Destinations Travel Services Inc

11/04/2024

A few days late, but WOW, 19 years in business!!! Thank you to all our customers, family and friends, we couldn’t have done it without you.

My vision became my dream! My bank manager said “Aren’t travel agents like dinosaurs”, and that comment gave me the fuel to make ship happen. I opened my business bank account with that very bank, and haven’t looked back since!!!

🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇

In the words of the person that inspired me to take the step and open my business. Sir Richard Branson.

Fun is one of the most important - and underrated - ingredients in any successful venture. If you're not having fun, then it's probably time to call it quits and try something else.

Richard Branson

11/02/2024

𝟮𝟭 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄! 🇬🇧

1. London was the first city in the world to have an underground subway system, which began operations in 1863.

2. The smallest statue in London is the “Two Mice Eating Cheese” located on Philpot Lane near Monument Station.

3. The Great Smog of 1952 was a severe air pollution event that lasted five days, leading to an estimated 4,000 deaths and prompting the Clean Air Act of 1956.

4. London’s famous red phone boxes were designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1920s, and a few are now repurposed as mini-libraries or even coffee shops.

5. The London Stone, a mysterious ancient stone of unknown origin, is embedded in the wall of a building on Cannon Street.

6. London’s postal system has its own unique postcode system, with codes ranging from EC (East Central) to TW (Twickenham).

7. The London Bridge that crosses the River Thames today is not the original; it was sold to an American entrepreneur in 1968 and now stands in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

8. London’s Soho district was once a hunting ground for wild boar during medieval times.

9. The London Eye, despite its modern appearance, is the largest cantilevered observation wheel in the world.

10. The Monument to the Great Fire of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, stands exactly 202 feet tall, representing the distance to the bakery where the fire began.

11. The “Whispering Gallery” in St Paul’s Cathedral allows visitors to whisper against one wall and be heard clearly on the opposite side, over 100 feet away.

12. The tradition of the “Pearly Kings and Queens” dates back to the 19th century when working-class Londoners adorned their clothing with mother-of-pearl buttons for charity.

13. The oldest swimming club in the world, the Serpentine Swimming Club, was established in 1864 and still swims in the Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park every Christmas morning.

14. The London Underground is home to several “ghost stations,” abandoned and disused stations that are no longer in operation but can still be seen from passing trains.

15. The Seven Noses of Soho, an art installation by artist Rick Buckley, consists of seven plaster noses hidden around the Soho district, placed there in the 1990s as a form of protest against CCTV surveillance.

16. The K2 telephone box, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, is the most iconic and recognizable design of the traditional red phone box, introduced in 1926.

17. The “London Stone” is a mysterious object, possibly of Roman origin, which has been associated with various legends and myths throughout history.

18. The Thames Barrier, completed in 1984, is one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world and helps protect London from flooding during high tides and storm surges.

19. London’s underground system has more escalators than any other city in the world, with over 400 escalators in total.

20. The Duke of Wellington’s nose has been rumored to be stolen several times from the statue in front of the Royal Exchange in London.

21. The oldest street in London is said to be Queenhithe, a historic dock area along the Thames dating back to Roman times.

10/31/2024

If Italy, Greece, Spain are on your “I want to visit” list, give Avril a call at 815 625 3500. She has completed training recently with Perillo Tours and is ready to make your vacation dreams come true!!!

10/28/2024

It doesn’t get much better than this!!! Call Avril for more information and to book!

10/26/2024

17 Facts You May what to Know if you join our group to Scotland in 2026 -

Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

1. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is renowned for its historic and cultural significance, often referred to as the "Athens of the North."

2. The city’s Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and offers stunning views over the city.

3. Edinburgh hosts the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, featuring thousands of performances across various genres every August.

4. The city’s Royal Mile, a historic street stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

5. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for their medieval and Georgian architecture, respectively.

6. The city is home to the University of Edinburgh, one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1582, and known for its contributions to science and literature.

7. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, is located at the end of the Royal Mile and is a significant historical site.

8. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and the main peak in Holyrood Park, offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular hiking spot.

9. The city has a rich literary heritage, being the birthplace of authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, and hosting the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival.

10. Edinburgh’s National Museum of Scotland is one of the country’s most visited attractions, showcasing extensive collections related to science, history, and culture.

11. The city’s Greyfriars Kirkyard is famous for its historic graves, including that of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.

12. Edinburgh’s Whisky Heritage Centre offers visitors a chance to explore Scotland’s whisky history and sample a wide range of Scotch whiskies.

13. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous pubs, bars, and clubs, especially in areas like the Grassmarket and the Cowgate.

14. Edinburgh’s annual Hogmanay celebration is one of the largest New Year’s Eve festivals in the world, featuring concerts, fireworks, and street parties.

15. The city’s Scottish Parliament building, designed by architect Enric Miralles, is a modern architectural landmark and a center of Scottish politics.

16. Edinburgh’s Botanical Garden, established in 1670, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world and features extensive plant collections and beautiful landscapes.

17. The city’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a popular destination for tourists, academics, and artists from around the globe.

10/23/2024

Upcoming 2025/2026 Groups with Destinations Travel Services.

🛥️ Luxury Yacht around Greece & Turkey
🚢 Alaska ~ Off the Beaten Path Cruise
🚤 European River Cruise
🍀 Ireland & Scotland
🎅🏽 Christmas Markets River Cruise

If you are interested in joining one of Avril’s groups, please comment below. 👇

10/17/2024

🚨 NEW PROMO ALERT 🚨

Sandals: Enjoy up to $1,000 off your next vacation + up to 65% off + 1 night free

Beaches: Enjoy up to $400 off your next vacation + up to 65% off + 1 night free. Using the evergreen offers and for instant credit implementing a 7+ night tier: Up to $400 Off your Next Vacation

🌺 $400 off 7 nights or longer
🌺$335 off 6-night stays
🌺 $135 off 3–5-night stays

Book NOW through November 3, 2024!

10/16/2024

YOU ARE INVITED

Join us for our next Virtual Vacation Inspiration Night featuring
a Holland America Line Alaska Expert.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, | 6:00 PM CT

If the state of Alaska is on your bucket list, or you've been there before but dream of returning to explore more of this beautiful land, Holland America Line invites you to join them for this FREE Online Event – On Stage Alaska!

During this inspiring, fun, and interactive virtual chat with an Alaska and Yukon expert, you’ll be able to picture yourself taking in the majestic scenery and parks of Alaska & the Yukon as they share their personal experiences.

Log in, watch and listen, and see what may spark your next vacation inspiration – all from the comfort of your own home. Guests will even have time to ask their own questions. Having spent over 75 years escorting visitors through this great land, you’ll want to join Holland America on your next epic journey to create unforgettable memories and discover the Alaska of your dreams.

SPACE IS LIMITED -
SIGN UP NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPOT!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T5LB39faQ9WPP-JbMrucdw?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Holland+VVN+10.16.24+-+send+3&utm_term=https%3a%2f%2fus02web.zoom.us%2fwebinar%2fregister%2fWN_T5LB39faQ9WPP-JbMrucdw&utm_id=83700&sfmc_id=2765533 #/registration

Make sure to Register and Join Us for this special FREE preview of Alaska to receive our Exclusive Offer for Attendees Only:

LAND AND CRUISE CREDIT UP TO $350 PER STATEROOM PLUS $25 PER PERSON DEPOSITS (U.S.)*

Offer valid for New Bookings Only made between October 16 – November 6, 2024 on Alaska sailings/Cruisetours through September 2025, exclusions may apply.

(*Must be booked with agency that invited you to this presentation to receive promotion)



REGISTER NOW

* All amounts are per stateroom based on double occupancy. All amounts are in USD with the exception of Dawson Dollars which are in CAD. On Stage Alaska® / Virtual On Stage Alaska® event promotion (OSA): All bookings and upgrades must be deposited or paid for within the OSA booking window to receive the Onboard credit, Denali Dollars, and/ or Dawson Dollars. OSA Offers are available for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom, new bookings only. Onboard Credit amounts vary by type of cruise or cruisetour, may be used on a single cruise only, are non-transferable or refundable, and are not redeemable for cash. Denali Dollars amount varies by type of cruisetour. Denali/ Dawson Dollars are non-transferable or refundable and are not redeemable for cash. $25 Reduced Deposit: bookings made on cruises requiring immediate final payment are not eligible for reduced deposits. Offer valid for New Bookings Only made between October 16 – November 6, 2024 on Alaska sailings/Cruisetours through September 2025, exclusions may apply. For full terms and conditions, please contact your Travel Professional. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

10/15/2024

10/08/2024

HUGE congratulations to Avril of Destinations Travel Services!! She officially hit PSA for 2024! Her dedication to Sandals and Beaches is off the charts, and she is on track to reach Platinum Status very soon! Her average booking is $6164, which outpaces the rest of Northern Illinois, and her 2024 business has grown 129% over 2023. That is no small feat. Please join me in congratulating Avril on her 2024 success!

10/03/2024

If you travel internationally even once a year, Global Entry is the way to go!!!

US Customs and Border Protection has raised the cost of applying for or renewing its Trusted Traveler Programs as of October 1.

10/02/2024

FALL FOR HER with MORE nonstop flights to Saint Lucia!

MORE to come !

Saint Lucia is just over 5 hours from Chicago!

09/24/2024

🛑 Important Notice 🛑

Please be aware that the government of Mexico has placed restrictions on the number of electronic devices and other equipment when entering the country.

ONE portable computer, laptop, tablet or similar
computing device (e.g. an iPad) can be imported per passenger without incurring any import fee.

However, there are restrictions on multiple devices.

Additional devices are considered separate items
and may result in an import fee.

Other limitations include:

3 cell phones
2 cameras
1 pair of binoculars
1 dedicated GPS device
4 fishing poles
Additional items exceeding these restrictions and limitations may result in customs duties, which begin at 19% of the items’ value. Reports have been made about duties imposed that exceed the items’ original value.

Please be aware of these limitations and restrictions when travelling to Mexico!

09/21/2024

What you get when working with a Sandals Specialist Travel Advisor is expertise without bias. We have visited every Sandals Resort and are experts at matching clients with the best Sandals Resort for them. We know tips and tricks to get you the best value and prepare you for the perfect Sandals vacation.

Give Avril a call at 815 625 3500, Destinations Travel Services, we make good vacations GREAT!

09/19/2024

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Mai offers a luxurious and immersive experience set amidst the lush landscapes of northern Thailand. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers, the resort combines elegant accommodations with a unique focus on elephant conservation. Guests can enjoy spacious suites and villas with stunning views, participate in exclusive elephant interactions and safaris, and explore the surrounding natural beauty. The resort also features world-class dining, a serene spa, and various cultural activities, providing a blend of luxury and adventure while supporting ethical elephant tourism and conservation efforts. ASK ME HOW?