Say “I Do” to a Travel Agent Text by Jo Clark Photos courtesy of Kimberly Bates and DeAnn Shields
ah Houston
Kimberly Bates and Hann Every little girl dreams of her wedding. Visions of the church, the dress, the first dance. Then we grow up, and maybe the church image gives way to swaying palms; the veil becomes a crown of wildflowers. Nowhere in those dreams do we imagine planning a honeymoon. In one dream, a bride sees her handsome new husband whisking her off on a romantic journey after saying “I do.” Reality check — someone has to make all those plans: Driving or flying, tickets, where to go, where to stay, what to do, and even where to eat. Let two New River Valley travel agents help ease that planning burden.
The Path to Travel Agent Kimberly Bates is starting her second year as an independent agent with Bella’s Travel. She is affiliated with 30
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Archer Travel, a firm with 70 years of industry experience. Her winsome, outgoing daughter, Hannah Houston, helps with making connections at trade shows. Kimberly completed a certification program through Archer and continues to finish up vendor training in areas such as cruise specialist. Luxury travel is her favorite niche, serving clients who want high-end luxury trips. To serve them, Kimberly launched a Facebook group for luxury cruisers. Search for The Elite Cruise Circle. “It is a private group where I hold destination showcases and provide travel tips.” Under the umbrella of luxury travel, she particularly likes to plan cruises on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Viking River Cruises. “These companies offer smaller, more intimate groups on each ship,” Kimberly explains. “Travelers get more
individual attention and high-end, luxurious trips. The level of service and food is outstanding.” DeAnn Shields, another New River Valley travel expert, is in her 5th year working with travelers from her home. She uses Facebook and her email list to share a newsletter and stay connected. DeAnn’s training included in-person and online training. Her specializes in cruise packages through cruise lines like Disney and Carnival. Packages provide air travel, lodging and cruises in places like Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, Cancún, the Caribbean Islands and other tropical locales.
Planning a Honeymoon For honeymooners who want to enjoy a cruise, Kimberly gathers
January/February
2025