Magical vacations

Travel and tourism have rebounded robustly since the pandemic. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the number of people polled who said they have travel plans in the next six months has risen to 93%.

For up-and-coming agencies like Bright Wishes Travel and its COO and Travel Advisor Jackie Klemenc, business is booming.

“It seems like travelers today are less interested in material things and more interested in savoring time and making memories,” says Jackie, who represents Disney, Universal, Sandals and Beaches resorts. “Life is short and whether its couples or families with several generations in attendance, people want to spend time with each other.”

Insider’s Intel on Disney

“Anyone who has gone on a Disney cruise can tell you what an incredible vacation value it is,” she says. “They are magical in every possible way. Many of my clients who are Disney lovers but have never been interested in cruising are now booking these trips.”

Jackie has been on several of the newer ships and is an ideal advisor for families looking to get the most out of their vacation investments. She’s traveled on them many times with just her husband, as well as with her mother and two small children.

“Between the character meet-and-greets, nightly shows, immersive dining experiences and gorgeous amenities, no other trip can come close to a Disney cruise,” she says. “I can advise people when the best dates are for the cruises, as well as parks. For instance, if you’re looking for better prices and fewer crowds, August or September can be fantastic months to go.”

Group Rates to Royal Bahamian

Jackie’s agency is planning an adults-only trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian this fall, Friday through Tuesday, Sept. 26-30.

“This would be an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime fall getaway to an all-inclusive paradise,” she says. “It won’t necessarily include group activities. People can go their own way while enjoying a phenomenal group rate to one of the most exclusive resorts in Nassau, Bahamas. This would be the perfect little trip for couples to celebrate milestones, girlfriends to escape, or even groups like book clubs or pickleball players to take advantage of.”

While this issue of Mimi Magazine goes to press, Jackie is Jamaica-bound, heading to the newly refurbished Sandals South Coast.

“It’s one of the hottest resorts on the island right now,” she says. “About two hours from Montego Bay, the South Coast is secluded and lush, with sought-after over-the-water thatched bungalows and gorgeous ocean views.” 

She’ll undergo extensive training for ways to elevate her clients’ vacation experience there. 

“There’s so much to do, you never have to leave the resort, including nine restaurants, seven bars, four pools, tennis, pickleball, and loads of water activities,” says Jackie.

She was invited to this Rising Star Summit for elite travel agencies to gain an insider’s knowledge of how to get the most bang for her clients’ vacation dollars.

Whatever your destination, Jackie is sensitive to people’s budgets and making dream getaways reality.

“People are using their tax returns as a nice down payment, then spacing out the rest of the vacation with monthly payments,” she says. “In addition to saving people money, I love my job because it feels rewarding to take the stress away from planning a vacation.”

Follow Jackie Klemenc on social media to find out about all the latest news. Her service is complimentary. Contact her at 440-487-1846, email her at jackie@brightwishestravel.com or visit BrightWishesTravel.com to find out more.