 17 tours highlighting Jacksonville’s rich history, architecture, art, and culture. On the private transportation side, we have proudly served as the official Jacksonville Jaguars Staff Shuttle provider for over five years. We also support the Town of Orange Park’s festival transportation (since 2020) and the City of Green Cove Springs for the last two years. In addition, our vehicles help create memorable moments for weddings, birthdays, and special celebrations across the region.
Our mobile bar and bartending services support both corporate and private clients. We are one of the only fully licensed and insured mobile bars in the area with the ability to purchase directly from distributors—saving clients money, time, and unnecessary hassle. Many corporations trust us year after year for their events, and we are truly grateful for their continued support.
Both brands—Carte Blanche Vacations and Go Tuk’n—are built on the same foundation: exceptional service, meaningful experiences, and a deep love for helping people explore, celebrate, and connect. Whether it’s across the world or right here in Jacksonville, our mission is to create unforgettable journeys and lasting memories.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts. As an entrepreneur, there are moments when you must make decisions based on experience, intuition, and the vision you have for your business. Listening to that inner voice has guided me through challenging moments and helped me seize incredible opportunities.
Another critical lesson is the value of surrounding yourself with solid, trustworthy business partners. The right partners—those who genuinely want to see a small business succeed—can make all the difference. Having people who operate with integrity, support your goals, and work collaboratively creates a foundation that strengthens the entire business. I’m grateful for the partners who continue to walk this journey with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carteblanchevacations.com and https://gotukn.com
- Instagram: @awatravelclub and @gotukn
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awatravelclub/ or https://www.linkedin.com/company/go-tuk-n/
