From the Queen Mary to the Love Boat - Travel affordability for all!

Have you ever traveled? I mean REALLY traveled, not just over the hills and through the woods to grandmothers house (although I HIGHLY recommend this!). Traveling can be so many things to many different people, but most of all it creates a lasting memory. Think about the last time you planned and went on a trip. My guess is there are many details you are able to remember, but most of all you can remember how you felt. Life is full of good times and challenges so planning time with family is essential to creating lasting memories that you can hold onto through challenges. Family can be you and your cat and dog, you and a parent or child, or a big family of 50 that gets together for a reunion every year. Making memories is the key.

Some of my lasting core memories are not about the parents that I had that sadly parted when I was born. The trips we took are the things I remember. My love for the water really starts with my dad. Have you ever toured a ship? There are small boats, yachts, battle ships, and so many other ways to float on water. My adoration for all things that float started when I was a pre teen. T.V. was also a part of those memories, during the 1970's Saturday night meant I would take imaginary trips with the "The Love Boat" crew and passengers (Princess Cruises!). I was probably too young too watch, but I am glad I did. When I think about it, I really think my love for being on the water started with my favorite Disneyland ride, The Pirates of the Caribbean. I would ride it on repeat! Ocean and lake trips were times I looked forward to. My first trip offshore was to Catalina Island where we swam off the coast of California in 200 foot deep water ... well until someone said a hammerhead shark had been spotted 5 miles away - my dad said I sprouted wings getting back on board. 

The memories continued through my teen years. We would wait hours to put our small boat on Lake Silverwood. Canoeing in Oregon at 16 was my first ugly cry picture, but learning to slalom ski on the water was an all time great memory. After meeting my husband and moving near the beach seeing and watching ships was a daily adventure. Standing next to the Queen Mary I imagined all of the formal events that must have taken place on such a grand ship. A trip on a catamaran to Catalina Island was my last west coast adventure and I hope I never forget my excursion on the glass bottom boat we went out on.

Here on the east coast the water is different, and OH MY the Caribbean! Like those crystal clear waters off the coast of Catalina, I found that the enchanting islands of the West Indies. This archipelago is most famously known for being the area the early settlers thought was India. Thankfully our world is much bigger than they had anticipated. In those days it would not have been a treat to be on a ship, life at sea was dangerous at best, and deadly for many. Now those same shipping lanes hold tens of thousands of global travelers from all ethnic backgrounds. A floating city trip can be taken for as little as $200!

Years ago everyone used a travel agent, and why not - they have not only their experiences, but the experiences of the many people with home they have helped make great memories. The average person has access to travel agents and absolutely no additional fee to the consumer. I used to think I had to use search engines and scour the internet for hours to find a good deal, then I found out that travel agents not only have BETTER deals, there services will save me more money than booking on my own! It was at this point that I combined what I love the most - family time and travel. I decided that I want to be the person to help families from everywhere learn to travel better and at a price that meets their budget. 

Travel is a great part of life and as St. Augustine said "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."  From staycations to vacations you can find a way to create great memories when you contact me, or you can become a travel agent and join the memory maker team!