world travels travel agency

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Corporate Travel

Want to see how simple corporate travel can be.

Meetings and Events

Unforgettable events to engage and inspire.

Vacation Travel

Inspiring destinations within your reach.

We Make Travel Simple.

World Travel, Inc. is a global mid-market leader in corporate travel management. As the largest organically grown travel management company in the United States, we’ve grown steadily and sustainably since 1983. We are 100% employee-owned, as well as entirely focused on providing our clients with superior service, state-of-the-art technology, consulting services and customization to meet their business needs.  

Unique Clients

Client Retention

Years of Organic Growth

Employee Owned

“We have been a client of World Travel, Inc. for three years now, and during that time they have watched us grow from about 400 employees to over 1,500. We’ve used World Travel domestically and have since expanded with them globally. World Travel has been instrumental in helping us launch and manage a successful travel program”

Our Expertise

We are dedicated to helping our clients improve their travel program by making it easier to manage AND easier for their travelers to travel. Since 1983, our company has been growing and hiring travel experts who are passionate about our industry. We take pride in finding the best solutions for our valued clients.

At World Travel, Inc., we value innovation. It leads to creative solutions and new technologies that improve the traveler experience and management capabilities. 

Travel is a service industry and we have over forty years of valuable experience. Our customers trust our experts to provide the answers needed to manage an efficient program.

Our subject matter experts host many events and webinars to keep our customers and partners informed about what’s happening in the always-changing travel industry.

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Start Living the Life you Desire to Live.

World Travels LLC is a full-service luxury travel agency headquartered in Houston, Texas. We specialize in domestic and international vacations, cruises, honeymoons, and more. We can assist with couple getaways, international & domestic travel, group travel, birthdays, destination weddings, tours & excursions, villa rentals, consulting, planning and travel booking. No matter the destination "We'll take you there".

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WELCOME TO WORLD TRAVELS AGENCY

Why Choose World Travels?

World Travels, LLC is equipped with the tools and connections to guarantee personal attention to each and every one of our clients, developing them into a true travel connoisseur. Our knowledgeable and friendly travel agents are committed to providing you the best customer service experience, personalized itineraries and an unsurpassed luxury experience both domestically and internationally.

Our company prides itself on the fact that we are a dedicated full-service travel agency. Whether you are a solo traveler, planning a group vacation or a couple, World Travels is the ideal choice for anyone planning a trip or dream vacation at any time of the year.

Create Unforgettable Memories With Your Loved Ones With World Travels

World Travels Services

Services We Offer

Travel Consulting

Are you looking for ideas on where to go and what to do on your trip? Our travel consulting services will match you with the ideal destination.

Travel Planning

Do you know where you want to go, but can’t seem to figure out the little details that will make your trip a dream vacation? Take advantage of our travel planning services today and receive a personalized itinerary.

Travel Booking

Now that you’ve figured out the details of your next vacation, we can assist with the next step. Let us take care of all your travel booking and benefit from our industry discounts with your chosen travel packages .

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Our Mission

Here at World Travels, LLC, our mission is to help people travel smartly worldwide, one destination at a time.

Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted and innovative travel planning agency, elevating the global travel experience for the BIPOC community.

Contact our travel agency at (800) 860-9876 in Houston, TX, for all of your consulting, vacation planning, and travel booking needs.

We can assist with:

Couple Getaways

International and Domestic Travel

Group Travel and Birthdays

Destination Weddings

Tours & Excursions

Villa Rentals

Travel Insurance

Passport Process

Read What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

World Travels, LLC helped me to plan a trip for myself and 9 family members in Cabo. While COVID cancelled our original June 2020 plan, Shenita and her company worked with us to get everything rebooked and rescheduled for June 2021. She was responsive and intentional with her communication. She kept us on schedule with deadlines and timetables and communicated with us until the time of our departure and soon after we returned home! I would recommend World Travels, LLC and I look forward to using them again in the future.

Happy Clients

Shenita and her staff at World Travels are phenomenal! This is the 2nd all-inclusive trip that I've booked through them and I am ready planning the 3rd. Riu Baja California Palace is impeccable and her recommendations were incredible. As far as the eye could see, powdery sand and crystal clear turquoise water were marvelous. Shenita is top notch and treats clients amazingly well.

Dr. Tameka L.

Shenita was excellent to work with in planning our honeymoon in Bora Bora!!!!! We were lost until contacting her. She planned everything from the beginning to the end. Very informative and responsive. We definitely will utilize her and her team in the future! We appreciate you so much! XO, Mr. & Mrs. Davis

I’ve booked two trips with World Travels and the service was great. Our honeymoon was no exception. Shenita and Cassie helped us navigate the COVID-19 restrictions in Hawaii, found an amazing luxury adults only resort and was available to us throughout the trip for any issues that came up. It was great to have our transportation needs to and from the airport already scheduled as well. I highly recommend her team.

Danielle C.

World Travels gave me the best of both worlds. From their amazing customer service to an affordable & hassle-free travel experience, I’m extremely satisfied. My experience with this company left me breathless (in a good way!) Shenita booked me in amazing resort with beautiful amenities and excellent cuisine and service. Destination: Cancun, Mexico

Shenita was very easy to work with and I would definitely use her again. My trip to St. Lucia was everything I wanted it to be. My accommodations were beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend.

I have worked with World Travels twice and both have been enjoyable experiences. The team is very responsive to questions and always willing to make suggestions of things to do on your trip. They arranged ground transportation for us and coordinated reasonable payment plans for the group. The team is knowledgeable of various destinations and the best places to stay.

Shenita is an amazing travel agent! She was very patient with me during the planning process. She is , accessible, knowledgeable, and accommodating! I highly recommend her for any travel needs. I plan to utilize her service again for my next trip.

Timeirya K.

Shenita and her staff did an amazing job planning our Couple's Cancun Trip. She planned everything from beginning to end. Our trip was everything we wanted. Her recommendations and suggestions were very helpful. We will use World Travels LLC again.

This was a trip of fun and memories for a life time of anniversary .

My very first solo trip to San Pedro, Belize and World Travels did an amazing job. They planned everything out for me which relieved the anxiety and stress I had. The villa was gorgeous and the staff was top notch! I am definitely keeping World Travels as my agent from now on!

It was so reassuring to work with Shenita and her team. They were resourceful, dependable, and most importantly knowledgeable. They offered suggestions and went above and beyond to exceed my expectations.

World Travels LLC planned my 40th birthday trip. Shenita made it the process so easy that I didn't have to worry about the stress of organizing a trip. I will definitely use this service for a future trip. Highly recommend!

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Ready to see the World?

We'll Take You There!

Contact Information

Phone: (800) 860-9876

Fax: (844) 680-8763

Email: [email protected]

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Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

Confidently Collette

Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

Industry-Leading Travel Protection

Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience & Expertise

We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

Traveling Well

Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

Service Rating

Independent

Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

Independence

There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

Expertly Planned

You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

The Best Pacing

Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

Our Best Moments

When you go, capture all those incredible moments, and use the hashtag #GoCollette so that we can share your joy!

Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Alaska's Northern Lights

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

Icelandic Adventure

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

$4,049 pp* $4,399 pp.

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

$5,599 pp* $5,999 pp.

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

Spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites, $3,499 pp* $3,899 pp.

Historical Greenbrier featuring Washington D.C. & Williamsburg

$1,799 pp* $1,999 pp.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

Find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

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Around the World Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 27 most popular around the world trips. compare tour itineraries from 17 tour companies. 109 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular around the world tours.

Discover our popular around the world tours, each crafted with unique themes, diverse price ranges, varying durations, and different physical levels. Search several options and choose the tour package that aligns seamlessly with your vision of the perfect trip around the world.

Discover the Baltics

• Discover three Baltic states in 12 days
• Visit stunning national parks, castles and museums
• Explore the magnificent Trakai Castle

Budapest to Prague Adventure

• Discover the four distinctive capital cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Prague
• Enjoy a wine tasting in the charming town of Mikulov
• Walk through the castle park known as 'the garden of Europe' at Chateau Lednice

The Grand Epic of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

• Discover the mysterious pyramids, Great Sphinx, and Kings Valley
• Cruise leisurely along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor
• View the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo and the Mosaic Map of the Holy Land
• Trace the footsteps of Jesus and explore the old and new cities of Jerusalem

Get Social: Europe Express 2024-25

• Berlin highlights drive
• Walking tour of Prague with Trip Leader
• Vienna highlights drive
• Orientation walk in Venice with Trip Leader
• Orientation walk in Paris with Trip Leader

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

• An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
• Discover rural Serbia, from local wine producers to narrow gauge railway routes
• Take a boat trip on Europe's largest wetlands in Croatia and explore the waterways of Venice

Cape Town to Victoria Falls - Hotel/Lodge

• Visit Cape Town, the most exciting city in Africa
• Discover the mountainous dunes of Sossusvlei
• See the fantastic wildlife of Etosha National Park
• Visit the Okavango Panhandle and Chobe National Park
• Marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls

Balkans Rail Adventure

• Visit seven countries of Former Yugoslavia in just 16 days
• Experience a variety of scenic rail journeys
• Discover contrasting landscapes and cities in this lesser visited region

Imperial Escape

• Budapest: Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Heroe’s Square
• Vienna: Guided sightseeing, visit Heldenplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Prague: Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• On this guided vacation of Central Europe, experience the rich history and most popular destinations without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices
• This Central Europe escorted tour is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire offering romantic castles, churches, villas and modern architecture, vineyards, breweries, first-class shopping, art, and culinary delights

All Around the World , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Around the World

Small Group Around the World Tours

Peru, Chile, Argentina & Brazil in 20 days - Machu Picchu, Iguazu & Capital Cities - Superior

• Santiago de Chile
• Barrio La Boca
• Buenos Aires
• Iguazu Falls, Argentinian side

Indochina in 35 days - 5 Country Southeast Asian Discovery - Superior

• Kuala Lumpur

South American Odyssey with Amazon & Peru

• Rio de janeiro : Cable-car ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain and Sugar Loaf cocktail party; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Corcovado Mountain and the cathedral; Churrascaria dinner
• Iguassu falls : Sightseeing with a Local Guide on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of Iguassu National Park; Ecological Jungle Train
• Buenos aires : Walking tour; visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and Recoleta Cemetery; empanada cooking class; Tango lesson & show; visit a local estancia
• Bariloche: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; chairlift to Cerro Campanario; Andes lake crossing
• Puerto montt : Sightseeing tour

Best Around the World Tours by Duration

World tours usually span from shorter escapes to extended journeys lasting a few months. Explore our tailored selection of around the world tours by duration, ensuring an efficient and fulfilling use of your precious time away.

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Around the World Tours by Price

Experience the world without compromising your budget with our selection of around the world tours by price to cater to every financial spectrum. Choose the tour package that perfectly aligns with your budgetary preferences for an unforgettable trip around the world.

Top Around the World Attractions

• Meeting locals from several different countries and discovering wonderful similarities and differences
• Seeing whales breach from the balcony of your cruise stateroom and diving and snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs like the Great Barrier reef
• Enjoying local cuisines, exploring street food markets, and taking cooking classes to learn how to make traditional national dishes
• Wandering around many archaeological ruins and historical sites like Machu Picchu , pyramids of Giza , and the historical city of Petra
• Discovering unique cultures and taking part in traditional festivals or ceremonies like Holi or Día de Muertos 
• Hiking among different landscapes, encountering majestic wildlife on African Safaris , and taking memorable pictures
• Making lifelong friends from around the world
• Indulging in luxury around the world trips featuring traditional Japanese ryokan, floating hotels in the Maldives, or ice hotels in Sweden for a unique experience.
• Visiting all the most famous locations during a single trip with custom-planned tours around the world — No need to pick and choose!

Around the World Tours & Travel

Around the World Attractions & Landmarks Guide

• Winter vs Summer Weather:   Since your tour around the world is likely to cross hemisphere lines more than once, you may experience warm highs and icy lows during your trip — bring clothing that can layer easily. 
• Shoes:   Footwear can easily become a packing challenge since it can take up a lot of space in suitcases. Choose shoes according to the planned activities and terrains. Pack a versatile selection: a pair for relaxation, one for hiking, another for city strolls, and one for a more refined option. 
• Dress Like a Local:   The beauty of a trip around the world is the opportunity to visit many far-flung places with diverse cultures and ways of life. You may encounter many different cultures, some with specific dress expectations. For example, in most Middle Eastern countries, expect to dress modestly—cover shoulders and legs and keep a scarf handy for covering your head. A similar dressing is also a good rule for touring many religious establishments.

Trip Reviews

Travels in the baltics.

A bit of a whirlwind tour although the three Baltic States relatively small, green and flat. I knew virtually nothing about them before I went but learned a lot ...

Great holiday

Really interesting trip made extra special by our guide Melia, whose knowledge was incredible. We were really lucky with the weather and had a really good group o...

Brilliant Trip

This is a well designed trip giving an excellent overview of all three Baltic states. This not only included the capital cities but other towns and much countrysid...

Three small countries with a lot of character

The Baltic countries are interesting and the old towns are charming. They have suffered a lot under various foreign rulers and are proud of their independence. The...

Explore and discover the Baltics

I enjoyed discovering an area of Europe I knew little about. Visiting many areas of all 3 countries. Guide well organized and itinerary good. Only problems were T...

See all Around the World reviews

Around the World Tours FAQ

1. How much does it cost to tour the world?

2. What is the best world tour?

3. What is the best way to travel around the world?

4. How do I plan a world tour?

5. What are the pros and cons of taking a tour around the world?

About Been Around the World Travels

Been Around the World Travels (BATW) is a lifestyle travel agency that inspires people of color to vacation more by curating epic travel adventures that speak to their unique interests. Our dedicated travel team have specializations in over 70 countries, cruise ships, and the hottest destinations. We do all the leg work for you. Your job is just to show up and enjoy your vacation. We make travel arrangements for solo travelers, couples, and groups.

At BATW Travels, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the travel industry. As a minority traveler, we’re often faced with barriers and biases that plague our journey. That’s why BATW Travels isn’t just a travel agency; it’s a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment. We’re rewriting the rules, and curating culturally rich experiences that celebrate diversity and authenticity. Our goal isn’t just to provide trips; it’s to create a community where every traveler feels seen, heard, and valued. Join us as we pave the way for a more equitable and welcoming travel landscape, one unforgettable adventure at a time.

Our Mission

Our mission at BATW Travels is to inspire 10,000 people of color to explore the world through epic adventures tailored to their unique interests. We aim to foster inclusivity and empowerment in travel, creating a community where every traveler feels represented and welcomed.

Emily Williams

Co-founder, BATW Travels

BATW Travels was founded in 2018 by Emily Williams. For many years, Emily planned and hosted trips for family and friends in her spare time. As she coordinated their vacations, she began to notice a lack of minority-owned travel agencies that catered to travelers of color. Her desire to fill that void led her to start her own company. Since then, BATW Travels has successfully curated countless trips to various countries, including South Africa, Greece, Kenya, and Ghana.

Meet Our Team

Sterling Alex Skeete

International Travel Specialist

Jasmine Colquitt

Caribbean Travel Specialist

What We Offer

Immersive custom itineraries.

Unleash your wanderlust with personalized journeys, curated to immerse you in unforgettable experiences. Discover breathtaking landmarks and delve into rich cultural heritages. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, let us curate an adventure, tailored just for you.

Destination Weddings

Say “I do” in a breathtaking location, where love and enchantment intertwine. Create unforgettable memories in exotic settings, from pristine beaches to historic cities. Let us fashion your dream wedding, merging love and adventure into an extraordinary celebration.

Honeymoon Planning

Begin your married life with a seamless and blissful getaway. Let BATW Travels craft your dream escape with our expert planners. Indulge in personalized luxury, romantic experiences, and unforgettable memories.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Escape to our all-inclusive resorts: a world of luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Immerse yourself in comfort, indulge in exquisite cuisine, and create cherished memories in paradise.

Group Travel

Join like-minded companions as we embark on an unforgettable journey together. Discover captivating destinations, immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, and create lasting bonds along the way.

Unwind, rejuvenate, and discover blissful destinations for the perfect getaway. From pristine beaches, to iconic cities, and ancient ruins, each port of call unveils a world of beauty and history. Luxurious accommodations, delectable cuisine, and enchanting memories await.

Been Around the World Travels in the Press

Get in touch.

14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 500 Laurel, MD 20708

Phone: +301-818-BATW (2289) Email: [email protected]

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Travel Smart & Achieve More

You Take Care of Business. We Take Care of Travel.

The WTS Difference

Business travel is much more than just getting from A to B.  We offer the can-do spirit and customized feel of a regional agency with the expertise, technologies, and buying power of BCD Travel.

Let’s Get Started

Please contact us  if you have any questions, or if you’d like to know more about our solutions for business travel management .

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Booking Travel

Book trips with our online platform or through our travel experts, with access to literally millions of travel options. Your business travelers want intuitive, straightforward shopping for flights, hotels, rail and car. We’ll help you identify the right tools and set up the right processes to make it easy for travelers to navigate options and make good choices.

Cost Savings

Helping companies save money on business travel is what we do best. Our proven preferred vendor and cost containment strategies can help you get the most return out of your travel budget.

Duty of Care

Travel is different now. Navigating the new realities of travel means taking your duty of care solutions up a notch. Keep travelers safe with 24/7 support, travel app features, pre-trip approval and our interactive traveler care platform is a requirement of every travel program.

Global Support

Managing a multi-national travel program can be challenging and complex. Smart solutions help you to control and save costs without compromising travel experience and satisfaction. Give your travelers the right tools to manage their trips efficiently to contribute to your company’s success.

Meeting & Events

Liaison’s Meeting & Events offers full-service meeting and event coordination. Our goal at Liaisons is to remove the guesswork, simplify the process and provide all the services and amenities to guarantee a successful and safe event.

Reporting & Technology

Inspired by the needs of our customers, we’ve developed award-winning proprietary technology to tackle the most common challenges facing business travel today. Delivering flexibility and agility through plug-and-play capability, we make both booking and managing your travel data a breeze.

Business Travel Solutions For All Stakeholders

Travelers, travel arrangers & managers.

With our self-service platform, booking business trips is just as easy as booking your holiday. Reliable expert service, access to millions of travel options, and an award-winning travel app make business travel easier and more productive.

LEARN MORE >

Finance & Procurement

Control costs with travel policy integration and an automated trip approval process via our self-service platform. Pay for travel in an easy and safe way. Find new savings with reports and advice from our customer success managers

Human Resources

Successful travel programs make trips simple, productive, and safe for business travelers. Successful HR departments focus on positive employee experiences and promoting well-being. Both are vital to companies’ ability to grow and innovate.

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Caribbean Vacation Experts - Book with Us for Free - Resorts Pay Us, Not You

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• Dive Groups

Specializing in All Inclusive Tropical Travel to ~caribbean resorts ~mexico

Our services are complimentary but our knowledge and expertise is priceless!

"Come Home Happy"

Mission Statement and Agency Motto

At Alpha World Travel, our goal is to ensure you Come Home Happy. 

From the initial planning, to assistance with unforseen travel issues, booking your vacation with our team of experienced travel advisors will ensure you have a 

stress-free and relaxing journey, and only the "planned adventures."

We are passionate about the destinations we sell 

and have extensive knowledge, first-hand experience,  

and the expertise to guide you in planning the perfect trip. 

Let us help you create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. 

Lynn ~ Agency Owner

Holly ~ Travel Advisor

919-467-5020

ABOUT OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS

We are Certified Sandals and Beaches Resorts Specialists with a focus on Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Family Vacations, Groups and Incentive/Award Travel. 

Our services are complimentary. 

The resorts pay us after you travel, so there's no extra cost or fee to use our agency to book your vacation. 

Our travel agency specializes in the Caribbean and the luxury all-inclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts. We have been to all 20 of their Caribbean resorts multiple times.  We have traveled to most of the Caribbean Islands, plus Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda, Tahiti, as well as Europe. 

Tropical destinations are what we love

and are passionate about.  While we can book most any place on the planet, we are focused on this 

lovely and exciting corner, THE CARIBBEAN. 

Allow us to hold your hand and guide you to the perfect, all-inclusive vacation. With insider tips, island connections, and many years of travel planning and first hand experience, we know how to ensure you

COME HOME HAPPY! !

personalized TRAVEL planning

Whether you're looking to plan your honeymoon, anniversary, family vacation, group trip, or just a getaway, we're here to help! Simply contact us below and one of our specialists will help you figure out the rest.  We ask you specific questions to better understand your preferences, help you book flights, tours, romantic extras, etc. And if you don't know where you want to go, don't worry, this is very common! Let us guide you and make recommendations based on our own experiences.

Our services are complimentary but our knowledge and expertise is priceless. Let us do the work for you while you start counting down the days!

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Curious about having your wedding in the islands but don't know where to begin? Contact us and we will answer all your questions and guide you along the way. 

Find out how affordable a destination wedding truly is! 

We will assist you with legalities, choosing a location, 

bennies and freebies, arranging travel for

your guests, and more. 

Our agency has assisted couples with their 

Destination Weddings at Sandals and Beaches

resorts since 2003.  Even the Agency Owner, Lynn, 

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Administrator Power Travels to Dominican Republic - August 2024

Administrator Samantha Power will travel to the Dominican Republic from August 6 – 8. During her visit, the Administrator will meet with Dominican President Luis Abinader, youth and women leaders, and members of the private sector to discuss how the partnership between the United States and the Dominican Republic is helping advance inclusive economic growth, key governance and reform priorities, and other efforts helping democracy deliver for the Dominican people.

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help.

Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

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The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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Japan Warns of Elevated Risk of Giant Earthquake After Strong One Hits

The official warning came after a 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off the coast of southern Japan on Thursday.

Strong Earthquake Hits Southern Japan

Shake intensity.

By River Akira Davis Kiuko Notoya Hisako Ueno and Victoria Kim

River Akira Davis, Kiuko Notoya and Hisako Ueno reported from Tokyo, and Victoria Kim from Seoul.

Japan’s meteorological agency said on Thursday that there was a higher-than-usual chance that an immense earthquake could hit the country in the next few days, following a 7.1-magnitude temblor off the southern island of Kyushu.

Japan has long expected a major earthquake to occur along the Nankai Trough off its eastern coast. As of last year, researchers said there was a 60 percent chance that an earthquake of magnitude 8 to 9 — even more devastating than the one in 2011 that laid waste to the country’s northeast coast and knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant — would occur in the trough area over the next 20 years.

After the 7.1-magnitude quake on Thursday, Japan’s meteorological agency convened a group of experts to evaluate whether it could be related to the long-anticipated bigger disaster, called a “Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake.”

Experts warn that an earthquake between two tectonic plates that converge along the Nankai megathrust fault, which runs from Kyushu north through Tokyo, could cause devastation. It could extensively damage cities throughout Japan, potentially cause a tsunami and lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths.

“The possibility of a large-scale earthquake occurring in the area of ​​the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual,” the meteorological agency said in a statement late Thursday.

The risk that an earthquake of magnitude of 8 or higher would occur after one with a magnitude of 7 is particularly elevated for about a week after the initial temblor, the agency said.

Japan’s meteorological agency issued a “caution” level of warning on Thursday. The next step up would be an “alert,” which would advise residents to evacuate from areas deemed a tsunami risk. The agency said it was the first time Japan had issued a “caution.”

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to ensure that they were ready at all times in case an earthquake occurred and they had to evacuate. He told reporters that the government was on high alert.

Earlier on Thursday, a tsunami advisory was issued for coastal regions on the southern Japanese islands of Kyushu and Shikoku after the 7.1-magnitude quake. As of late Thursday evening, the maximum height of waves recorded reached about a foot and a half off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu.

A handful of injuries but no deaths were reported related to the earthquake. Footage showed images of strong shaking in buildings in Miyazaki Prefecture, but damage in the area appeared to be minimal. The earthquake occurred less than 20 miles off the coast of Miyazaki, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Bullet train service was temporarily halted on Kyushu, and the Miyazaki Airport suspended takeoffs and landings to inspect runways for any damage. Both bullet train and airport operations resumed later Thursday evening.

The Kyushu Electric Power Company said its nuclear power plants were operating normally.

Separate from the heightened possibility of a Nankai Trough earthquake, Japan’s meteorological agency advised being alert for aftershocks of a similar magnitude off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture over the next week. It said that landslides could also be a risk if there is rain in the coming days.

An earlier version of this article used an incorrect map showing an earthquake on Japan’s west coast. The earthquakes occurred on Japan’s east coast.

How we handle corrections

River Akira Davis covers Japan, including its economy and businesses, and is based in Tokyo. More about River Akira Davis

Kiuko Notoya is a Tokyo-based reporter and researcher, covering news and features from Japan. More about Kiuko Notoya

Hisako Ueno is a reporter and researcher based in Tokyo, writing on Japanese politics, business, labor, gender and culture. More about Hisako Ueno

Victoria Kim is a reporter based in Seoul and focuses on breaking news coverage across the world. More about Victoria Kim

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Walz has a long history with China. But he’s not ‘pro-China.’

Vice President Harris’s running mate taught in China in 1989, sparking an enduring interest in the country but also leading him to criticize its human rights abuses.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz chosen as VP candidate
• Walz criticized for past China connections, but he defended human rights
• Chinese analysts mixed on Walz's potential impact on U.S.-China relations

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), Vice President Kamala Harris’s newly announced running mate , has had an unusually long and involved relationship with China, one that Republicans have seized upon as a line of attack in the face of rising antipathy among voters toward China.

Both Republicans and Democrats have promised to further toughen the United States’ stance on Beijing if elected, especially when it comes to trade, but growing bipartisan concern about China’s rise has fueled anti-China sentiment across large swaths of American society, polls show .

Walz’s selection Tuesday has brought new attention to candidates’ approach to China.

Republicans have tried to suggest that Walz, who moved to China in 1989 to teach for a year, would be soft on Beijing. Richard Grenell, who served as an ambassador in the Trump administration, on Tuesday called Walz “pro-China,” adding that “Communist China is very happy” with his candidacy.

But Walz, 60, has spent much of his political career critical of the Chinese government’s actions, particularly on human rights and democracy.

Walz first visited China when he participated in a Harvard-run teach-abroad program in 1989 and spent a year teaching English and American history at Foshan No. 1 High School in the southeastern Chinese province of Guangdong. “China was coming, and that’s the reason that I went,” Walz told the Hill in 2007.

It was a very different time in China. “I was treated exceptionally well,” Walz told the Star-Herald in Nebraska upon his return in 1990. “There was no anti-American feeling whatsoever.”

But there were also concerning events. On June 4, 1989, joyful pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square turned deadly when Chinese authorities violently crushed the protests.

When Walz married fellow teacher Gwen Whipple five years later, they got married on June 4. “He wanted to have a date he’ll always remember,” his wife told a Nebraska newspaper at the time. They went to China on their honeymoon.

After returning to the United States, where he worked as a public high school teacher, the Walzes set up a company, Educational Travel Adventures, that coordinated summer trips to China almost every year through 2003. As of 2016, according to Walz, he had visited China about 30 times.

Elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, Walz, who has a master’s degree in genocide studies, championed multiple bills that censured China’s human rights record and served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which focuses exclusively on human rights.

In 2009, he co-sponsored a resolution condemning the arrest of Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was arrested for subverting state power. And in 2016 he met Tibet’s exiled leader, the Dalai Lama, whom China considers a separatist. More recently, as governor, he has criticized China for “siding” with Russia on the Ukraine war.

#tbt to 2 years ago, a life-changing lunch with @DalaiLama . We talked about humility, patience, and compassion. I try to embody these values every day in my work. pic.twitter.com/UnaEyy0GOI — Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) March 15, 2018

On China, Walz “has a much longer history than most people in Washington,” said Jeffrey Ngo, a pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong now based in Washington.

While many lawmakers from both parties have in recent years positioned themselves as critical of China, Ngo said few have centered their arguments on human rights and democracy, emphasizing instead the threat that China poses in trade, geopolitics and security. “With Governor Walz, it has always been about human rights,” he said.

Chinese analysts on Wednesday were ambivalent about Walz and whether, if elected, he would help stabilize U.S.-China relations.

Walz seems like a “senior American politician” and his time in China could help the Democratic ticket “make more pragmatic China-related policies instead of relying on ideology, stereotypical views and pure ignorance,” said Tang Xiaoyang, chair of the department of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

But Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based scholar of international relations, said Walz’s keen understanding of China may “make him more difficult for the Chinese government to deal with,” in particular citing Walz’s criticism of China’s handling of the democracy movement in Hong Kong.

Chinese state-run media on Wednesday noted Walz’s connections to China but did not mention his advocacy on human rights issues.

On the Chinese social media platform Weibo, some users saw his time in China as an indication he might be friendlier toward the country. “Without Walz and his connection with China, Harris might take a tougher stance against China,” posted Qiu Zhenhai, founder of a Hong Kong-based think tank.

But Zha Daojiong, a professor at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University, said he disagreed. Policy regarding China “has a ready and rich template among the two political parties in America” that is not easily influenced by a single political figure, Zha said.

Would Walz’s history of criticizing China’s human rights record sour relations further between the two countries? Also unlikely, Zha said. Walz is “not the only prominent American to have such a background,” he said.

Zhu Feng, director of the Institute of International Studies at Nanjing University, said he believes that Walz could have a “more constructive” view on China than other American politicians but that his influence on his party’s — and his country’s — overall positioning vis-à-vis China seems limited. “The Republican Party has already used Walz’s connection to China to attack him, which could even force Walz to take a tougher stance on China,” Zhu said.

Ngo, the Hong Kong activist, said he didn’t think it was likely Walz would stray from what have been his central concerns in China over the last three decades.

In 2016, a group of pro-democracy Hong Kong activists that included Ngo visited Washington to lobby their cause with U.S. officials. This was during the lame duck period after Trump had been elected and no lawmakers accepted the activists’ invitation to speak at an event on Hong Kong — save one: Walz.

The following year, Walz was one of two lawmakers in the House to sponsor the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which eventually passed in 2019. “The fact that he supported it when very few people did and that his support was sustained — that’s different and that’s who he is,” Ngo said. “My hope is that the Democratic Party leans into it,” he added.

Pei-lin Wu contributed to this report.