Three Generations Unite for Memorable Trips
by Alicia Wanek
“Crafting memories that endure forever.” What could be better for family bonding than a journey to a captivating new locale? For Wendy Sandridge, known as “Travel Mom Wendy” and a Master Travel Consultant at TravelStore, her mission is to help clients forge unforgettable experiences, particularly for families with members of all ages—from grandparents to toddlers. Wendy reminisces fondly about the cruises taken with her own family, which included her grandparents, their three children, spouses, and six grandchildren. Her extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector has enabled her to curate such memorable adventures for her clients as well.
“All-inclusive resorts and cruises are typically the best options for families of differing ages and interests,” Wendy explains. “There are activities for everyone. Family gatherings can involve so much work for one person, but on these trips, relaxation is key.” Tracy Bell from Dallas recently marked her family’s 16th all-inclusive holiday during Thanksgiving, with an array of activities that spanned generations. This time, their party comprised 15 relatives across three generations, gathering at Club Med Ixtapa. Being an active bunch, they enjoyed numerous activities available at the resort. “We always organize a family beach volleyball match, boys against girls, and engage in playful games such as charades and ‘Happy Family.’ Other activities included horseback riding, trapeze, archery, tennis, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Some even indulged in massages on the beach,” Tracy shared.
The secret to a memorable vacation lies in the meticulous coordination of all elements, including the destination, accommodations, and activities. Wendy’s personal travels have equipped her with invaluable insights, and her well-established networks allow her to enhance client experiences significantly. She transcends the traditional travel agent role.
As a Master Travel Consultant, Wendy customizes each journey to ensure it remains unforgettable. She orchestrates various perks such as complimentary breakfasts, flexible check-in/out options, and exclusive resort credits while delivering personalized VIP treatment at accommodations. “I strive to exceed my clients’ expectations,” she emphasizes. Tracy wholeheartedly resonates with this, stating, “She truly goes above and beyond to ensure everything is flawless!” With access to over 700 travel professionals within TravelStore, Wendy can connect clients with experts worldwide, guaranteeing tailored experiences that cater to each traveler’s needs. If she hasn’t visited a location herself, she will leverage her network to gain insider knowledge.
Tom Ericson has nothing but praise for Wendy’s assistance. His family embarked on an unforgettable 11-night cruise through Greece, Turkey, and Italy, celebrating his youngest daughter’s high school graduation, beginning and ending in Rome. Their group included Tom’s mother-in-law, himself, his wife, and their two daughters. He remarks, “Wendy was extraordinary throughout the entire planning process. Her first-hand knowledge of many of our destinations was invaluable for navigating what to see and avoid. Wendy’s attention to detail astounded us. She handled everything from transportation to accommodations surrounding the cruise while securing incredible perks even after our booking—truly impressive!”
Looking back on this remarkable trip, Tom treasures the delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, and fun-filled experiences. However, he feels that the greatest reward was witnessing the joy on his family’s faces as they shared those moments together. After all, the ultimate goal of any family getaway is to create treasured memories that can be reminisced for years to come. Saint Augustine wisely stated, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a single page.” Is your family set to explore the next chapter?
Meet the memory maker: TravelStore’s Wendy Sandridge transforms multi-generational travel into a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Editor’s Note: Discover Wendy’s top travel destinations in The Ultimate Travel Guide starting on page 31. You can contact Wendy Sandridge at TravelMomWendy@verizon.net or 972.491.1560.
