Hey there!
I'm so glad you've taken a moment to join us and read about the exciting changes happening here at Real Family Travels!
As you know, things were pretty uncertain after everything that happened during the "C" time. Wendy and I had moments where we thought the smart move might be to close our doors. The thought of that absolutely broke our hearts. We cherished the memories we've shared with you and our amazing clients and weren't ready to give up on that. Your support during those challenging times brought us back from the brink, and we are incredibly grateful. Thanks to you, we’re busier than ever turning travel dreams into memorable journeys. It’s been our absolute blessing!
With growth comes change, and we couldn't be more thrilled about the direction we're heading. We’ve restructured the way we handle travel requests to make sure you continue receiving the best possible service.
Our New Specialized Team Approach
Here’s how it works: We’ve handpicked a team of specialized agents who focus on different travel segments. We want to elevate our expertise from "good" to "GREAT" in every area:
April Glithero - Family Travel Specialist (a.k.a our resident Fairy Godmother)
April transforms family vacations into enchanting journeys with her magic touch for Disney Parks & Resorts and Universal Orlando.
Contact: 519-872-8611 | april@realfamilytravels.com
Sara Dishke - USA & Canada Specialist
Sara is your go-to expert for all things USA, Canada, Caribbean, and Alaskan cruising. -
Contact: 905-807-5843 | 416-367-8264 EXT 3336 | sara@realfamilytravels.com
Amanda Rudavsky - Europe Cruise Specialist
Amanda specializes in Europe cruises, especially Virgin Voyages, making your sea adventures unforgettable. -
Contact: 226-374-9878 | 416-367-8264 EXT 3706 | amanda@realfamilytravels.com
Melissa Duarte - Multi-Generational & Large Family Planner
Melissa handles large family and multi-generational getaways with a special focus on Disney and Universal Parks.
Contact: 519-495-7187 | melissa@realfamilytravels.com
Stephanie Edwards - All-Inclusive Queen
Stephanie is your expert for all-inclusive escapes in the sunny south.
Contact: 519-319-7199 | 416-367-8264 EXT 3624 | stephanie@realfamilytravels.com
We believe this specialized approach allows us to offer deeper insights and better recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Real-Life Example: Working as a Team
Let’s say Stephanie Edwards, our All-Inclusive Queen, has a close family member wanting to book a cruise. Instead of just winging it, Stephanie will team up with Amanda Rudavsky, our Europe Cruise Diva, to ensure this family member receives the best cruise experience possible. This means Stephanie's family member continues to be her client, but Amanda handles the cruise planning. This team approach ensures everyone gets the absolute best we have to offer, bringing together our collective expertise for exceptional travel experiences.
Recruiting More Specialized Agents
To build this dream team, we'll be recruiting more specialized agents over the next 24 months. You might see ads or hear about opportunities to join us. If you know someone who’s passionate about travel and loves the nitty-gritty details of planning, please send them our way! We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our vibrant team, ensuring we continue to offer the best service possible.
Redefining Our Roles: Kristie and Wendy’s New Path
Starting September 1st, Wendy and I are stepping into new roles to ensure that Real Family Travels grows responsibly and efficiently. We want to make sure our team has all the support they need to serve you better.
Kristie’s New Role:
I’ll be focusing on:
- Marketing and Finance: Bringing our marketing efforts in-house to ensure you receive the most relevant information from us and trusted suppliers.
- Team Recruitment and Development: Creating a comprehensive in-house training program to ensure our agents are among the best in the business.
I'll also continue to book river cruises until we find a team member who matches my river cruising expertise. So, if you have travel booked with me or need a river cruise, rest assured, I'm still here for you!
Wendy’s New Role:
Wendy will take on all hosted and non-hosted group bookings. She'll be working on:
- Securing Group Rates: Locking in fantastic rates by booking group space years in advance, much like a travel "Groupon."
- Hosting Groups: Wendy (or one of our expert team members) will host 3-5 groups per year around the globe, ensuring you get great rates and the added bonus of having your travel agent right beside you during the trip.
Discover More About Our Growing Team
We invite you to visit our website to read more about our dynamic team and their specialized expertise at Our Team. We're confident you'll love getting to know the amazing individuals who make Real Family Travels exceptional.
Check Out Our Hosted Groups and Group Savings
Don’t miss out on the exciting hosted groups and fantastic group savings we have lined up. Visit Our Experiences to see what's already in the works. Whether you're looking for great rates or the added assurance of having your travel agent with you on your trip, our hosted group bookings offer fun, savings, and plenty of surprises!
A Personal Note from Kristie
One of the biggest pieces of feedback I've received is, "But Kristie, we love your travel planning!" I genuinely appreciate this. Many of you have become friends and even like family. I've helped you plan from small family getaways to grand multi-generational trips. Though I’ll miss the hands-on travel planning, I'll still be involved in ensuring you receive the best service. If you find yourself working with one of our specialists, know that it’s because I trust them fully to provide a spectacular experience—even better than I could!
Always Here for Feedback
We welcome all your feedback as we continue to grow. If something is going right, please let us know. If you have suggestions for improvement, we're all ears. We're committed to making sure your travel experiences remain unparalleled.
I’m always here for you! Just a call, text, or email away.
Cheers!
Kristie